Singer-songwriter Chris Renzema tested my patience. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan; he just tested my longstanding struggle with the question, "Do we even need more Christmas music?" Each year, as CCM artists begin releasing Christmas music in September or October, I'm faced with the choice to embrace my inner Grinch or remain open-minded. Well, I'm glad to say Renzema dodges the common trap of well-known cover songs with safely bland arrangements by releasing five original, and excellent, tunes. So, for that reason, and the fact that Chris is one of the best at writing relatable devotional pop currently, I'm happy to report I'm all-in on his Christmas in the Midwest EP.

"Every December" was the lead single, and a fantastic introduction to the set of songs featuring the sentiment of homeward ache with the chorus, "It's what you remember/When you're far away/Whether we're together/Or in a different state/Every December/My heart will always be in this place." With each verse, he vividly paints a picture of what an upbringing in that home was like. It's simple, sweet, and an effective beginning to the EP. Previously released as a standalone single in 2022, "Mary & Joseph" will hit you in the feels as he describes not only the miracle of immaculate conception, but both Mary and Joseph's radical obedience to the call of God in the face of public scorn.

"There Came a Light/O Holy Night" has a Celtic stomp-clap flair, hymn-like lyrics, and a standout chorus that calls attention to the incarnate Jesus saying, "So while we were sinners and lost/You walked among us/We were too weak to stand/You bore our cross/And now Your victory song's raised/It's echoing age to age/That through darkness/There came a light." Additionally, adding the lyrics of the traditional carol "O Holy Night" to the end of the song was a nice touch, combining old and new to great effect. The title track finds Renzema's storyteller side once again, as he utilizes an acoustic country western soundscape to describe what Christmas in the Midwest is like. Ultimately, he decides that, despite the inconveniences and the yearly threat of "spending next year/Somewhere that it never snows," "what I'll always love best/Is Christmas in the Midwest." Helping add some whimsy to the sentiment is a tasty descending bass riff and some light whistling. Lastly, closer "I Hope It Snows" uses gentle piano and strings to wish for snow, and the feeling of a fresh start that each year brings with it.

All in all, Chris Renzema turns out another solid offering to an increasingly standout catalog. Christmas in the Midwest belongs, making a worthy addition to an often oversaturated Christmas music canon. With these five originals, he again stakes his claim ever-so-subtly as one of the better songwriters of this era, with songs sure to connect with both his fellow mid-westerners and fans of his music alike.

- Review date: 12/14/24, written by Josh Balogh of Jesusfreakhideout.com