Various Artists [Come Now Our King]
Posted November 30, 2010
By KevinDavis_NRT, Staff Reviewer
There are a lot of choices when it comes to Christmas music. This year more than ever, I felt a bit overwhelmed when I started to listen to various takes of classic Christmas songs like “Joy To The World,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” and “Silent Night.” Thankfully, as much as I love those songs, they don’t appear on this excellent five song Christmas EP called Come Now Our King. Instead, five fresh new exciting artists all contributed to a very enjoyable new collection of songs. Every song is a highlight for me including the original Christmas song “Come Now Our King” by new artist Chris August and “Hope Was Born This Night” by last year’s best new artist Sidewalk Prophets. I have three young daughters and almost everyday they ask to listen to the last three songs which are truly stunning.
“He Has Come For Us” is an amazing medley with “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” by Meredith Andrews. She sings the song with such passion it is hard to not get caught up in the emotion of the song. Next is “Carol Of The Bells” by BarlowGirl. The way the three Barlow sisters harmonize together so beautifully, this is truly a perfect version of one of my all time favorite Christmas songs. I’m glad to have a great recording of the vocal version as I’ve mostly enjoyed the instrumental rock version by Trans-Siberian Orchestra for many years. The last song is a spectacular jazzy version of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” by female vocalist of the year, Francesca Battistelli. This is the only mainstream song on the album and at first I wasn’t thrilled with the song selection as the other four songs are filled with messages celebrating the birth of our King Jesus. However, after my first listen I now can safely say this is my all time favorite version of the song especially as Francesca changes the lyrics from “if the fates allow” to “if the LORD allows,” which is just so perfect and a fantastic way to witness what it means to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, which is to worship our King Jesus.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Come Now Our King is a truly fresh and catchy set of excellent Christmas songs. Vocally, these five artists, Chris August, Sidewalk Prophets, Meredith Andrews, BarlowGirl and Francesca Battistelli bring such passion and talent to these songs, I can't help but experience the true spirit of Christmas. I'll be listening to these five amazing songs consistently this holiday season. Come Now Our King prepares my heart and mind to celebrate and revere the birth of my King. View All Music And Book Reviews By KevinDavis_NRT | View KevinDavis_NRT's Profile
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