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

JFH Music Review




Joy to the World: The Ultimate Christmas Collection
(Various Artists)



Album length: 11 tracks
Street Date: October 3, 2006


INO Records has been home to some of Christian music's leading worship and contemporary acts, including MercyMe, Todd Agnew, and Phillips, Craig, and Dean. Now the label has put together its first Christmas album, featuring all those artists that have made them what they are today.

One of the gems on the record falls near the collection's beginning, with MercyMe's rendition of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemenm," but it would have been nice to see them record another song that wasn't featured on their The Christmas Sessions album from last year. "Welcome to Our World" from Phillips, Craig, and Dean is a nice touch to the album, but it seems they could have done a better job with the verse vocals. A particularly stand-out track comes with Mark Harris' version of "Mary Did You Know," rivaling Mark Lowry's original version, and making for a great addition to the project.

The disc also includes originals from Todd Agnew, Darlene Zschech, and even the now-defunct 4Him. This definitely makes for some variety on the disc, but parts of the album seem to be merely thrown together, even on the tracks where it shines. For example, Sonicflood's rendition of "Angels We Have Heard On High" seems rushed and of low quality, while Zschech's "Hallelujah" has clearly been well thought out and produced. This is definitely one for the more contemporary Christmas music fan. For someone looking for quality Christmas songs from their favorite artists, they might want to cross this one off their list.

- Review date: 11/27/06, written by Justin Mabee



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

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

 


. Record Label: INO Records
. Album length: 11 tracks
. Street Date: October 3, 2006
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Strange Way To Save The World - 4Him
  2. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - MercyMe
  3. The Christmas Song - Chris Rice
  4. Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song) - Sara Groves
  5. Angels We have Heard On High - SONICFLOOd
  6. Messiah - Phil Wickham
  7. Joy To The World - Nicholas Jonas
  8. Hallelujah - Darlene Zschech
  9. Welcome To Our World - Phillips, Craig & Dean
  10. Lo How A Rose E're Blooming - Derek Webb
  11. Mary Did You Know - Mark Harris
spacer Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

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]
The Kingsmen Decades: Vol. 3 & 4 [Horizon]
Jonathan McReynolds Red & Green - EP [Capitol CMG/Motown]
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
R.kitect Vicious Circles - EP (independent)
Run51 Let's Celebrate - EP [DREAM]
Van Zant Always Look Up [Frontiers Music]

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]
Elan Brio Sun Rays - 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]
Cliff & Antoinette Murray O Emanuel - Single [DREAM]
Procyse, Dave A. You’re Not Free - Single [Polished Arrow]
River Valley Worship This is Our Jesus (feat. Moriah Christian) - Single [BEC]
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