Joyful Christmas is an album comprised of many of today's top Christian, Gospel, and popular recording artists. Produced by Edwin Hawkins, the project was initiated to raise money for the Children's Defense Fund with part of the proceeds. The renditions lean toward the urban/R&B/Gospel genres-mostly solo vocal performances backed by a Gospel choir-yet should appeal to a wide range of listeners.
Commissioned opens the project with an upbeat Gospel-take on "Go Tell It On The Mountain." Two strong solo performances follow: Lou Rawls with "Angels We Have Heard On High" and Patti LaBelle with "Away In The Manger." The heartfelt vocals bounce off of a Gospel choir, not unlike what you might hear in a Black Gospel church service.
The church-feel continues with "O Little Town Of Bethlehem," performed by "The Choir." This is not The Choir known to Christian music fans, but a collection of vocalists gathered for the project.
The 13-year-old newcomer, Kaycee Grogan, adds "A Christmas Message." She produces a powerful performance; not quite enough to rival LaBelle, but strong, nevertheless. She is backed by a choir, as is Anointed, who follow with a mid-tempo performance of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen."
Oleta Adams slows things down with a soulful rendition of "O Come All Ye Faithful." DC Talk picks the pace back up slightly with their version of "We Three Kings." The funky and soulful verses by Kevin Smith and Michael Tait lead to the chorus, which is again backed by a Gospel choir. Toby McKeehan adds a hip-hop verse to this rendition. "What Child Is This?" is beautifully sung by Puff Johnson with a slow, deep, forceful lead, accompanied by the choir. The less-known "Shining Star (Emmanuel)," which was penned by Edwin Hawkins, is offered by Nancy Wilson. It blends in some jazz aspects as Wilson trades melodies with a saxophone during the verses.
Eddie DeGarmo's version of "Joy To The World" is a standout. Besides taking a few listens to realize that it truly is DeGarmo (partly because the choir dominates the song so much, and partly because he sounds much more "husky" than ever) it is almost out of place. It feels more like a live rendition, with DeGarmo shouting in two spots, "Come on, get on your feet and celebrate..." Peabo Bryson closes the project with a slow and emotive performance of "Silent Night."
The project is packed with talent; however, if you are looking for pop-styled music, this is not for you. If you would like something more soulful, than this will probably be the highlight of your season.
