Music and lyrics
At CCM Magazine, Grace S. Aspinwall noted that the album has "just the right balance of big-band style holiday classics and well crafted modern songs."[1] Stella Redburn of Cross Rhythms commented that West has a "strong but flexible voice that works well in these up-beat arrangements".[2] At The Christian Music Review Blog, Jonathan Kemp was "captivated" by his voice.[3] In addition, Allmusic's Jon O'Brien wrote that the release "justifies West's reputation as one of the most dependable voices in contemporary Christian pop."[4]
Critical reception
The Heart of Christmas garnered critical acclaim from music critics. At CCM Magazine, Grace S. Aspinwall rated the album four stars, and called the album West has created a "stunning" Christmas album.[1] Stella Redburn of Cross Rhythms rated the album eight out of ten squares, and said she would suggest it to a listener as a Christmas album that is eccentric.[2] At Louder Than the Music, Rich Smith rated the album a perfect five stars, and commented that West has imbued the album with the correct Christmas spirit, which proclaimed was "fantastic."[7] Jonathan Kemp of The Christian Music Review Blog rated the album four-and-a-half stars out of five, and evoked that West has made a great Christmas album unlike some artist.[3] At Alpha Omega News, Tom Frigoli graded the album an A, and stated West really knows the meaning of this special time of year.[5] Tyler Hess of Christian Music Zine rated the album three-and-a-half out of five stars, and alluded to how the album has a "few hints of spice and personality" that help distinguish it from the rest.[6] However, Allmusic's Jon O'Brien rated it three stars, which was the only mixed review, and felt that with respect to the album it "doesn't exactly break any new ground, but it's a heart-warming affair".[4]
References
- 1 2 3 Aspinwall, Grace S. (December 1, 2011). "Matthew West: The Heart of Christmas (Sparrow Records)". CCM Magazine. p. 32. Retrieved December 15, 2013.
- 1 2 3 Redburn, Stella (December 23, 2011). "Review: The Heart Of Christmas - Matthew West". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved December 15, 2013.
- 1 2 3 Kemp, Jonathan (October 14, 2011). "Matthew West: The Heart of Christmas". Christian Music Review. Retrieved December 15, 2013.
- 1 2 3 O'Brien, Jon (October 4, 2011). "The Heart of Christmas - Matthew West". Allmusic. Retrieved December 15, 2013.
- 1 2 Frigoli, Tom (November 25, 2011). "Matthew West - The Heart of Christmas". Alpha Omega News. Retrieved December 15, 2013.
- 1 2 Hess, Tyler (October 4, 2011). "Matthew West – The Heart Of Christmas (Review)". Christian Music Zine. Retrieved December 15, 2013.
- 1 2 Smith, Rich (November 21, 2011). "Reviews - Matthew West - Heart of Christmas". Louder Than the Music. Retrieved December 15, 2013.
- ↑ "Matthew West Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved December 15, 2013.
- ↑ "Matthew West Chart History (Christian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved December 15, 2013.
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