Christmas Is Here cover

Released 13 years ago this October

Christmas Is Here

Brandon Heath · 2013

34 min · 10 tracks · country music

A warm blend of traditional carols and original songs, infused with soulful vocals and country-flavored arrangements.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Day After Thanksgiving Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    The Christmas Song — Heath’s rendition brings an intimate warmth to this classic, enhanced by his soulful vocal delivery and smooth instrumentation that captures the spirit of the season.
  • →
    Momma Wouldn't Lie to Me — This track stands out for its nostalgic narrative about childhood beliefs surrounding Christmas, blending storytelling with a catchy melody that resonates with listeners of all ages.
  • →
    Silent Night — Heath offers a fresh and tender interpretation of this beloved carol, showcasing his vocal range while maintaining the song's serene atmosphere.

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 album blends original and traditional songs with solid craftsmanship but lacks significant cultural footprint.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with an original song, 'The Day After Thanksgiving', setting a contemporary tone before transitioning into traditional carols.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional impact of both original and classic songs.
  • The arrangements often include acoustic instrumentation typical of country music, such as guitars and light percussion, creating a warm and inviting sound.
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

  • steady flow of holiday cheer
  • warm nostalgia for family gatherings
  • short tracks for easy enjoyment
  • heartfelt storytelling amidst festivities

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced music
  • dislike seasonal themes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A holiday album that showcases Heath's versatility but isn't a primary entry point.
Career context
Released on October 15, 2013, 'Christmas Is Here' is Brandon Heath's first holiday album, coming after his successful third studio album, 'Blue Mountain' in 2012. At this point in his career, Heath had already established himself as a prominent name in contemporary Christian music, with multiple chart-topping hits.
Stylistic neighbors
Matthew West· Jeremy Camp· Josh Wilson

Tracklist

  • 1 The Day After Thanksgiving Start here 2:44
  • 2 The Christmas Song 3:52
  • 3 O Little Town of Bethlehem 3:03
  • 4 Just a Girl 4:26
  • 5 In the Bleak Midwinter 4:06
  • 6 Momma Wouldn't Lie to Me 3:17
  • 7 Away in a Manger 3:04
  • 8 Go Tell It on the Mountain 3:39
  • 9 Silent Night 2:25
  • 10 O Come All Ye Faithful / Angels We Have Heard on High 3:55

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata