Glory In The Highest: Christmas Songs Of Worship

UPLIFTING, BUT TOO MANY OBVIOUS YULETIDE TUNES

Rumor has it that Chris Tomlin always wanted to make a Christmas record, and after spending the majority of this decade tearing up the worship charts, he's finally fulfilling that dream. Though he's obviously a top-notch singer and guitarist, backed by one of the best bands in Christian music, the track listing throughout the entirely live Glory in the Highest: Christmas Songs of Worship doesn't exactly mirror that innovation.

Sure, songs like "O, Come All Ye Faithful" and "Angels We Have Heard on High" are performed with seasonal enthusiasm and Tomlin's unmistakable vocal stamp, but the arrangements aren't anything extraordinary. That trend continues throughout "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and "O, Holy Night," two equally pleasant seasonal standards that are certainly adequate, but don't necessarily astound.

Tomlin is much better off when exploring original ideas, such as adding a new refrain to "Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy)," the concept reminiscent of his timeless yet contemporary rendering of "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)."  The performance revs up toward more interesting endeavors close to the end, including an absolutely gorgeous praise duet with Christy Nockels called "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" and the emotional "Light of the World," accompanied by Passion pal Matt Redman.

Had Tomlin gone in this less predictable direction throughout the first half, this first-ever holiday foray would be an all-around treat, worthy of the acclaim often given to his standard studio CDs.-Andy Argyrakis