I've been a fan of Dove Award-winning band Sidewalk Prophets since they emerged on the CCM scene with their hit songs "The Words I Would Say" and "You Love Me Anyway" from their debut major label release, These Simple Truths. The band took it up a notch in my opinion with their follow-up album Live Like That, which features the hit songs "Live Like That" and "Help Me Find It." (Stay tuned for the next single "Keep Making Me" as it is my favorite song they've ever recorded.)

While we are waiting for the New Year to usher in new tunes, we have the traditional Fall release of new Christmas albums from several new and established artists, including Sidewalk Prophets' Merry Christmas to You. After a few listens, I've decided that there are a few special moments on the album that deserve particular attention. 

Rather than record these songs with one musical vibe for the album, such as the country-rock tinged sound of "Just Might Change Your Life" or the alt-rock flavor of "Lay Down My Life," this album features a blend of musical genres. There are jazz-infused songs, "Give Me Christmas," which channels a Michael Buble-like vocal and musical feel, Bing Crosby's "White Christmas," featuring Francesca Battistelli, the classic "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" appropriately substituting "if the Lord allows," and the Ray Charles cover, "That Spirit of Christmas." Although I like the sound of those songs, and they all have the word Christmas in the title, there is not a whole lot of singing about Christ in any of those songs. That's the only detraction I have from an otherwise solid collection of songs.

The highlights of the album are found in four special original Christ-centered songs, the fun upbeat NEEDTOBREATHE-style "What a Glorious Night," the gorgeous and poetic ballad, "Hey Moon," and the previously released originals which close the album, "Hope was Born this Night" and "Because It's Christmas." The thread that is woven through those songs better represents what I've come to expect from this talented band, which is an unashamed presentation of Gospel truths. 

In "Hey Moon," Dave Frey sincerely croons a biblically and Jesus-focused song from a heavenly perspective: "I remember that newborn Baby, and the wise men that traveled so far, it's when I knew I was made for a reason, I feel like the luckiest star / Hey Moon, I wish they could see the things I've seen before the colored lights and the Christmas tree / Hey Moon."

The song transforms from the star shining brightly over Bethlehem to shining the Light of the World Jesus to the world that is still searching for a Savior. That's a fantastic original song, as are "What a Glorious Night," "Hope was Born this Night" and "Because It's Christmas."

Closing Thoughts:
The exciting opener, "What a Glorious Night," opens with the classic reading of Luke 2:8-14 by Linus from the Charlie Brown Christmas special, closing with, "That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown." The song is sung from the perspective of the lowly shepherds celebrating the Good News of Great Joy with hand claps and a super catchy melody. 

After one listen you'll be singing along loudly, "I hear the angels singing, Hallelujah, let the earth receive Her King, I know that Love has come, sing it out, Jesus Christ is born, Jesus Christ is born!" That is an incredible offering of praise to our King and Savior, Jesus. Yes, Sidewalk Prophets, "that's what Christmas is all about." The songs that highlight that Truth are the gorgeous and poetic ballad, "Hey Moon" and the previously released originals which close the album, "Hope was Born this Night" and "Because It's Christmas." There are also reverent recordings of the Christmas hymns, "What Child Is This" and "Silent Night."

Song to Download Now: 
"What A Glorious Night" (Get it on iTunes here.)

Really have enjoyed listening to the Sidewalk Prophets new Christmas album. So nice to hear great new Christmas songs instead of repeats of all the traditional Christmas songs.  Keep up the good work.  God bless!

In their new Christmas album, Merry Christmas To You, Sidewalk Prophets sings about the true meaning of Christmas in a fun, spirited way.  They sing for the real reason of the season (not to be cliche.)  This band is truly certainly not cliche.  They have done this new album in a way that is unique and creative without losing the character of Christmas.
 

This is a great "get into the Christmas mood" album! I bought this album as soon as it became available and was not intending to start listening to it until after Thanksgiving. I'm thankful that I didn't wait! This is one that you will really enjoy!!

You really should buy the first Christmas album, Merry Christmas To You by Sidewalk Prophets. These worshippers will make you praise with their songs. And you really need to listen to their music. Let's adore Him!

I like that is fun music.  I like that is has some but not alot of the traditional sounds.  It is happy music with a good message and keeps the true meaning of Christmas.  I like the variety it has to offer.

I just enjoyed listening to this new album as it was streamed on New Release Tuesday.  That was quite a gift.  It is a fun album with catchy, jazzy, "Christmasy" music, such as what Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and the old "Rat Pack" would sing.  I can see buying this and adding it to my extensive collection of Christmas music.  I'll be pulling it out when decorating the tree and working in the kitchen, enjoying the fun, yet with a subtle reminder of the true meaning and reason for this season.  As the lyrics of the last song, "Because It's Christmas" state:

And in this world so loud and busy
Sometimes we forget just why
We celebrate this time each year
But if you listen close the angels cry
The whole world sings the reason why

Because it's Christmas
Our savior's born tonight
Because it's Christmas

The thrill of hope is everywhere

So let the music play
And let your worry melt away
Because it's Christmas.

Let the music of Sidewalk Prophets play and let your worry melt away as you remember our Savior's been born.