Hi Pal,
Welcome to this edition of List of Ten, a newsletter where I mention ten things from any theme of my choice. The only common denominator is that it is something related to Christian music — which is why you’re here after all
You can check out the albums and EPs on all platforms using the embedded links on the titles. Stick around for the updated playlist at the end.
I promised to deliver at least four of these and I intend to keep that promise. If you missed out on the last two, check them out here and here. Also, this list is written randomly and is not ranked in any order.
1 — Bells Merrily by Ronnie Martin
Synthwave, Electropop
A collection of original Christmas tunes in Martin’s signature style and aesthetic. I highly recommend it to all fans of the genre(s). Favourites: Of Garland Bright, Another Wintertime
2 — An As Isaac and Friends Family Christmas by As Isaac
Folk, Singer-songwriter
With a mix of live and studio-recorded tunes, this is a simple and powerful offering from this duo. Even without the Christmas themes, it is one of the standout albums of this year. Favourites: Go Tell It On The Mountain, What Child Is This (Live)
3 — Christmas hymns EP by the quiet hours, Andrew Osenga
Acoustic, Folk
A three-track EP that is sweet, succinct and easy to listen to. Favourites: silent night, it came upon the midnight clear
4 — It’s Christmas, Not Happy Holidays! by Krig
Technical Deathcore
Another three-track EP makes the list but it swings in the opposite directly sonically. Krig gave me the biggest surprise on this list and I absolutely loved it. Favourites: The Prince of Peace, Foolish Evildoers VII
I’m currently walking towards 100 subscribers here. I want to hit that target before the year ends. If you end up enjoying this, please consider sharing it with folks that you know.
5 — Come Behold: Christmas Collaborations by Celtic Worship
Folk, Singer-songwriter
Celtic Worship has always stood out among the plethora of worship groups on the scene because of their unique instrumentation — specifically the use of strings and bagpipes. This collaborative effort peels off new layers for the listener to explore and I enjoyed it. Favourites: Prince of Peace, The Prologue Carol
6 — A Merry Little Christmas EP by Jonathan Allen Wright
Worship, Alt-Pop, Singer-songwriter
I’ll probably listen to anything that JAW puts out and that’s why I’m grateful that he always releases good music. Favourites: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Sanctuary
7 — A Very Crafted Christmas EP by Crafted Child
Alt-Pop
Creatively, this release is probably the one I resonate with the most on this list. I love the choices made in the reinterpretation of these classic Christmas tunes. Favourites: Silent Night, Hark!
8 — Songs of Christmas EP by Alabaster Co.
Instrumental, Piano
If you’re looking for something soothing and peaceful to listen to this season, then this is probably for you. Favourites: The Song of Mary, The Song of Angels
9 — In The Bleak Midwinter by John Van Deusen
Indie Folk
For an artist that has become quite known for his often eclectic approach to indie rock music, I was pleasantly surprised to be treated to a simple folky Christmas album by JVD. Favourites: The First Noel, We Three Kings
10 — Lowborn EP by Wolves At The Gate
Melodic Metalcore, Hardcore, Alternative Rock
This list would not be complete without this EP. Wolves At The Gate is probably the most consistent Christian metalcore band still around and I’m glad they keep delivering bangers. Favourites: Lowborn, Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
That’s it for today.
Catch you at the next one!
Have your holidays offically kicked off? Any fun plans?
If you’re not a paying subscriber and want to sign up for additional postings and to join conversations, here’s how: