The newest treat from Joy Electric is their holiday special The Magic Of Christmas, a collection of classic and original Christmas songs. Fans of Tooth & Nail's Happy Christmas compilations should be familiar with a few of the tracks included on the album. The fan favorites "Winter Wonderland" and "Lollipop Parade (On Christmas Morn')" make appearances on the album. As fillers such as these usually seem out of place on other albums, the two songs fit perfectly at home with the other JE tracks here.

The Magic Of Christmas begins with the Christmas favorite "Angels We Have Heard on High." Although the song is different from what listeners are used to, it is still quite inviting. It is a simple rendition, which helps build the momentum of the album. As the album progresses, we are introduced to more classic holiday songs ("Deck The Halls," "What Child Is This?"), which are performed in true Joy Electric synth-driven form.

The album not only features traditional Christmas carols, but also newer selections that people have grown to love. As on any other Joy Electric album, Ronnie Martin maintains his child-like imagination with "Frosty The Snowman." Just listening to the song brings back childhood memories of watching the ever-so popular television special.

Altogether, The Magic Of Christmas is a fantastic treat for Joy Electric fans. The only flaw in the album is found in its duration. It seems to end quite quickly, leaving the listener wanting more. Fans of Joy Electric may be left still hungry after this record, wishing songs such as "Mrs. Santa Claus" from Happy Christmas Vol. 3 was included, but somehow did not make the track list on this album. Nevertheless, for true Joy Electric fans it is a 22-minute walk through a winter wonderland.

- Review date: 12/20/03, written by Brett Wier