The Catholic Register - CDs to bring joy to the world

Written by David Wang, The Catholic Register,

It’s Christmas time again and there is nothing better than the gift of music. My suggestion for a gift? I think The Gift of God compilation CD, available from any Christian bookstore, is the best choice. It features Catholic artists and is a great introduction to the music and musicians that I am constantly referring to in this column. We’ve gotten amazing feedback about this compilation CD and it has opened the eyes and hearts of many youth and young-at-heart to what is available in Catholic music.

Reliant K — Let it snow Baby, let it reindeer

This is definitely going to be one of the most listened-to Christmas CDs ever in my personal collection. This band, fronted by Canadian Matt Thiessen, is the bomb! From the very start, the power pop-punk carols, spiced up with jazzy background vocals and given a bit of a shiny production gloss, give new fun and life to these tunes. Highlights? Pretty much the entire album. The original “Merry Christmas, Here’s to many more,” with its deeply perceptive look at loneliness during Christmas, though, deserves special mention. I dare you to listen to the “12 Days of Christmas” without grinning. If you only get one Christmas CD this year, you know what my recommendation is.

Jars of Clay — Christmas Songs

Jars of Clay has offered a very different Christmas CD. In atmosphere, it is brooding and haunting. Even songs like “Wonderful Christmastime,” the McCartney classic, is slowed down. This is definitely a different Christmas album but, for some, a welcome antidote to the usual sugary seasonal releases. Most intriguing is the instrumental, “The Gift of St. Cecilia,” the patron saint of music. One of the few nods from evangelicals to the Catholic world. Definitely worth a listen.

Michael W. Smith — It’s a Wonderful Christmas

Consistency is what we have come to expect from this long time veteran of Christmas music. If you loved his previous Christmas albums, which were stunning orchestral instrumentations mixed with traditional and original Christmas songs, then this album will thrill. The highlight is “The Promise” which I believe is destined to be a classic. “Christmas Day,” a sweet piece with great vocals from American Idol finalist, Mandisa is another great song. Highly recommended.

Wow Hits 2008

Once again, I recommend this yearly double CD collection of the best in Christian music. All the usual suspects appear here with the songs that received the most airplay over Christian radio. The best songs appear on the second CD, which is more youth oriented with groups like Reliant K, Jars of Clay, Newsboys, Toby Mac and Barlowgirl contributing cuts. There is something here for everyone’s tastes and it’s a great gift for under the Christmas tree.

Catholic Music 2008

This double CD of Catholic artists is available through www.Catholicmusicnetwork.com at the price of a single CD, and is a great bargain. The collection has excellent songs from artists such as Ceili Rain, Last Day and Joel Stein. Canadians also appear on the compilation with my band Critical Mass and Saskatchewan’s Lorraine Hartsook contributing numbers. Excellent value and exposure to the growing Catholic music scene. Combined with the aforementioned Gift of God compilation CD, this can be a truly Catholic music Christmas treat!

Chris Padgett — Impact

Former Scarecrow and Tinmen singer Chris Padgett has put out another strong collection of songs that have been tested through his live concerts during his speaking/singing tours. Padgett has consistently put out thought-provoking lyrics in a ballad rock styling that is sure to please. His unmistakable vocals bring a modern feel to these songs. This is a Catholic artist that deserves to be supported.

m.a.s. — The road to m.a.s.

This is a young hip-hop artist from the Catholic underground rap scene. Featuring strong beats, a non-compromising message and with guest artists such as manCHILD from Mars Ill, Sammy Blaze and others contributing their talents, this is definitely one of better Catholic rap albums of the previous year. My only nit-pick is a reliance on scratching that is repeated a bit too often on the CD. However, if you have youth who love rap, go to www.phatmass.com for purchasing information.

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David Wang, The Catholic Register
		About the author:
		David Wang has been writing about music for the Catholic Register for over a decade. He is the lead singer for the award-winning Catholic rock band, Critical Mass , is a professor at the University of Waterloo and a father of nine.