Various Artists
Happy Christmas
Reviewed by Chris Well
Ah, the sounds of Christmas. It's all too rare to find a Christian rock Christmas album, which makes something like Happy Christmas such a happy occasion. With a fun mix of traditional and new songs, Happy Christmas sports fresh arrangements that still play it pretty straight. Representing the classics: The Supertones rev up "Joy To The World"; Joy Electric puts a futuristic bounce on "Winter Wonderland"; Seven Day Jesus brings a gentle passion to "Oh Holy Night"; and House Of Wires gives a surprisingly delicate electronic reading of "Do You Hear What I Hear?" Less traditional, but nonetheless beloved, Christmas songs are represented as well: Pep Squad gives "Feliz Navidad" a cool swagger; Five Iron Frenzy captures the air of rampant expectation in the Rich Mullins composition "You Gotta Get Up." Rounded out with brand-new songs from the likes of Sarah Masen, Fold Zandura and Huntingtons, Happy Christmas has enough energy and imagination for fans of these sorts of artists. Better, there is just enough grip on the traditional sounds and the spirit of the season that Happy Christmas truly sounds like a Christmas record. Happy, happy, joy, joy to the world.
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #75Reviewed by Brian Vincent McGovernEver wanted to hear the Supertones do "Joy to the World?" Sounds very joyful, with the horns and Morginsky's trademark vocals, but sometimes sounds more straight ahead rock & roll than ska. That's cool, I don't mind. Plus, it breaks into jazz toward the end of the tune. Want more ska? Listen to Five Iron Frenzy's version of the Rich Mullins classic neo-carol "You Gotta Get Up." Joy Electric's…