Louder Than The Music

Jars of Clay - More Christmas Songs EP

Artist:

Jars of Clay

Title:

More Christmas Songs EP

Type:

Album

Released:

01 Nov 2011

LTTM Rating:

Your Rating:

Review

The moment you hear Jars Of Clay you know it's them, from their distinctive vocal sound, you know you're going to get high quality music from one of the most successful Christian artists ever. Last year Jars of Clay released their eleventh studio album, 'The Shelter', featuring contributions from special guests including Mac Powell, TobyMac, David Crowder, Audrey Assad, Brandon Heath, Matt Maher, Gungor, Derek Webb and Amy Grant. As a little treat the band have decided to release 'More Christmas Songs EP'. At only three tracks long, this really is just a little Christmas taster, but I tell you...
Read More The moment you hear Jars Of Clay you know it's them, from their distinctive vocal sound, you know you're going to get high quality music from one of the most successful Christian artists ever. Last year Jars of Clay released their eleventh studio album, 'The Shelter', featuring contributions from special guests including Mac Powell, TobyMac, David Crowder, Audrey Assad, Brandon Heath, Matt Maher, Gungor, Derek Webb and Amy Grant. As a little treat the band have decided to release 'More Christmas Songs EP'. At only three tracks long, this really is just a little Christmas taster, but I tell you - this is a beautiful musical platter.

The EP opens with Ukulele led Christmas (Baby Please Come Home), which really doesn't sound like your normal Christmas song, and that is what gives it it's charm. This upbeat, even summer sounding tune, works, bizarre as it sounds and as strange as it is to say, I put this song straight back on to listen to. The EP quickly moves onto a more somber mood with 'Almost Christmas'. What this song does is show a more gentler side of Christmas, with the vocals and harmonies in this ballad really giving our ears a real treat. Ending with the line "Streets are silent covered in snow", it really draws the perfect imagery of Christmas.

Someday at Christmas gets the Ukulele out again, but this time we have the Christmas bells adding to the rhythm of the song. When someone is playing bells it automatically feels like Christmas, but for me the simple melody really makes this Christmas tune into a song that will get you smiling. "Someday at Christmas, there be no tears, all men are equal no men will have fear...", great song and again one I wanted to just keep going.

I have to admit this album was too short, I know it's just an EP and not an album, but it was so good and not traditional that I wanted it to keep on going. It has a jolliness to the songs that maybe you don't find on most Christmas albums as they are usually more somber and reflective about the holidays. For me Christmas is about having fun, enjoying remembering Jesus being born, enjoying family time and just enjoying giving people presents. So let's have a smile when we're singing these Christmas songs.

Review by Jono Davies

LTTM Rating 4 Out Of 5 Stars
Standout Tracks
Almost Christmas
Someday At Christmas

Articles

News

Jars of Clay Release 'More Christmas Songs EP' & Head Out On Tour

Popular US rock band Jars Of Clay released a digital Christmas EP this week. The 'More Christmas Songs EP' features three tracks, 'Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)', 'Almost Christmas' and 'Someday At Christmas'. The band…