Anthem Edition “Here Comes Christmas” Album Review
Prime Cuts: Here Comes Christmas, Thanks Giver, We Three Kings
Overall Grade: 3.5/5
Old Paths has evolved from a trio to become a quartet with the addition of Andrew Utech as the new bass vocalist. They have also adopted a new moniker, Anthem Edition. After securing several #1s on the Southern Gospel charts with hits such as "Battlefield" and "God's Great," they have released their debut effort under their new name. "Here Comes Christmas," released under the Horizon and Sonlite Records imprint, comprises seven tracks of originals, contemporary covers, and a few festive classics.
The pride of the record goes to the quartet's harmonies. Their layered vocals singing without any instrumental support are in their full glory on their rendition of "We Three Kings." Their other acapella venture is with "His Name Medley." Here, the quartet strings the Southern Gospel favorite "Cherish That Name" with Hillsong's "What a Beautiful Name." The songs blend in nicely but for a Christmas record. However, it would be nice if there were some bells or strings added to give the medley a festive vibe because both songs are not generally connected with the season.
A surprising cover is Anthem Edition's take on Crowder's "Thanks Giver." Stripped of Crowder's rock sensibilities, the quartet has turned this ballad of thanks to God for the gift of his son into their own. Meanwhile, "Feliz Navidad" gets an obligatory re-make. This brings us to the record's two new compositions. Newcomer Andrew Utech gets a chance to shine on the nostalgic "The Way It's Always Been." Utech's singing ruins the song. In this day and age of advanced technology, one is surprised that the producer did not fix the parts where Utech goes out of tune.
The title track, "Here Comes Christmas," is much better. With bells and impeccable harmonies, the song celebrates the season's excitement. Overall, this is a good record, but it feels like it has been put together prematurely. The demo-like quality of a couple of tracks and the failure to correct off-sounding notes are indicative of the sloppiness of the release.
Tags : Old Paths Christmas 2023 Anthem Edition “Here Comes Christmas” Album Review Anthem Edition Anthem Edition Here Comes Christmas
Hot Trends
-
Travis Cottrell, Beth Moore, Fisk Jubilee Singers & More Pay their Respects at Mandisa's Funeral
-
"American Idol" to Air Live Tribute to Mandisa
-
Watch Colton Dixon, Danny Gokey and Melinda Doolittle Pay Tribute to Mandisa on "American Idol"
-
Local Police Offers Update on Mandisa's Death
-
Is Taylor Swift a Christian?
-
"She Did Not Die from Self-Harm:" Father of the Late Mandisa Claims
-
Beth Moore & Christine Caine Surround Dallas Hospital with Prayer During Priscilla Shirer's Lung Surgery
-
Chad Gentry Brings Back the Legacy of 90s Worship with New Album, Docuseries and Live Events
-
Dr. David Jeremiah Had a Fall & Cancels All Speaking Engagements for "Singing in the Sun"
-
Jeff Deyo, Brenton Brown, Charlie Hall, and More Reimagine Powerful '90s Worship Songs
-
Zane and Donna King Find Joy in the Journey with "Everything Good"
-
Former IHOPKC Worship Leader Misty Edwards Accused of Affair with Kevin Prosch
-
Jeff King's New Book "The Whisper” Shares Life-Changing Lessons from Persecuted Christians
-
Craig Morgan's Memoir, "God, Family, Country," Releases May 7 in Trade Paperback
-
for King and Country's "Unsung Hero" a Big Success at the Box Office
Most Popular
-
Travis Cottrell, Beth Moore, Fisk Jubilee Singers & More Pay their Respects at Mandisa's Funeral
-
"American Idol" to Air Live Tribute to Mandisa
-
Watch Colton Dixon, Danny Gokey and Melinda Doolittle Pay Tribute to Mandisa on "American Idol"
-
Local Police Offers Update on Mandisa's Death
-
Is Taylor Swift a Christian?
-
"She Did Not Die from Self-Harm:" Father of the Late Mandisa Claims
-
Beth Moore & Christine Caine Surround Dallas Hospital with Prayer During Priscilla Shirer's Lung Surgery
-
Chad Gentry Brings Back the Legacy of 90s Worship with New Album, Docuseries and Live Events
-
Dr. David Jeremiah Had a Fall & Cancels All Speaking Engagements for "Singing in the Sun"
-
Jeff Deyo, Brenton Brown, Charlie Hall, and More Reimagine Powerful '90s Worship Songs
-
Zane and Donna King Find Joy in the Journey with "Everything Good"
-
Former IHOPKC Worship Leader Misty Edwards Accused of Affair with Kevin Prosch
-
Jeff King's New Book "The Whisper” Shares Life-Changing Lessons from Persecuted Christians
-
Craig Morgan's Memoir, "God, Family, Country," Releases May 7 in Trade Paperback
-
for King and Country's "Unsung Hero" a Big Success at the Box Office