Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!
Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!

JFH Music Review


Lauren Daigle, Behold: A Christmas Collection
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Lauren Daigle
Behold: A Christmas Collection



Artist Info: Discography
Genre(s): Christmas
Album length: 10 tracks: 39 minutes, 35 seconds
Street Date: October 21, 2016


READER RATING:   


It's October, which means pumpkin spiced everything, apple picking, and for the music industry... Christmas music. While most of as are still in full fall mode, Lauren Daigle is putting out one of several new Christmas albums to be released on October 21st (others include Amy Grant, Matthew West, Matt Redman).

Behold: A Christmas Collection offers a nice selection of familiar Christmas songs: four Christmas carols, five famous Christmas songs, and a new rendition of her original song, "Light of the World." The album opens with a two-minute version of what is arguably the most well-known Christmas song in the world (which is somewhat ironic because it wasn't originally written as a Christmas song): "Jingle Bells." It immediately sets the jazzy, traditional tone of the record. The whole album actually pays homage to Lauren's roots with a "New Orleans Jazz" style, which is characterized by a bluesy electric guitar, saxaphone, light drums, piano, and a clarinet (among other instruments), all of which are intricately woven into a pleasant and fireside sound. While the musical aspect of the album is surprisingly good, it's Lauren's soulful and enchanting vocals that are the centerpiece of this album. For the most part, she matches the casual vibe of the music, but there are a few moments where she belts out, such as in the climaxes of "Oh Holy Night" and "Oh Come All Ye Faithful." One of the album's strongest tracks is the carol "What Child Is This." This version is a little more funky and soulful than the traditionally haunting melody (especially if you compare it to Project 86's rendition), but still maintains the sense of reverence you'd expect for a carol about the shepherds visiting baby Jesus in the manager. Lauren's harmonies in the chorus give this song a classic vibe that shows up throughout the album.

With Behold, Lauren and her team have done a fantastic job with these ten tracks, making a Christmas album perfect for a holiday party, tree decorating, or reflecting on the birth of Jesus.

- Review date: 10/20/16, written by Christopher Smith of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

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

 

JFH Staff's Second Opinion




    Last year, Lauren Daigle released a powerful debut album that found its way into my Top 10 albums of 2015. Daigle returns in 2016 with her first Christmas record, Behold: A Christmas Collection. Musically, the collection is sort of neo-traditional in nature. The album goes for a jazzy, Frank Sinatra-era type vibe and sound, but a lot of the time it feels they are trying to capture "that sound" instead of just letting it come organically and naturally. Daigle's voice is beautiful, but this subdued style only subdues her strong and powerful voice -- another drawback to the sound. I wouldn't call it hackneyed, or unimaginative, by any means, but it would have been nice to see Daigle pull out a big sounding Christmas album that plays off her strengths as a vocalist. Overall, Behold is a fun listen and there are plenty of Christmas favorites. Nothing on the track listing stands out as a favorite version, but they are all enjoyable. The most interesting song may be the updated version of Daigle's own "Light of the World," while the strangest addition is undoubtedly the very drum-less version of "Little Drummer Boy." Behold: A Christmas Collection probably won't end up as your favorite Christmas album, but it should help to spread the Christmas spirit this season and for years to come. It's certainly a worthwhile addition for any Christmas music fanatic. - Review date: 12/7/16, written by Michael Weaver

 

. Record Label: Centricity Music
. Album length: 10 tracks: 39 minutes, 35 seconds
. Street Date: October 21, 2016
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: Amazon
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)

  1. Jingle Bells (1:49)
  2. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (4:27)
  3. What Child Is This (3:15)
  4. White Christmas (3:47)
  5. O Come All Ye Faithful (4:26)
  6. Light of the World (Behold Version) (4:40)
  7. Christmas Time Is Here (3:49)
  8. O Holy Night (4:52)
  9. Little Drummer Boy (3:50)
  10. Silent Night (4:38)

 



Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

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

Search JFH



This Friday, June 27, 2025
ALBUMS
7eventh Time Down We Praise You [BEC]
The Browns 25th Anniversary: Better Days Ahead [StowTown]
Franni Cash Wild Child - EP [Capitol CMG]
Matt Crocker interlude [Anotherland]
Jimmy Fortune Songs of an American Dreamer [Gaither]
Roxanne Grace Road Trip - EP [DREAM]
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise The Live Reunion: Washington, DC [James Town]
Kutless The Seventh Seal - EP [BEC]
Evvie McKinney It Ain't Over - EP (independent)
Rusty Shipp Capsized Empire (independent)
SEU Worship A Forgiving God [Provident]
The Shimmering Carnelians The Doorway (Version 2.0) (independent)
We Are Messengers A Thousand Times - EP [Curb]

SINGLES
Anchor & Braille Rattlesnake - Single [Equal Vision]
ANTHNY imposter syndrome - Single [Provident]
Blanca Right On Time - Single [Curb]
Landry Cantrell & Elenee sunshine & rainbows - Single [DREAM]
Eddie Clark Never Content - Single [Syntax]
Colony House Atomic - Single [Roon]
Megan Danielle Preachin' To The Choir - Single [Provident]
Drea LP & OnBeatMusic Don't Try Me (DTM) - Single [Syntax]
Joseph Habedank Running to Me - Single [Daywind]
Lonnie Hunter Flow (Like A River) - Single [Uncle G]
Kashh Kade HELP - Single [Syntax]
KB x KEANU Keanu's Song - Single [Provident]
Tasha Layton Singing In the Dark - Single [BEC]
Tasha Cobbs Leonard The Hand That Keeps Holding - Single [Motown Gospel]
Tim Lovelace Celebration of America Medley (feat. Charlie McCoy) - Single [StowTown]
Lecrae Tell No Lie (feat. Jackie Hill Perry) - Single [Reach]
LO Worship The Perfect Love of Jesus - Single [Integrity]
Patrick Mayberry Thank The Lord - Single [Provident]
Michael Monroe John The Baptist (feat. Chris Renzema) - Single [Provident]
Alexander Pappas A Great Awakening / Un Nuevo Despertar - Single [Integrity]
PEABOD Summer in Seattle - Single [RMG Amplify]
Rave Jesus Walk On The Water Remix (From The Chosen) - Single [Provident]
The Rocky Valentines Nat Song - Single [Velvet Blue]
Saints In Exile & Cutright My Dead End (ft. Jeannie Ortega, Luc DiMarzio, Jericko) - Single [Syntax]
Emilie Weiss Take Care (Studio Sessions) - Single [BEC]

DVD
Jimmy Fortune Songs Of An American Dreamer DVD [Gaither]

Next Friday, July 4, 2025
ALBUMS
Chad Cory America [DREAM]
Tenielle Neda The Way Of Love [Wings]

SINGLES
Christian Back Now - Single [DREAM]



For all release dates, click here!
 

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images