Christmas! A Newsboys Holiday cover

Christmas! A Newsboys Holiday

Newsboys · 2010

17 min · 5 tracks · contemporary Christian music

Joyful arrangements breathe new life into holiday classics, blending contemporary Christian elements with traditional Christmas spirit.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    O Holy Night — This track stands out with its powerful vocal delivery and orchestral arrangement, capturing the solemn beauty of the original while infusing it with contemporary flair.
  • →
    All I Want for Christmas Is You — Their rendition transforms this pop classic into a joyous celebration, showcasing the band's ability to blend upbeat energy with heartfelt lyrics.
  • →
    Winter Wonderland — This version is marked by playful instrumentation and harmonies, creating an inviting atmosphere that encapsulates the holiday spirit.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The EP offers fresh takes on holiday classics with solid production but lacks significant depth for long-term engagement.

What we noticed

  • The first two tracks feature upbeat tempos and energetic instrumentation, while the last three shift to slower, more reflective arrangements.
  • Each song incorporates contemporary Christian elements, such as modern vocal harmonies and production techniques.
  • The arrangement of 'O Holy Night' includes a key change that elevates the emotional impact compared to traditional versions.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • joyful holiday sing-alongs
  • short festive listening bursts
  • steady upbeat celebration vibe
  • warm family gatherings atmosphere

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking deep introspective themes
  • prefer longer immersive experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A holiday EP that showcases their contemporary sound but isn't a primary entry point.
Career context
Released in 2010, Christmas! A Newsboys Holiday marked a significant moment for the band as they were solidifying their transition into a more mainstream contemporary Christian sound. This album followed their successful studio release, Born Again, and showcased their versatility through seasonal music while reaching a broader audience during the holiday season.
Stylistic neighbors
MercyMe· Casting Crowns· TobyMac

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 All I Want for Christmas Is You 3:14
  • 2 Jingle Bell Rock 3:14
  • 3 O Holy Night 3:58
  • 4 Winter Wonderland 2:31
  • 5 The Christmas Song 4:33

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata