Music Review
Copyright (c) 1994, Thomas Van Hook
All rights reserved



A Christmas Album by Amy Grant
Reunion Records, Copyright 1983

Track Listing
1.  Tennessee Christmas
2.  Hark!  The Herald Angels Sing
3.  Preiset Dem Konig!  (Praise The King!)
4.  Emmanuel
5.  Little Town
6.  Christmas Hymn
7.  Love Has Come
8.  Sleigh Ride
9.  The Christmas Song (Chestnuts)
10.  Heirlooms
11.  A Mighty Fortress/Angels We Have Heard On High


"Of all the memories that come to mind of Christmases past, I
think my favorites include chilly wind...coats and one
glove...red noses and warm, wooly hats...the smell of freshly cut
pine and of aged wood burning in the fireplace...being out of
school...singing favorite hymns...decorating the tree with apples
and ribbons and long treasured ornaments...being with
family...seeing old friends...time to talk...time to
listen...wrapping surprises...all of the children...lots of
cooking...even more laughter...and always the music.  This
collection of songs - some old and some new - is an attempt to
capture and share a part of our Christmas with you.  Most of all,
this is a celebration for all time because God loved us enough to
send us His Son.  Merry Christmas always!"  --Amy Grant (1)


     Christmas albums very rarely include an original tune mixed
in with the "old favorites."  This album seems to be an ultra-
rarity with three original lyrical songs and one instrumental
sprinkled in.  This is actually one of the most uplifting,
spiritual, and positive Christmas albums that I have ever heard.
     Miss Grant starts us off with an original entitled
"Tennessee Christmas" which she co-wrote and performs with her
husband Gary Chapman.  With it's roots partially in the Light
Rock sound, and Country music, this song takes you back to the
family reunions we have all endured and enjoyed through the
years.  One of the best songs I have ever heard from Miss Grant.
     We move from an original to an old favorite of many people. 
"Hark!  The Herald Angels Sing" is one of those songs that most
people know right off the cuff.  Miss Grant injects some real
enthusiasm into with a slight change to the background music, but
nothing that really changes the song in anyone's memory.
     Track 3 drops us into the most delightful piece on this CD. 
"Preiset Dem Konig (Praise The King)" is composed by Shane
Keister and is truly a piece fitting for a member of royalty.
     Track 4 is one of the most recognizable of Amy's concert
songs.  "Emmanuel" is jumpy, catchy, and a lot of damn good fun. 
While I do not subscribe to Amy's brand of religion, she performs
some real magick with this piece.  The ending of the track is
blended perfectly with the beginning of "Little Town" so as to
make the two songs seem to be one.  This is definitely an updated
song in a musical sense, but again it doesn't change the way
anyone will remember the song.  The ending is orchestrated
magnificently around Amy's voice.
     The next two tracks, "Christmas Hymn" and "Love Has Come"
are originals written by Amy Grant and infamous Christian-rock
artist Michael W. Smith.  These are the two most powerful pieces
on the album, truly showcasing Amy and Michael's talent of
songwriting together.
     "Sleigh Ride" is another of the classic songs on the CD, and
the only one that Miss Grant really ruins with her enthusiasm. 
The song is performed greatly, but Miss Grant's off-side comments
of "Come on you guys" really grate under my skin.  If it were not
for those comments in the background of the song, I would have
really found myself enjoying it a lot more.
     "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts)" is one of those songs that
always got under my skin at Christmas time.  However, Amy takes
this song and transforms it into a great ball of fun.  With her
energy pouring through her performance, you can't help but smile
like a little kid looking at presents on Christmas morning.
     Another original, "Heirlooms" is one of Amy's "conviction"
songs.  She tries very hard to remind people that Christmas is
about the birth of Jesus ben Joseph (in the Christian tradition)
with this very touching song.  In her comparison of old photos
and memories with her faith in Jesus, she takes a very well
intentioned stab at the commercialization of the seasons and
rituals that permeate our lives throughout the cycle of the year.
     "A Mighty Fortress/Angels We Have Heard On High" closes out
this set of songs.  In it's own masterful manner, it's quite a
fitting closing to this very memorable piece of work that Amy
Grant-Chapman has put together for her fans.

(1) From the linear notes of the Compact Disc.

