Christmas

Francesca Battistelli
Fervent Records
francescamusic.com

In Francesca Battistelli’s Christmas, things start off jazzy. Then we immediately step toward the Christmas-anthem sound, then we sidestep to a bit of lyrical fun set to a big band swing sound. You get the point; Battistelli traverses the seasonal genre’s typical landscape throughout her Christmas release—and she pulls it off without a hitch. Christmas classics are buoyed by new tunes that completely hold their ground, both in reverence and in merrymaking. You don’t have to be a Francesca follower to get enjoyment and enrichment out of Christmas, this is one of those rare releases that lives in its own holiday holy land—accessible to all with ears to hear.

Top Song for Worship: “You’re Here” (for special music)

5 stars

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