Again, this year, we kicked our Christmas off the Friday following Thanksgiving. It's become our family's tradition. My kids can barely contain their excitement as the day draws near. We make a complete mess of the house, dragging boxes out from basement. What fun. What great memories that are built each year. This year, I couldn't help but realize that these days are numbered. My kids are getting older and each passing year is like a mile marker of miles stretching out behind us. That's why these memories are so important to me. And, the soundtrack to these memories is equally as important. And, the best mix of Christmas music is a must-have for me. But, there's always so much to choose from. And, of course, as in years past, you know you have access to the best mix of Christmas music on your Family Friendly radio station. You can also share your opinion about the music by joinng our Music Advisory Panel. Your opinion is very important to me!
(go to www.newlifemedia.org - Just click on your favorite station at the top left of page and then click on Music Advisory Panel. if you have questions or need assistance, please feel free to email me; joeb@newlifemedia.org)
If you're looking to buy some new Christmas CDs this year, but find yourself a little apprehensive with all the choices, here are a few I truly believe you will love. Again, please feel free to email me if you have any questions or need assistance - joeb@newlifemedia.org
1. DOWNHERE
- "How Many Kings" - My wife and I own every CD Downhere has ever released and again this year, it's one of our favorites. From start to finish there isn't a bad moment on the entire CD. Their version of Good King Wenceslas has to be, by far, the best version I've ever heard of that song. "Five Golden Rings" is only eleven seconds long. You'll find two versions of "How Many Kings" The original is the opening track and the project closes out with the "re-imagined" version. This would be a great soundtrack for your Christmas memories this year.
Songs from this CD you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio:"How Many Kings", "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen","Christmas In Our Hearts" & "Angels From the Realms Of Glory"
2. CHRIS TOMLIN - "Glory In The Highest" - Well, this CD has a very special place in my heart. I had the very rare privilege to participate in the recording process of this one. A year ago in June, Chris invited some friends to come out and sing in
the choir as he recorded the tracks to this project. The CD was recorded at Ocean Way, a legendary studio, in Nashville, TN. It was an amazing experience! We all gathered and just worshipped God together. As I listen through the CD now, I'm blown away by how well it reflects those special moments I'll never forget. And now, you can also be apart of it as this CD will transform your car, living room, etc., to a wonderful worship experience. Although the whole CD is great, one song that really stands out for me is "Winter Snow" featuring Audrey Assad. You may actually recognize her voice, as she was the female vocalist on "More Beautiful You" by Jonny Diaz. If you're looking for a great time of Christmas worship, this CD was made for you.
Songs from this CD you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: "Joy To The World (Unspeakable Joy)","Emmanuel" & "Winter Snow (Featuring Audrey Assad)"
3. Newsboys - "Christmas! A Newsboys Holiday" - Christmas, Newsboys style. This is a great new EP. If you're a Newsboys fan, this is a must-have Christmas CD, this year. Their versions of Jingle Bell Rock and Winter Wonderland are fantastic. But, it's their version of the Mariah Caray song, "All I Want For Christmas Is You" that kept me coming back for more.
If you're looking to buy some new Christmas CDs this year, but find yourself a little apprehensive with all the choices, here are a few I truly believe you will love. Again, please feel free to email me if you have any questions or need assistance - joeb@newlifemedia.org
1. DOWNHERE
- "How Many Kings" - My wife and I own every CD Downhere has ever released and again this year, it's one of our favorites. From start to finish there isn't a bad moment on the entire CD. Their version of Good King Wenceslas has to be, by far, the best version I've ever heard of that song. "Five Golden Rings" is only eleven seconds long. You'll find two versions of "How Many Kings" The original is the opening track and the project closes out with the "re-imagined" version. This would be a great soundtrack for your Christmas memories this year.Songs from this CD you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio:"How Many Kings", "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen","Christmas In Our Hearts" & "Angels From the Realms Of Glory"
2. CHRIS TOMLIN - "Glory In The Highest" - Well, this CD has a very special place in my heart. I had the very rare privilege to participate in the recording process of this one. A year ago in June, Chris invited some friends to come out and sing in
the choir as he recorded the tracks to this project. The CD was recorded at Ocean Way, a legendary studio, in Nashville, TN. It was an amazing experience! We all gathered and just worshipped God together. As I listen through the CD now, I'm blown away by how well it reflects those special moments I'll never forget. And now, you can also be apart of it as this CD will transform your car, living room, etc., to a wonderful worship experience. Although the whole CD is great, one song that really stands out for me is "Winter Snow" featuring Audrey Assad. You may actually recognize her voice, as she was the female vocalist on "More Beautiful You" by Jonny Diaz. If you're looking for a great time of Christmas worship, this CD was made for you.Songs from this CD you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: "Joy To The World (Unspeakable Joy)","Emmanuel" & "Winter Snow (Featuring Audrey Assad)"
3. Newsboys - "Christmas! A Newsboys Holiday" - Christmas, Newsboys style. This is a great new EP. If you're a Newsboys fan, this is a must-have Christmas CD, this year. Their versions of Jingle Bell Rock and Winter Wonderland are fantastic. But, it's their version of the Mariah Caray song, "All I Want For Christmas Is You" that kept me coming back for more.
