The Soundtrack of Christmas (...and a Giveaway!)

For some reason, it just doesn't feel like Christmas until I've listened to these albums:

(click on the album titles to preview songs on Amazon.com)

The Carpenters' "Christmas Portrait"
I love the whole album--all 21 songs!--but a few favorites would have to be "Christ Is born," "(There's No Place Like) Home for the Holidays," and "Little Altar Boy."  I grew up listening to this album at Christmas time and I still consider it one of my top choices.


Jim Brickman's "Peace"
A beautiful, mostly instrumental collection.  Many lovely renditions throughout, but hands-down favorite would be "Rejoice (O Come, O Come Emmanuel)."  I think it's my all-time favorite version of this song.


Another album I've been listening to for years--with just the first notes of the very first song, I know it's Christmas.  Nothing like a little saxophone to jazz up the holidays.  Favorites would be "Silent Night" and "Away in the Manger."

 
I'm not much of a Point of Grace fan, but I really enjoy this album, especially "When Love Comes Down,"  "Emmanuel, God With Us," and "Not That Far from Bethlehem."  They are welcome additions to the traditional songs.


Love, love, love this album.  If you haven't seen it performed in concert, you're missing out!  It's referred to as "rock opera," and it's pretty amazing.  Hard to pick favorites here, but I'd have to go with the opening song, "An Angel Came Down," which sets the stage for the entire story.  Also, "O Come All Ye Faithful/O Holy Night" and the most well-known track from the album, "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24."  I've been listening to this album a lot the past few weeks, and it lifts my spirits every time I turn it on.


This is a more recent addition to my playlist, but it has quickly become a favorite.  What I appreciate most about this album is that it stays true to MercyMe's style throughout, and they've done a nice job of altering some of the classics by adding great worshipful choruses.  Favorite songs would be "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," "Gloria," "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," and of course, "Joseph's Lullaby."


Another recent addition, this album has such a warm, jazzy feel--staying very true to Ginny's style.  Being a big fan of Ginny Owens, I was thrilled to bring this into my collection and she certainly didn't disappoint.  Top songs would be the originals, "Christmas All the Time," "Miracle," and "This Is Christmas."  Also the beautiful and haunting rendition of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" to close out the set.

I have about 30 albums in my Christmas collection right now, and really, I love them all for different reasons.  But these are certainly some of the favorites--and ones you should try if you haven't heard them.  In fact, I think I might know a way for you to try a couple of them....

I'm giving away two Christmas CDs!

The first one is a copy of MercyMe's "The Christmas Sessions" that I found at the Goodwill.  The case has a little wear, but the disk is in pristine condition and plays perfectly.


The second one is a copy of Ginny Owen's "Bring Us Peace," brand new and still shrink wrapped.  I think I bought it on clearance last year for far less than I paid for my own copy!


All you have to do is leave a comment here or on Facebook and tell me one (or several!) of your favorite albums to listen to this time of year.  I'll be doing two separate drawings, so you can indicate in your comment which album you'd like to enter for--or write "both" if you'd like to be included in both drawings.  Leave your comment before midnight on Sunday, December 5, 2010.

I can't wait to hear what you are listening to....I'm always open to adding new music to my playlist!

Comments

  1. There is very little in the way of Christmas music that I don't like, but there are a few special ones like Kenny G's "Miracles" that just shout the season out to me. But my thoughts of miracles are not the same as his. My Holiday Season would not be complete without the Carpenters. My favorite Christmas song is "Emmanuel" nothing better than worshiping the King of Kings! I think I would enjoy the Ginny Owens CD.

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  2. Amy Grant Christmas!! My Alltime favorite!!

    I love your holiday spirit Courtney!! Makes me want to get into it more!!! :)

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  3. My very favorite is a techno christmas album. Its cheesy but reminds me of Dan whenever I listen to it! Its Joy Electric's Christmas album. :)

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  4. My go to album for the holidays is Bing Crosbys Merry Christmas. Please sign me up for both giveaways.
    Thanks
    Theresa N
    weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  5. My favorite is Rebecca St. James's "Christmas". (Original title, no?)

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  6. Well, growing up, it didn't seem like Christmas until Mom pulled out the Alabama Christmas Album. No clue if it has/has an official title ;o)
    Currently I cheat and just turn on Pandora so I can hear lot's of Christmas songs without trying to find which box my CDs are packed in :oP

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  7. Listening to Erin O'Donnell's Christmas album from 10 years ago - at least - but I love the stand-up bass lines...so spunky!

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