Listen to the new album from Chase Tremaine!
Listen to the new album from Chase Tremaine!

JFH Indie Review

JFH Indie Music Spotlight Review

Shelly E. Johnson

Shelly E. Johnson
Christmas Is Beautiful

Street Date: October 20, 2017
Style: Christmas



Something about an artist you love singing Christmas songs can make you feel like you are sitting by a fireplace with friends and family. But what about when you hear an unfamiliar voice? Most of us probably aren't eager to jump on a Christmas album from an artist we are not unacquainted with, but Shelly E. Johnson is sure to turn some heads with Christmas Is Beautiful.

Even from one look at the tracklist, you can tell that Christmas Is Beautiful is a good balance of original songs and Christmas classics. Most of the album is based in an anthemic pop/rock with jingling bells that you might expect in a Christmas album from worship artists like Kari Jobe or Darlene Zschech, but there is a healthy amount of variation from this style as well. For example, "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting)" has a fun jazzy vibe, "White Christmas" is completely a cappela, and there is a beautiful piano medley of "O Holy Night" and the hymn "Holy Holy Holy." Small details like adding lyrics to "Joy to the World" or increasing the tempo on "Let It Snow" also help distinguish Christmas Is Beautiful from most other holiday albums. Perhaps the most successful sonic experimentation is the Rend Collective-esque "Noel" whose folksy verses proclaim the birth of the Savior and the hope that brings to us all. While the musical aspect of the album is dynamic and interesting, the centerpiece of Johnson's sound is her voice. She has a pretty tone, and though she is not necessarily a powerhouse vocalist, she displays a nice range. Ironically, she shines brightest singing at a softer tone as displayed on the original song, "Gift of Love."

It's clear that a lot of time and money went into the creation of this album as evidenced by the creative liberties taken, attention to detail, and high level of production. In fact, the album's aim to be perfect might be its only hindrance--that it loses some of the heartwarming touches that could elevate this to a "classic" status. Even so, Christmas is Beautiful deserves consideration as much as the big name artists releasing Christmas music this year.

- Review date: 10/24/17, written by Christopher Smith of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out the new album from Glory's Gate!

 

JFH Indie Spotlight Review . Record Label: None
. Album length: 13 tracks: 49 minutes, 53 seconds
. Street Date: October 20, 2017
. Buy It: iTunes
. Download It: AmazonMP3

  1. Angels We Have Heard on High (Medley) (4:50)
  2. Joy to the World (Christ Alone) (3:40)
  3. Noel (Light of the World) (3:15 )
  4. What a Savior (4:53)
  5. Christmas Is Beautiful (3:08)
  6. Gift of Love (feat. Seth Condrey) (4:55)
  7. O Holy Night (5:28)
  8. Let It Snow (1:53)
  9. White Christmas (2:41)
  10. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting) (4:00)
  11. O Holy Night (Piano Solo) (4:18)
  12. Silent Night (Heaven Draws Close) (4:07)
  13. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (2:45)

 

 

 

go to main Indie review page
go to Indie Review Index

 

              
Check out the new album from Glory's Gate!

Search JFH




This Friday, March 17, 2023
ALBUMS
Benjamin William Hastings Benjamin William Hastings (And Then Some) [Capitol CMG]
Bethel Music Come Up Here [Bethel Music]
Consumed By Fire First Things First - EP [Red Street]
HLE Take Heart [Motown Gospel]
Integrity's Hosanna! Music Songs of Hope [Integrity]
Narnia Ghost Town (independent)
Buddy Mullins Fearless [StowTown]
The Primitive Quartet Stay Their Arms [Crossroads]
Shane & Shane Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs (Live) [Worship Initiative]
Michael W. Smith Worship Forever (Extended Edition) [MWS]
Still Worship Harp Vol. 1 [Integrity]
World Gone Cold World Gone Cold - EP [Rockfest]

SINGLES
Apollo LTD Redemption Song - Single [Centricity]
Caleb & John Hallelujah Feeling - Single [Fair Trade]
Cody Carnes Who is This Man - Single [Capitol CMG]
Ellie Holcomb Stronger (Radio Edit) - Single [Capitol CMG]
InSalvation Hij Leeft - Single [Integrated Music]
Jesus Culture Look To The Lamb - Single [JC/Capitol CMG]
LaTocha I'm Yours - Single [Capitol CMG]
Jackson Michelson Three (feat. Point of Grace) - Single [Curb/Word]
Naomi Raine One Name (Jesus) - Single [Tribl]
Sarah Reeves Wanna Be Here - Single [Curb/Word]
Cade Thompson Tears - Single [Red Street]
Phil Wickham Sunday is Coming - Single [Fair Trade]
Mitch Wong Burial (feat. Hope Darst) - Single [Integrity]


Next Friday, March 24, 2023
ALBUMS
August Burns Red Death Below [SharpTone] The Kingsmen Decades: Vol. 1 & 2 [Crossroads] Owl City Coco Moon (independent)
Project 86 OMNI, Part 1 (independent)
Stockholm Worship Other Side [Capitol CMG] Micah Tyler People Like US - EP [Fair Trade]
Wilder Woods FEVER / SKY (independent)

SINGLES
Amy Grant Trees We'll Never See - Single [AG/Capitol] Housefires Can't Nobody - Single [Capitol CMG/Tribl]


For all release dates, click here!
 



Listen to the New Album by Ruthie Larbi!




Listen to the New Album By Erin Corrado!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images