Natalie Grant "Christmas" Album Review

Prime Cuts: God's Gift to Us, Christmas Looks Good on You, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing 

Overall Grade: 4.5/5

Nine-time GRAMMY nominee and five-time Dove Award-winning vocalist Natalie Grant returns with Christmas, her first full-length holiday album in nearly two decades-and it's a radiant reminder of why she remains one of Christian music's most beloved voices. Released through Capitol CMG and produced by her husband and longtime collaborator Bernie Herms, the record is a lush, soulful celebration that captures both the joy and reverence of the season. Grant has always had a gift for balancing powerhouse vocals with heartfelt sincerity, and here she channels both effortlessly across a mix of timeless carols and fresh originals.

The album opens with a classic sparkle, blending orchestral grandeur with gospel warmth. From the swinging charm of "Jingle Bells" to the reverent majesty of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," Grant brings a refreshing sense of vitality to songs that could easily feel over-familiar. Her interpretations are vibrant yet deeply personal, shaped by her own faith and family traditions. The two originals---"God's Gift to Us" and "Christmas Looks Good on You"--- are standout moments, radiating the lyrical hope and melodic polish that have long defined her artistry. Grant's voice, rich and dynamic, soars through the arrangements with ease, embodying both celebration and contemplation.

The album's strength lies in its balance: traditional yet not predictable, reverent yet still fun. Herms's production surrounds Grant's vocals with warm strings, brass flourishes, and modern touches that give the project a cinematic quality. Each track feels lovingly arranged, steeped in nostalgia but anchored in contemporary clarity. At its best, Christmas feels like a fireside gathering-intimate and heartfelt, full of soul and sparkle.

However, while the album's cohesion makes it easy to enjoy from start to finish, it also leans heavily toward familiar territory. Much of the tracklist revisits standard carols, which means longtime fans of Grant's earlier holiday work might crave more creative risk or stylistic surprise. Still, the sheer quality of her delivery keeps these renditions compelling; even when the material is well-worn, her voice finds new life within it.

Beyond the music, the beauty of Christmas also shines through its visual presentation. The album cover, set against a rich red background, immediately captures the warmth and festivity of the season. Rather than opting for minimalism, the design radiates classic holiday splendor-vivid, welcoming, and full of life. Grant appears poised and luminous, her expression serene yet joyful, embodying both the reverence and celebration that define the record. The deep red hue evokes love, warmth, and divine passion, while subtle lighting gives the image a soft glow that feels almost candlelit. It's a perfect visual reflection of the album itself-timeless, heartfelt, and filled with the radiant spirit of Christmas. 

In the end, Christmas is a reminder that holiday albums don't need to reinvent the season to be meaningful. Natalie Grant offers what she always has-heartfelt worship, exquisite vocals, and an authenticity that transcends genre. Whether she's belting a joyful refrain or whispering a tender carol, her voice carries the spirit of the season with elegance and conviction.

 

 

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