Reviewed by Brendan O'Regan

'Joy' passes all my Christmas album tests - the Christmas classics are given a fresh and contemporary makeover by one of CCM's biggest sellers without tampering with them too much, while the original tracks add some fine new music to the treasure trove of great seasonal music. "Joy To The World" sets the tone with its gentle mandolin introduction followed by Chapman's crystal clear vocals and a children's choir. "Do You Hear What I Hear" features some tasty piano and light orchestral backing while "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow" is given a nice jazzy feel. There is some impressive acoustic guitars with just the right touch of sensitivity on "What Child Is This?" while Chapman's version of "In The Bleak Midwinter" is one of the best I've heard. The originals on their own are worth the price of the album - my favourites are the gentle "I Am Joseph (God Is With Us)", which has a Glen Campbell vibe and some lovely backing vocals by Jillian Edwards, and "Happy New Year" crammed full of feeling and optimism.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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