Christmas in Our Hearts cover

Released 36 years ago this November

Christmas in Our Hearts

José Mari Chan · 1990

49 min · 16 tracks · adult contemporary music

A warm blend of traditional Christmas melodies and heartfelt original compositions, steeped in Filipino cultural influences.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Christmas In Our Hearts — This title track encapsulates the spirit of the album, blending original lyrics with traditional melodies that evoke nostalgia and warmth during the holiday season.
  • →
    A Wish On Christmas Night — This opening track sets a reflective tone for the album, combining beautiful imagery with a tender melody that resonates deeply with listeners' hopes for peace and joy.
  • →
    When a Child Is Born — This cover showcases Chan's vocal range and emotional delivery, transforming a well-known carol into a heartfelt rendition that emphasizes themes of hope and new beginnings.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album blends traditional and original Christmas music with Filipino influences, making it a holiday staple in the Philippines.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate Filipino cultural elements, such as local instruments and melodies, creating a distinct festive atmosphere.
  • The sequencing alternates between slower ballads and more upbeat tracks, maintaining a consistent holiday theme throughout.
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
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 8/10

Defined its genre or moment. 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

  • warm nostalgia for holiday gatherings
  • steady pacing for relaxed listening
  • heartfelt vocals evoke festive spirit
  • for cozy winter evenings
  • sing-along moments with loved ones

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy party tracks
  • prefer contemporary holiday hits

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on November 17, 1990, this album marked José Mari Chan's return to the music scene after a hiatus following his earlier successes. It became his most iconic work, solidifying his status as a beloved artist in the Philippines and establishing him as the 'Father of Philippine Christmas Music.'
Stylistic neighbors
Freddie Aguilar· Asin· Regine Velasquez

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Christmas In Our Hearts

    The chorus repeatedly invokes the idea of bringing love and joy into every home during the holiday season.

    This lyrical repetition emphasizes communal celebration, reinforcing the song's message of unity and shared joy during Christmas.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 A Wish On Christmas Night 3:32
  • 2 Do You Hear What I Hear 2:45
  • 3 Mary's Boy Child 3:59
  • 4 Christmas In Our Hearts 3:27
  • 5 A Christmas Carol 2:31
  • 6 A Perfect Christmas 4:13
  • 7 Give Me Your Heart For Christmas 2:09
  • 8 This Beautiful Day 2:02
  • 9 The Sound Of Life 2:29
  • 10 Christmas Children 2:39
  • 11 Little Christmas Tree 3:19
  • 12 When a Child Is Born 4:08
  • 13 It Is The Lord! 2:25
  • 14 The Lord's Prayer 2:19
  • 15 Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep) 3:40
  • 16 May The Good Lord Bless and Keep You 3:26

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata