Amy Grant

Item: Home for Christmas
Author: Lisa Reid

Home for Christmas

(1992)

Reviewed by Lisa Reid

Discogs Apple Music TIDAL Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Music

Label A&M RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth1998

adult contemporary ccm pop

Once again, Amy Grant has released a memorable Christmas album. Like her first, titled A Christmas Album, this is a mixture of old favorites and new songs by Grant and others. Unlike the other album, though, this one is much more slickly produced. Several numbers have complex string and horn arrangements; depending on the listener, these could be seen as either enhancing the music or detracting from Grant's melodic alto.

The standout song on this album is "Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)." Written by Grant and Chris Eaton, it perfectly captures Mary's fears and faith as she carries the Christ child:

I am waiting in a silent prayer.
I am frightened by the load I bear.
In a world as cold as stone
Must I walk this path alone.
Be with me now. Be with me now

Do you wonder as you watch my face
If a wiser one
Should have had my place.
But I offer all I am.
For the mercy of your plan.
Help me be strong. Help me be. Help me.

Home for Christmas includes traditional Christmas hymns such as "Joy to the World/For Unto Us a Child is Born" and "O Come All Ye Faithful" as well as newer favorites like "Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," "Winter Wonderland," and "I'll be Home for Christmas." In all cases, Grant takes a respectful stance toward the songs, putting her stamp on them without alienating those familiar with the older versions.

Home for Christmas truly captures the spirit and meaning of Christmas on several levels, making it an annual favorite. For the second time, Grant has put out a Christmas album that you will find yourself pulling out year after year.

4 tocks