Reviewed by Peter Timmis

Various artists Christmas projects are notoriously hit and miss but with a stellar line up of some of CCM's finest including Third Day, Jars Of Clay and Michael W Smith 'The Essential Christmas Collection' has a lot of promise. The album opens with Third Day's excellent rendition of "Angels We Have Heard On High" taken from their 2006 album 'Christmas Offerings' complete with Mac Powell's trademark rich, velvety vocals. Other highlights include a lively take on the familiar "Go Tell It On The Mountain" by Tenth Avenue North; Jars Of Clay's tender version of "It Came Upon The Midnight Clear"; Brandon Heath's majestic "The Night Before Christmas" and, best of all, Anthem Lights' "Do You Hear What I Hear?" which is one of the most original and inspired versions you're likely to come across. In a flooded market 'The Essential Christmas Collection' stands out from the crowd and with its bargain price tag it is going to be hard to beat.

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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