CHRISTIAN MUSIC reviews
Top 10 New Christmas Songs of 2013
By Hannah Goodwyn
Senior Producer
CBN.com
– Every fall, Christian record companies send out their new Christmas albums for review. This year, music fans are blessed with a smattering of revamped classics and uniquely original songs that help to usher in the holiday season.
To help you sift through all of the new music, here's a list of our 10 favorite new songs for Christmas this year. Each song is original in some way. Most are brand new tunes, with original lyrics and music, from artists such as Brandon Heath, Sidewalk Prophets, Phillips, Craig & Dean and more. Two tracks highlighted are reimagined carols by worship artists Paul Baloche and Meredith Andrews.
Enjoy these great new Christmas songs, listed in no particular order.
1. Brandon Heath – “Just a Girl”
(from Christmas Is Here)
The Nashville-based singer/songwriter, who penned "Give Me Your Eyes", gives us eyes to see the Christmas story from the innkeeper's perspective. "Just a Girl" poignantly reminds us not to let God-appointed moments pass us by and encourages us to help someone in need.
2. Paul Baloche – “Hark The Herald Angels Sing/King of Heaven”
(from Christmas Worship)
On his new Christmas Worship CD, Integrity Worship artist Paul Baloche masterfully combines the classic carol "Hark The Herald Angels Sing" and "King of Heaven" (from his album, The Same Love). This holiday mashup is a fun, worshipful match made in music heaven.
3. for KING & COUNTRY – “Baby Boy”
(from Into the Silent Night EP)
for KING & COUNTRY, the Dove Award winners for New Artist of Year, continue to churn out must-download Christian music. Their new Christmas EP, Into the Silent Night, only has four songs, but each is a gem. "Baby Boy" stands out for its profound lyrics and engaging musical arrangement.
4. Meredith Andrews – “He Has Come for Us (God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen)” (from Behold the Savior EP)
Another mashup to enjoy this Christmas is Meredith Andrews' medley including the old carol, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen". It's a powerful song to sing this season and Meredith's voice soars on the track.
5. Sidewalk Prophets – “Hey Moon”
(from Merry Christmas to You)
"Hey Moon" is a beautiful ballad and just one of two songs on this top 10 list from Sidewalk Prophets' new album, Merry Christmas to You. Of all the ways to look at the birth of Jesus that we've heard in song, "Hey Moon" stands out.
6. Sidewalk Prophets – “What a Glorious Night”
(from Merry Christmas to You)
This catchy new Christmas song is a joyous, hand-clappin' holiday tune that deserves a spot on this list along with "Hey Moon". "What a Glorious Night" is sung from the perspective of the lowly shepherds celebrating the "Good News of Great Joy" and opens with Luke 2:8-14 as read by Linus in A Charlie Brown Christmas.
7. North Point Christmas – “Dawn Is Breaking”
(from Let There Be Light)
North Point worship leader Ryan Stuart's "Dawn Is Breaking" is a standout on Let There Be Light and amongst the new songs released in Christian music this Christmas. You will fall in love with this worshipful offering.
8. Phillips, Craig & Dean – “For All The World”
(from Hope for All the World)
If you love their signature CCM sound and beautiful melodies, then Phillips, Craig & Dean's song "For All The World", as recorded on their new Christmas record, is one you will want to get.
9. Nichole Nordeman – “Real”
(from WOW Christmas)
Nichole Nordeman is one of our generation's best Christian songwriters. Her soft, lovely voice matched with her powerful lyrics pierce the soul. This is especially the case with her song, "Real".
10. Dave Barnes – “In Bethlehem”
(from A December to Remember)
Dave Barnes alone is worthy of recognition. What makes this track on his new album, A December to Remember, even more memorable is the perfect backing The Blind Boys of Alabama lend to the song. Just listen...
>> Want to hear more? Listen to CBN Christmas Radio!
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