Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

JFH Music Review


Citizens, Repeat The Sounding Joy EP
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Citizens
Repeat The Sounding Joy EP



Artist Info: Discography
Genre(s): Christmas / Indie / Worship
Album length: 5 tracks: 15 minutes, 59 seconds
Street Date: November 25, 2013


There is good Christmas music and bad Christmas music. Of course it is subject to the listener, and at the end of the day, people must decide for themselves what they want to hear. Some like modern retellings of holiday classics, some like original songs of the season, and others only adhere to the more traditional songs of Christmas. With their latest holiday release, Repeat the Sounding Joy, Citizens brings us something that is a hodgepodge of modern, original, and traditional - and I think everyone will be able to find something to like.

The album opens with a grunge/indie version of "Joy to the World." The melody is left intact but is given an extra kick of rock as crowds interlude with "Glory to God in the highest!" If worship leaders are looking for an updated version to play at their church, this would be a great one to tack on for future years. For those expecting it to continue with the rock feel, the band gladly disappoints with the Motown influenced "Hark the Herald Angels Sing." To hear the versatility of the band is impressive and, once again, if churches sing this, they may see more celebrating in their congregations this holiday season.

"Come and Stand Amazed" is hands down the standout track of the EP. It's an old medieval Dutch carol with a welcomed addition from fellow Mars Hill artist, Dustin Kensrue. It is deeply rich in doctrine as it really celebrates Christ's birth, life, death, resurrection, and glory. It's essentially about the reason we celebrate Jesus Christ's birth - and as I heard someone wonderfully put it, "Without Easter, Christmas wouldn't be anything to celebrate." For someone looking for a twist on a classic, "O Come O Come Emmanuel" is what you're looking for. The melody of the lyrics is the same while the music is completely different and unexpected. The bass line has a smooth funk groove for those looking for some rhythm in their Christmas music.

Concluding the EP is a semi stripped-down rendition of "Silent Night." There's nothing dressing this song up except some beautiful choral voices and some very gentle instruments. In this reviewer's opinion, the respectful handling of this track shows the care and gift of Citizens. They took a song that many know and love and instead of changing it - they let it be. And it might possibly be one of the best versions I have ever heard.

Citizen's Repeat The Sounding Joy is an excellent example of good Christmas music. It really could and should be utilized by churches looking for music for this Christmas and future holiday seasons. If Mars Hill Church continues with yearly Christmas EPs or albums, this could be the start to something wonderful. Merry Christmas, y'all!

- Review date: 12/8/13, written by Ryan Barbee of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

 

. Record Label: Mars Hill Music
. Album length: 5 tracks: 15 minutes, 59 seconds
. Street Date: November 25, 2013
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)

  1. Joy to the World (3:04)
  2. Hark! the Herald Angels Sing (2:54)
  3. Come and Stand Amazed (3:07)
  4. O Come O Come Emmanuel (3:53)
  5. Silent Night (3:01)

 

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

Search JFH




This Friday, November 8, 2024
ALBUMS
Gabby Barrett Carols and Candlelight [Warner Music Nashville]
CXMMXNS CXMMXNS Chapter 1 - EP [Essential Worship]
New Hope Oahu There Is One - EP [DREAM]
Neal Morse & The Resonance No Hill For A Climber [InsideOut]
TAKE Time Bomb [Resuscitation Records]
Lauren Talley A Lauren Talley Christmas [Horizon]

SINGLES
Cory Asbury I Hope You Dance - Single [BEC]
Jordan Kauflin, Laura Story Approach, My Soul - Single [Getty]
Sam Bowman & GLADDEN Misfit Toys - Single [DREAM]
Wavorly Enemies - Single (independent)

VINYL
Michael W. Smith Every Christmas Vinyl [Rocketown]
Stryper To Hell with the Amps Vinyl [Frontiers]
TAKE Time Bomb Vinyl [Resuscitation Records]

DVD
Stryper To Hell with the Amps Blu-Ray [Frontiers]

Next Friday, November 15, 2024
ALBUMS
Dolly Parton & Family Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables [Owepar Entertainment]
The Lore Family Faith Over Fear [Horizon]
Fernando Ortega For All the Saints - EP (independent)
Earnest Pugh Worth is the Lamb
We Are Messengers Rejoice! (A Celtic Christmas) - EP [Curb]
Paul Wright III Reverie [United Alliance]

SINGLES
Big Dismal Here In My Heart - Single (independent)
Hannah Kerr It Came Upon A Midnight Clear - Single [Curb]
Olivia Lane Silent Night - Single [BEC]
Tasha Layton Wake Up It's Christmas - Single [BEC]
Jamie MacDonald A Million Chances - Single [Capitol CMG]
Ronnie Martin On Christmas Morning - Single [Velvet Blue]
Hunter Plake Daylight - Single [BEC]
Jordan St. Cyr Christ is Here - Single [BEC]

VINYL
Sixpence None the Richer Divine Discontent Vinyl [Word]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images