Songs you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: "All I Want For Christmas Is You","Winter Wonderland","Jingle Bell Rock"
4. BIG
DADDY WEAVE - "Christ Is Come" - Another great Christmas CD! This one also rises to the top of the list. Great moments from start to finish. One of my personal favorites is "I'll Be Brave This Christmas" It's a track that made me stop what I was doing and really hear what was being said. After the track finished, I found myself so grateful for so much that God had done for me. And, for those who have so sacrificially put their lives on the line for each of us so we could even celebrate Christmas. I also absolutely love their version of "Joy To The World"
Songs you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: "Joy To the World","O Come O Come Emmanuel" & "I'll Be Brave This Christmas"
4. BIG
DADDY WEAVE - "Christ Is Come" - Another great Christmas CD! This one also rises to the top of the list. Great moments from start to finish. One of my personal favorites is "I'll Be Brave This Christmas" It's a track that made me stop what I was doing and really hear what was being said. After the track finished, I found myself so grateful for so much that God had done for me. And, for those who have so sacrificially put their lives on the line for each of us so we could even celebrate Christmas. I also absolutely love their version of "Joy To The World"Songs you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: "Joy To the World","O Come O Come Emmanuel" & "I'll Be Brave This Christmas"
5. WHEN LOVE WAS BORN - "Various Artists" - If you're looking for one CD that delivers great Christmas songs from your favorite artists, you may have to look no further. This compilation carries both, great classics and incredible originals. With depth from beginning to the very last note, this CD will not only bring back wonderful memories from years past, but also help build new ones for years to come.
Songs you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: Mark Schultz, Meredith Andrews, Francesca Battestelli, Point Of Grace, Big Daddy Weave, Natalie Grant, Aaron Shust, Selah, Barlowgril & Chris Sligh
Merry Christmas...
Songs you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: Mark Schultz, Meredith Andrews, Francesca Battestelli, Point Of Grace, Big Daddy Weave, Natalie Grant, Aaron Shust, Selah, Barlowgril & Chris Sligh
6. BETHL
EHEM SKYLINE 2 - Featuring Various Artists (Downhere, Jason Grey, Me In Motion and others) -The Bethlehem Skyline tour last Christmas was a highlight of my entire Christmas season. A Christmas celebration with Downhere, Lena Hale, Jason Gray and others is an amazing memory that will be tough to top. Lanae' Hale's performance of "Starving Artist Christmas" was one of my favorite moments during that show and I was happy to see that Centricity Records has included that song on their second installment in this series. Like volume one, this CD has Christmas songs that will be my favorites for years to come, including my favorite new Christmas song this year, "Give It Away" by newcomers, Me In Motion.
EHEM SKYLINE 2 - Featuring Various Artists (Downhere, Jason Grey, Me In Motion and others) -The Bethlehem Skyline tour last Christmas was a highlight of my entire Christmas season. A Christmas celebration with Downhere, Lena Hale, Jason Gray and others is an amazing memory that will be tough to top. Lanae' Hale's performance of "Starving Artist Christmas" was one of my favorite moments during that show and I was happy to see that Centricity Records has included that song on their second installment in this series. Like volume one, this CD has Christmas songs that will be my favorites for years to come, including my favorite new Christmas song this year, "Give It Away" by newcomers, Me In Motion. Songs you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: "Silent Night " - Downhere, "Give It Away" - Me In Motion, "Morning Star" - Sixteen Cities,
7. Jadon Lavik - "Christmas" - From the very first time that I met Jadon, I've been a big fan. His heart for God and people far exceeds his
love for music. Then, there's his talent. A very talented artist with a sound that's all his own. When I heard he was releasing a new Christmas CD this year, I couldn't wait to hear his take on some of the classics. Plus, I knew he would also bring his own original music to the project. Well, I wasn't disappointed. From start to finish, this is a fantastic Christmas project.
Songs you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: "Go Tell It On The Mountain", "Silent Night", and an incredible version of "Mele Kalikimaka"
7. Jadon Lavik - "Christmas" - From the very first time that I met Jadon, I've been a big fan. His heart for God and people far exceeds his
love for music. Then, there's his talent. A very talented artist with a sound that's all his own. When I heard he was releasing a new Christmas CD this year, I couldn't wait to hear his take on some of the classics. Plus, I knew he would also bring his own original music to the project. Well, I wasn't disappointed. From start to finish, this is a fantastic Christmas project. Songs you're hearing on Family Friendly Radio: "Go Tell It On The Mountain", "Silent Night", and an incredible version of "Mele Kalikimaka"
Merry Christmas...
Joe Buchanan serves New Life Media as Network Music Director.www.newlifemedia.org(WBGL,WIBI & WCIC)
We work very hard to honor God through serving you. Your input is very important to us and decisions are made regularly, based on the opinions you have. To assure that your opinion is being heard, please join our Music Advisory Panel today. Click on your station for a direct link. Thanks!
