Search - Jars of Clay :: Christmas Songs

Christmas Songs Redeems

Derek M. Foster | 10/16/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Anytime I hear of an artist recording a Christmas album, I become slightly nauseous. How many renditions of "Winter Wonderland" can one generation drivel out?



I was, to say the least, apprehensive when I heard that Jars of Clay would be making a Christmas album. When the album became available, I listened with hesitation. What I found was pleasantly original and surprising. In a culture saturated on the bubble-gum Christmas-spirit, "Christmas Songs" restores a sense of mystery and depth that has been lost. What is most refreshing is the effectively balanced range of territory that is covered on the album. It is serious without being grave; it is fun without being flippant; it is experimental without being disoriented; and it is traditional without feeling stringent.



One of the most surprising gems on the album is the completely reconstructed carol, "O Little Town of Bethlehem." The melodies are hauntingly beautiful and permeate the song with an ethereal quality that brings out an appropriate sense of wonder incubated in the idea of the Incarnation.



The album harks back to the 50s with "Hibernation Day", a fun original contribution by Jars about being snowed in with the one you love and is tinged with just the right amount of nostalgia to make even the most calloused of lovers feel at least a little sappy and long for a time out of mind.



Other highlights include a rendition of Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime", "Love Came Down At Christmas", and the two instrumental pieces "Winter Skin" and "Evergreen" which bring a mood of enchantment to the album.



Drawbacks to the album are that it can be somewhat too meditative in areas. The second half of the album is much slower-paced and while that works well for the most part, it can start to feel monotonous at times. And although a great Christmas record, it feels somewhat out of place to think of it playing in the background on Christmas Day. But this is probably true for any Christmas album put out by a recording artist. Part of what makes any song about Christmas feel timeless and universal is, to me, a sense of anonymity as to who is singing the tune. But this criticism may be too personal. The overall drawbacks are minimal and significantly outweighed by the diversity and creativity of the rest of the album. All in all, Jars have succeeded in creating an excellent traditional, and yet modern Christmas album. You will definitely get your money's worth."

Rocky and Contemplative Christmas

Mark Baker | Santa Clarita, CA United States | 10/19/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Jars of Clay has finally released a Christmas CD! Fans (or this one at least) have long awaited one. While it isn't the instant Christmas project I love, there is lots of great stuff here.



The disc features lots of rare and original songs. For example, the group wrote two instrumental songs, "The Gift of St. Cecilia" and "Evergreen." There are also three original songs. While "Winter Skin" and "Hibernation Day" celebrate winter and the fun it can bring, "Peace is Here" celebrates the peace that Jesus can bring.



In my Christmas music collection, I had no copies of Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime." I can't compare it to anything else, but I like their alt rock take on it. I was also unfamiliar with "Love Came Down at Christmas" which is based on a Christina Rossetti poem. I really like it. I especially enjoy the reference to a kids folk song at the end.



Then there are the classics. "O Little Town of Bethlehem" gets a makeover with a new melody. It makes the song very haunting. "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" is likewise slow and haunting. And yes, they include "Drummer Boy." This is a different version then their single released years ago, but it does sound very similar. "Christmastime is Here" is part jazz and part rock. It sort of works, but I still prefer the original.



And that's the only real problem with the disc. Some artists can pull off a mix of their signature sound on a Christmas release. Jars of Clay comes close, but they don't quite do it. The CD is fine, but I think it will be several years before I consider it a true Christmas project. I will definitely pull it out in mid-December when I am ready for something different. But it won't be the first thing I get out the day after Thanksgiving.



Don't misunderstand. This isn't a bad release. It is quite enjoyable for something different. And it will please Jars of Clay's many fans."

A classic Christmas album with a twist

tomcat_nash | 10/24/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jars of Clay's "Christmas Songs" is a unique Christmas album. I agree with what has been said for the most part. JOC does essentially what they did with their hymns album in that they take some poplar songs and obscure songs and then they also throw in some originals. They capture the spirit of the season on these songs but put their own stamp on it. As far as the sound of this album it feels like a continuation of their "Good Monsters" album. They also mix in some electonic influences in on songs like "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "Drummer Boy." As mentioned they throw in a couple of instrumentals as well that are a nice touch and add to the album. Overall I think this is a good album and will be enjoyed by those who either like JOC or just like good christmas music."