Rescuing Christmas Music from Repetitiveness/Redundancy

I don't know about you, but by this time in the Christmas season, I am about tired of hearing the radio play songs beginning with the following lyrics: "Rudolph the Red-Nosed..." ; "He's makin' a list..." ; "Frosty the Snowman..." ; "I'll be home..." ; "Chestnuts roasting..." ; "Well, the weather outside is frightful..." ; etc.

Now, don't get me wrong and don't call me Scrooge. I love Christmas, and I love Christmas music--even most of the songs I just alluded to. The point is, the radio stations that have dedicated themselves to Christmas music enclose their range into a tiny cycle of familiar songs, artists, and--yes--often secularity. However, even some of the Christian Christmas songs (like "O Holy Night," "Silent Night," "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing," etc.) seem overplayed and, frankly, over-recorded in the same old way--although that is not so much an issue--especially when you consider that even Christian stations rely heavily on the secular songs of the season.

The true shame here is that there is so much good Christmas music out there that barely garners recognition, in both Christian and secular circles, being buried underneath the weight of giants such as Burl Ives, Frank Sinatra, Rudolph, Frosty, and Santa. While I'm fighting off the seemingly "Bah! Humbug!" urge of "not this song again," I wonder, "Why am I not listening to a CD instead?"

And that's what this article is all about: I'm writing to tell you about four of my favorite Christmas albums. If you are a fan of Christian music, I'm sure you'll have heard of at least three of the four artists I mention, but if you've never heard their Christmas CD's, you are in for a pleasant surprise, either as an addition to your Christmas wishlist or as a stocking stuffer for someone else.

1. The Music of Christmas
By: Steven Curtis Chapman
Notes: This song has become about as much of a Christmas tradition with my family as turkey is a tradition at Thanksgiving. I can't recall any song on here worthy of being skipped, except for the fact that you might just be impatient to hear another one. Several of the songs on this production would make it onto my "Christmas Top 20," including arguably my favorite Christmas song: "This Baby." Chapman mixes new renditions of classics with classics of his own, ranging from slow and melancholy to upbeat and fun. All songs, except the instrumental ones, are Christian themed, unlike Steven's newer Christmas album, in which he takes on some secular classics. This is absolutely a must-have!

2. Repeat the Sounding Joy
By: Phillips, Craig, and Dean
Notes: If, for some reason, The Music of Christmas was taken away from me, I'd be able to survive with this CD. This popular singing trio grooves with Gospel-like renditions of "Go Tell It On the Mountain/Amen" and "Joy to the World," and smooth and/or fun originals such as "Call His Name Jesus" (my favorite song on the album), and "Be It Unto Me." The CD does have a few of the overly familiar secular songs, such as a bouncy version of "Sleigh Ride," but the version is so fun in this case, the fact that you've heard it sung a million different times and different ways doesn't really matter!
Although the album is often upbeat and fun, including the likes of what is borderline one of the most fun songs of Christmas--"The Kid in Me"--it doesn't hesitate to slow down occasionally to create great performances of songs like "How Great Our Joy" and "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." Then, there's the powerful worship medley consisting of "Bow Down/Glorify the Lord/All the Earth Bows Down."
This CD also lays claim to many of my favorite Christmas songs, and it is also a must-have!

3. Snowfall
By: Yanni
Notes: No, I haven't been at the Gaffer's Home Brew (Lord of the Rings inside joke; I think it's gaffer's, isn't it?); no, I'm not off my rocker; and no, I don't have a screw loose. I thought I'd answer all of those questions right away, since some of you might be asking them. To be honest, I don't know much about Yanni--although he gives the impression that he might (stress the word "might") be a bit of a New Age-type. I haven't heard much of his music; I don't know what his beliefs are; and I don't know if all of his music (or everything on his site) is appropriate. I'm not saying I necessarily suspect anything. I simply don't know.
What I do know is that the album Snowfall is incredible. Although there is nothing really Christmas about it (Snowfall? What side of the battle for Christmas is Yanni on?), with an ambiguous title and all original--and wordless--songs, it ranks as one of my favorite Christmas albums for a few reasons: 1.) First of all, because I seem to only pull it out around Christmas time (therefore, I qualify it as "Christmas") ; 2.) Secondly, because of its sheer beauty; and 3.)Thirdly, related to the second reason, it conjures up such beautiful visual images in one's mind of the winter--and thereby--Christmas season.
I often jest that emotionally tantalizing songs without words are "more Christian than a lot of Christian songs." Actually, I'm not so sure that's not true. Why does a song have to have lyrics (or have lyrics in another rendition) to be considered Christian? Why does it have to be written by a Christian to be considered Christian? I have heard it said that "art often exceeds the purpose of the artist." Whether or not Yanni is a Christian or was intending to write a Christian song or evoke Christian thoughts and emotions does not determine whether or not these songs can be edifying to the Christian's soul.
Focusing on soft, nostalgically and reminiscently rhythmic melodies of the piano, this CD transports the listener into the peace of the season's meaning, although Yanni does rampage off into some up-beat, synthesized compositions, which illustrate musically the excitement of Christmas and its true meaning.

4. Christmastime
By: Michael W. Smith
Notes: Phew! Don't have to explain myself on this one! Though I would question Smitty on his recording of "O Christmas Tree," this work scoots onto my list mainly because of three songs: "The Happiest Christmas" ; "Welcome to Our World" ; and the title track. I especially enjoy the latter two--they are a couple of my favorites.

Certainly there are others that I love and would recommend, such as Steve Green's The First Noel, but the aforementioned are my main favorites. However, it is a likely scenario that there are albums out there which I would very much enjoy if I would only hear them. I encourage you to comment with your favorites, but I beg you to give a short description if you do.

~ Kingdom Advancer