Band/Artist: Jars of Clay
Album: “Christmas Songs”
Label: Nettwerk Records
I have to admit, I was a bit taken aback by this unconventional Christmas CD on its first spin. It isn’t the normal happy, shiny and everything is white type of holiday music. That’s not a bad thing; it’s just not what I expected. None the less, Jars Of Clay put their unique spin on Christmas music and deliver something very truly original.
There are some old favorites and some that I haven’t heard, at least not very often. They even take on Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime,” and do a very good job at it. There are also three originals on the CD, “In the Bleak Midwinter,” “Winter Skin” and “Evergreen.”
One of the more interesting songs is their interpretation of “O’ Little Town of Bethlehem”. Its a little melancholy, almost dark as it begins but continues to build into contemplative worship at the end. I also enjoyed their take on “Love Came Down at Christmas.” And I would be amiss to not mention “Christmastime is Here.” Yes, the song from “Charlie Brown Christmas”. It’s a little melancholic, jazzy number.
This is arguably one of Jars’ best albums as they really stretched their creative legs on this one. It’s very fresh from your typical run-of-the-mill Holiday CDs. And a must have for all Jars Of Clay fans.
Track Listing
- Gift of St. Cecilia
- Wonderful Christmastime
- Love Came Down at Christmas
- O, Little Town of Bethlehem
- Hibernation Day
- Winter Skin
- Peace Is Here
- God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen
- Evergreen
- Christmastime Is Here
- Drummer Boy
- Gabriel’s Message
- In the Bleak Midwinter
- I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
