Nashville, Tenn. (October 23, 2020) -- GRAMMY® Award-winning Curb | Word Entertainment singer-songwriter and recording artist Francesca Battistelli presents her sophomore Christmas project, This Christmas. The brand-new 14-track collection, comprised of both originals and Christmas classics, arrives today (10/23), and enters straight in at #1 on the iTunes Holiday chart. Listen to the full album HERE. Physical copies are also available at www.francescamusic.com.
Battistelli announced her new Christmas LP on a special Facebook Live, previewing snippets of songs and revealing that a Christmas EP was originally planned for Winter 2019. However, the award-winner shared she felt God led her to push pause on the project. Little did she know This Christmas would be releasing a year later as a full-length collection at a time when people are in desperate need of hope. The timely album's whimsical cover art features a hand-knit and hand-sewn scene crafted and photographed by U.K. textile artist and interior designer Jessica Dance. Get a sneak peek of Dance bringing the album artwork to life HERE.
This Christmas serves as the much-anticipated sequel to Battistelli's first Christmas album, Christmas, which released in 2012 to critical acclaim and included the hit song "You're Here" and a fresh spin on the classic, "Marshmallow World."
"I am so thrilled to get to share these songs with all of you! Making this Christmas album has been an absolute labor of love. We started the process a year-and-a-half ago, and I don't think I have ever enjoyed an album process so much. Through all of the uncertainty this year, it has been a true bright spot to write and record these songs," Battistelli shares. "I know that for many people, the Christmas season can be very difficult. My prayer is that these songs offer hope, glorify Jesus, bring joy (and maybe even some laughter!), and truly bless you, now and in the years to come."
Anchored by a track list that emphasizes the spiritual nature of the Christmas season one minute, with new takes on seasonal favorites the next, Battistelli's second Christmas installment boasts an a cappella rendition of "Silent Night," an orchestral, horn-filled iteration of "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" and a remastered version of "Marshmallow World." Additionally, all five of her kids join her on "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer." This Christmas also features the chart-topping single, "Messiah," as well as four other originals co-written by Battistelli, including "Behold Him," for which she just released an official lyric video. Watch the snow-covered video for the emotional track HERE.
This Christmas marks Battistelli's first new music since her latest studio album, Own It, featuring the hit singles "The Breakup Song" and "Defender." Own It also includes the anthemic "This Could Change Everything," which has been featured on episodes of NBC's Songland, American Ninja Warrior and Amazon Prime's Regular Heroes.
