On October 16th, Danny Gokey released a collection of holiday songs entitled Christmas Is Here. Recently nominated for the Dove Awards 2015 Song of the Year & New Artist of the Year, Danny follows up his #1 selling sophomore album Hope In Front Of Me, with this finely crafted album featuring original songs and holiday favorites such as "White Christmas" and "Mary, Did You Know?," - all of which showcases the depth and breadth of Danny's artistry as a songwriter and vocalist.
Produced by award-winning music legend Keith Thomas (Burt Bacharach, Amy Grant, The Jam), Christmas Is Here infuses Danny's soulful sound into many of the classic songs of the holidays that will make this anticipated holiday album a fan favorite for years to come.
"My fans have been asking for a Christmas album for years, telling me my voice would be perfect for these songs. Everyone had their favorite songs that they wanted me to include, so we tried to get in as many as possible" says Danny. "I'm really proud of the way it turned out. Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year and it's really fun to be able to share it with my fans in this way!"
Each song on Christmas Is Here reverberates with the emotional honesty and life-affirming messages that have become hallmarks of Danny's music. On Monday September 25th, Danny will release the album's first single "Lift Up Your Eyes," a new classic - written by Danny - that can stand alongside holiday favorites thanks to a voice that catapulted Danny into the homes of millions.
Music has shaped Danny's life, providing a sense of purpose and direction. Since earning two chart-topping albums and a Barnes & Noble Top 5 autobiography, Danny launched Sophia's Heart, an organization founded to provide hope and help to homeless families in crisis. Danny is proud of the way Sophia's Heart has expanded to care for a growing number of families each year, including a thriving inner city Music & Arts program in Danny's hometown of Milwaukee, WI.
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Soulful Christmas Music| Posted November 23, 2015 Danny Gokey first captured our hearts on season eight of American Idol, where he placed third in the competition. Now he's capturing our attention all over again.
Gokey jumped back on the scene last year with his hit "Hope In Front Of Me" and has been going strong ever since. Now Danny offers up his first holiday album, Christmas Is Here, boasting a soulful take on festive favorites to get you in the Christmas spirit.
"What Christmas Means To Me" opens the album with high energy and Danny's unmistakable voice, making it an enjoyable listen from the very beginning. Danny's voice also shines on his remakes of "White Christmas" and "O Holy Night," further showing that he has one of the very best vocals you'll find in music today.
"Christmas Is Here" and "Lift Up Your Eyes" prove to be strong original tracks among the classics. "Lift Up Your Eyes" in particular is an upbeat moment of praise that focuses on everything Christ is to us, and it's sure to become a holiday favorite in the years to come. An unusual but fitting choice for a Christmas album, Danny's version of "Give Me Jesus" is one of the best I've ever heard thanks to his impressive vocal range and the choir that completes the worshipful sound.
The whole album is a treat for fans, but I think most would agree with me in saying that the standout moment definitely comes in Danny's take on the Christmas standard "Mary Did You Know," which many have complimented as the best cover ever done of the popular song.
Closing Thoughts: Christmas Is Here is a perfect example of how to take classic favorites and remake them into modern songs of holiday praise and worship. Also including fun and upbeat moments that will fit well as a soundtrack to your Christmas season, this album has so many elements to enjoy. Danny Gokey's remarkable voice turns anything he sings into a masterpiece, as is the case with Christmas Is Here. Easily one of the best Christmas albums this year, this is a collection of songs you absolutely need to hear this holiday season.
Song To Download Now:
"Mary Did You Know?" (Get it on iTunes here.)