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

JFH Music Review


Lynda Randle, White Christmas
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Lynda Randle
White Christmas



Genre(s): Christmas / Gospel / Southern Gospel
Album length: 11 tracks: 38 minutes, 50 seconds
Street Date: October 16, 2020


READER RATING:   


'Tis the season for Christmas cover albums! Coming in early is industry vet Lynda Randle's second holiday record, White Christmas. Randle has high musical pedigree, singing with the Gaither Homecoming group since 1998, and is also Michael Tait's sister. One listen through this album proves that pedigree isn't wasted as Randle's smooth and soothing vocals glide easily through the mostly familiar tunes.

The style here is a jazzy southern gospel sound. The mood is very nostalgic and could easily stack up with classic crooners like Bing Crosby or Frank Sinatra. The individual arrangements of the tracks, however, don't do much to make them stand out from other versions by other artists. There are a couple exceptions in "Do You Hear What I Hear," which gets a Middle Eastern-influenced treatment, and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," which benefits from a jazzy pick up toward its end. The songs are all well done and pleasant to listen to; in fact, they're all solid covers. But for the songs that have been reimagined a hundred different ways by a hundred different artists, Randle's takes don't necessarily feel unique.

The tracks that do stand out and bump up the album's value are the ones that are less covered or practically unknown. "Sweet Little Jesus Boy" brings a spirituals vibe musically, while its lyrics admit how blind we often are to see Jesus. "The Loneliest Christmas" is for Randle what "Blue Christmas" was for Elvis and--dare I say it--Randle may have the better song. The album closer, "Thank You Baby Jesus," is the closest the album comes to standard CCM radio fare, but ends things on a fitting note of gratitude.

Anyone can argue whether or not the market should keep facing the onslaught of Christmas albums that are all pretty much singing the same songs. It does seem somewhat unnecessary, and maybe even a little pointless. Still, there must be some reason people keep returning to draw from this well year after year. Lynda Randle's take on White Christmas doesn't break any new ground and could easily get lost among the masses. That would be a shame, however, as it's, nevertheless, a good Christmas record worthy of being played in the background while the family decorates the tree. It's early for holiday music now, but when the time comes, remember Lynda Randle and let her voice put you in the Christmas spirit.

- Review date: 10/14/20, written by John Underdown of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

 

. Record Label: Gaither Music Group
. Album length: 11 tracks: 38 minutes, 50 seconds
. Street Date: October 16, 2020
. Buy It: Apple Music
. Buy It: Amazon.com (CD)
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)

  1. The Christmas Song (3:50)
  2. White Christmas (4:00)
  3. Do You Hear What I Hear (4:04)
  4. Little Drummer Boy (3:00)
  5. Sweet Little Jesus Boy (3:42)
  6. O Little Town of Bethlehem (2:36)
  7. Go Tell It On The Mountain (2:52)
  8. The Lonliest Christmas (3:55)
  9. Winter Wonderland (3:01)
  10. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (4:05)
  11. Thank You Baby Jesus (3:50)

 

 JFH Album Sample Player

 



Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH




This Tuesday, November 19, 2024
SINGLES
Mat Kearney Certainty - Single (independent)

This Wednesday, November 20, 2024
ALBUMS
1K Phew Let Go Let God: The EP [Reach]

SINGLES
Drew & Ellie Holcomb High Seas - Single [Magnolia]
Sleeping At Last Let It Snow - Single (independent)

This Thursday, November 21, 2024
ALBUMS
The Choir Translucent (independent)

SINGLES
Wilder Woods Curioso [Dualtone]

This Friday, November 22, 2024
ALBUMS
Coqui I'll Still Have Christmas Day - EP [DREAM]
for KING & COUNTRY A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE) [Curb]
Hope Through Grace John 20 EP [Southwest Hardcore]
The Kingsmen Decades: Vol. 3 & 4 [Horizon]
Kresher The Adventures of Sylas Spin EP (independent)
Jonathan McReynolds Red & Green - EP [Capitol CMG/Motown]
mewithoutYou Live (Vol. One) (independent)
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
nobigdyl. nobigdyl. Unplugged, Vol. 1 [indie tribe]
Josiah Queen The Prodigal (Deluxe Edition) (independent)
R.kitect Vicious Circles - EP (independent)
Run51 Let's Celebrate - EP [DREAM]
Since The Death His Heart Hates - EP [The Charon Collective]
Van Zant Always Look Up [Frontiers Music]
Various Artists Sunshine Acres Benefit Compilation, Vol. 1 [Thumper Punk Records]
Various Artists Sunshine Acres Benefit Compilation, Vol. 2 [Thumper Punk Records]

SINGLES
7eventh Time Down I Speak Jesus - Single [BEC]
99 APEX Find A Way Freestyle - Single [Syntax]
Cory Asbury You're Still The One - Single [BEC]
Ashes Remain Lost Light - Single [BEC]
Paul Baloche Angels We Have Heard On High/Glorious (feat. Sarah Kroger) - Single [Integrity]
Paul Demer Let All Things Now Living - Single (independent)
Elan Brio Sun Rays - Single (independent)
ELEVATION RHYTHM At the Altar (Acoustic) - Single [Elevation]
Happy Powers Garden Song - Single (independent)
Sam Hauge Fame You Can Buy - Single (independent)
Hollyn & Weathrman Trees - Single (independent)
Amy Jay And So It Goes - Single (independent)
Jericko Holy Ground - Single [Syntax]
Reece Lache' Energy - Single (independent)
Vic Lucas Presha - Single [Syntax]
Memphis May Fire Shapeshifter - Single [Rise Records]
MŌRIAH Winter Wonderland - Single (independent)
The Myriad Time - Single (independent)
Cliff & Antoinette Murray O Emanuel - Single [DREAM]
Katy Nichole When I Fall - Single [Centricity]
Makenzie Phipps O Holy Night - Single (independent)
Procyse, Dave A. You’re Not Free - Single [Polished Arrow]
Ravenhill The Shakes - Single [Honey Gold Records]
River Valley Worship This is Our Jesus (feat. Moriah Christian) - Single [BEC]
Scapegoat Solace (feat. MajesticGhost) - Single (independent)
Seph Schlueter Stay (Gonna Be Okay) - Single [Provident]
Jordan Smith How Great Thou Art - Single [Gaither]
TKE3 Found (feat. Leya) - Single (independent)
Vineyard Worship Royal Son - Single [Integrity]

VINYL
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]

Next Thursday, November 28, 2024
VINYL
Van Zant Always Look Up Vinyl [Girder]

Next Friday, November 29, 2024
ALBUMS
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) [Flatiron]
Thrive Worship Christmas, Vol. 2 - EP [Integrity]

SINGLES
ICF Worship Light of the World - Single [Integrity]
Selah Glory Hallelujah (feat. Mike Weaver) - Single [Integrity]
Slow Salvation The Ghost of Christmas Past - Single [Velvet Blue]
Uche Agu, Revival Today Worship Medley of Hymns - Single [DREAM]

VINYL
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) Vinyl (Record Store Day Exclusive!) [Flatiron]



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