We at AGM are true lovers of the holiday gift-buying season and the wonderful Christian holiday of Christmas. And being fans of the holiday – we are therefore required to love all things Christmas music. We’re going to help you sift through all of this year’s holiday offerings, and hopefully you can find that one (or more if you so please) seasonal recording to make your holiday the best it possibly can be! These aren’t all Southern Gospel releases – but there may be a few here that you might find enjoyable as well!
The Browders – Merry Christmas (Independent Release)
For fans of: country based Southern Gospel similar to the likes of the Crabb Family, Bowling Family, or The Freemans
Great to have on while: cooking the Christmas dinner!
This is the first holiday release from The Browders. The group sticks to their musical guns on this release which is a nice blending of traditional Christmas music and originals from the pen of Matthew Browder. Fans of The Browders brand of Gospel music will love this release!
MercyMe – It’s Christmas (Fair Trade Music)
For fans of: radio friendly pop/rock like Steven Curtis Chapman, Casting Crowns, or Third Day.
Great to have on while: driving around the neighborhood looking at Christmas lights.
MercyMe is no stranger to Christian music, and It’s Christmas is a smashing follow-up to the band’s very popular first Christmas record. There’s a lot to like on this record – particularly “Hold On Christmas” and “Our Lullaby.”
Gaither Vocal Band – Christmas Collection (Gaither Music Group)
For fans of: big vocal ensembles and more progressive Southern Gospel quartets like Ernie Haase & Signature Sound or Brian Free & Assurance
Great to have on while: relaxing with the family in front of a cozy fire!
This release is a hodgepodge of Christmas favorites from past Gaither Vocal Band releases and a handful of new cuts by the current group. Adam Crabb has never sounded better, and this should be a must own for diehard GVB fans.
Laura Story – God With Us (Fair Trade)
For fans of: inspirational and worship leaning music from the likes of Lauren Daigle, Francesca Battistelli, or Kari Jobe.
Great to have on while: the kids are building the first snowman of the season.
The voice and pen behind hit songs “Blessings” and “Indescribable” is releasing her first Christmas recording that features some really neat arrangements and upbeat originals. Laura’s take on the Andrew Peterson classic “Behold the Lamb of God” is worth the price of the recording alone.
TaRanda Greene – Spirit of Christmas (StowTown Records)
For fans of: big voiced divas with impressive chops
Great to have on while: opening presents on the big day!
TaRanda’s impressive vocals are front and center on this new Christmas recording. Fans of TaRanda’s golden pipes will love what she’s bringing to the party this year – particularly her versions of “O Holy Night,” “Jesus, What a Wonderful Child,” and “I Wonder As I Wander.”
Kenny Rogers – Once Again It’s Christmas (Warner Brothers)
For fans of: traditional country and Rogers’ own past releases.
Great to have on while: baking cookies with the family!
Kenny’s back with his latest Christmas offering which is also an extension of his annual Christmas tour. This release features some of Country music’s biggest names including Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles, Jim Brickman, and Alison Krauss. Fans of Rogers won’t want to miss this release.
Chris Tomlin – Adore: Christmas Songs of Worship (Sixsteps Records)
For fans of: modern worship leaders like Matt Redman, Matt Maher, and Hillsong United.
Great to have on while: mingling at your annual Christmas get-together!
Tomlin’s second Christmas album feels like a direct sequel to his first Christmas record. It’s a live worship experience centered around the advent, and Tomlin does a superb job. Special guest Lauren Daigle shows up for the show-stopping new song “Noel.” This is a must own for fans of worship music.
Bill & Gloria Gaither – Christmas Favorites (Gaither Music Group)
For fans of: the Gaither Homecoming series and concerts.
Great to have on while: the kids are building the first snowman of the season.
This Gaither annual Christmas release delivers much like past releases. It’s really a collection of songs from various Christmas live recordings released in the Gaither brand over the years. This year’s release features music from Gaither Vocal Band, Lynda Randle, Larry Ford, and Amber Nelon Thompson to name a few!
LeAnn Rimes – Today Is Christmas (Independent)
For fans of: modern female country singers like Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, and Trisha Yearwood.
Great to have on while: taking your sweetheart out on a Christmas date!
LeAnn Rimes’ latest Christmas release features some original numbers co-written by Rimes as well as a duet on “Celebrate Me Home” with famed pop vocalist Gavin DeGraw. Her medley entitled “Joy” is definitely an album highlight as well.
Keith & Kristyn Getty – Joy: An Irish Christmas Live (Getty Music)
For fans of: modern hymns and Irish folk music
Great to have on while: wrapping those last minute gifts!
The Gettys are known for being modern hymn writers (“In Christ Alone”), and their unique Christmas tour comes to life in this live CD/DVD combo. You will love the instrumental work done by their band – particularly the show stopping “Sleigh Ride/Christmas Eve Reel” and “Carol of the Bells/Young Tom Ennis Jig.” Don’t miss out on this release!
Rebecca Burke – Christmas Dreams (Independent Release)
For fans of: Southern Gospel style Christmas
Great to have on while: taking a mid-day stroll through the snow.
Rebecca Burke (of up and coming group The Littles) is making her solo debut on a Christmas release. Although strongly tied to her family group, The Littles, this project allows Rebecca to explore several styles of music, which she doesn’t normally venture into, but certainly shows her ability and range.
