Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

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)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

 

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: Amazon Music

  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

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

Search JFH



This Friday, September 19, 2025
ALBUMS
Sho Baraka Midnight of a Good Culture [Syntax]
Dave Barnes The Songs That Got Away (independent)
Influence Music One True God (independent)
LO Worship Songs For the Anxious Heart [Integrity]
Mainstream Worship Dwelling Place [DREAM Worship]
Lauren Mann Heaven - EP (independent)
Mat & Savanna Just How Strong You Are (independent)
Jackie Hill Perry Blameless [Reach]
Zane Walls Dry Bones - EP [DREAM]
Zach Williams Jesus Loves [Provident]
Paul Wright GOD SONGS (independent)

SINGLES
1K Phew MOVE IT! (feat. Forrest Frank and 1K Pson) - Single [Reach]
Anike That's God (feat. Porsha Love) - Single [Reach]
Elan Brio From Sin to Grace - Single (independent)
GZeal No Time - Single [Syntax]
I.A.N. & Cas Yahweh - Single [Syntax]
Vic Lucas Call On Me ft. Domi Grace - Single [Syntax]
No Vain Glory GRAH - Single [Syntax]
Frankie Orella Like This - Single (independent)
Nate Parrish That's Just Life - Single (independent)
Poor Old Lu A Forest - Single (independent)
Razzie, g!ng, Ally Minju NOSEBLEEDS - Single [Syntax]
Rhymes in Harmony Make Room - Single [Syntax]
Rosemont Dust - Single (independent)
Saved By Skarlet Memory Relapse - Single (independent)
Tds Cam Never Really Cared - Single [Syntax]
John Waller & WallerCo & Eric Lee Brumley Surprise Me - Single [DREAM]

Next Friday, September 26, 2025
ALBUMS
Glae Black Cloud - EP [Broken Curfew Records]
Michael Gabriel Monroe Some Things I've Been Learning About God [Provident]
Kevin Schlereth Settle In (independent)
Chris Tomlin The King Is Still The King [Capitol CMG]
Voluntary Mortification Mortem Cultus - EP (independent)

SINGLES
The Rogers Family He's Still God - Single [Horizon]
Terrian Testimony - Single [Gotee]


For all release dates, click here!
 

Join honey and save on online purchases!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images