It's a Wonderful Christmas
Michael W. Smith · 2007
39 min · 11 tracks · pop rock
A heartwarming blend of traditional carols and original compositions that evoke the spirit of the holiday season.
Top tracks — play these first
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Christmas Angels Start here — This opening track sets a festive tone with its joyful orchestration and poignant lyrics that celebrate the wonder of the Christmas season.
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It’s a Wonderful Christmas — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of hope and joy, featuring anthemic choruses that invite sing-alongs during holiday gatherings.
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What Child Is This — Smith's rendition of this classic carol showcases his vocal range and emotional depth, adding a contemporary touch to a beloved traditional hymn.
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Song for the King — This original composition combines rich harmonies with reflective lyrics, emphasizing the spiritual significance of Christmas amidst festive celebrations.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines original and traditional songs with strong arrangements but lacks significant long-term impact.
What we noticed
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional impact of the songs.
- The arrangement of 'What Child Is This' includes orchestral strings that elevate the classic carol into a contemporary setting.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 festive atmosphere throughout
- heartfelt melodies for gatherings
- warm moments for holiday reflection
- inviting sound for family time
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A solid holiday album that showcases his style but is not a primary entry point.
- Career context
- By 2007, Michael W. Smith was an established figure in contemporary Christian music, having released numerous successful albums since his debut in 1983. 'It's a Wonderful Christmas' arrived after his commercial peak in the late 1990s and early 2000s, marking a return to holiday-themed music following his previous Christmas album in 1998.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Amy Grant· Steven Curtis Chapman· Chris Tomlin
Tracklist
- 1 Christmas Angels Start here 3:50
- 2 It’s a Wonderful Christmas 5:05
- 3 The Promise 5:06
- 4 Song for the King 4:19
- 5 Christmas Day 3:21
- 6 A Highland Carol 2:19
- 7 Sing Noel, Sing Hallelujah 3:40
- 8 What Child Is This 2:52
- 9 Son of God 4:48
- 10 Audrey’s Gift 1:50
- 11 All Year Long 2:39
What to play next
A New Hallelujah
2008
Continues the uplifting spirit with a blend of worship and contemporary sounds.
Stand
2006
Sets the stage with a similar energy and themes of faith and hope.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Home for Christmas
Amy Grant
Combines original songs and traditional carols, evoking warmth and nostalgia of the holiday season.
Adore: Christmas Songs of Worship
Chris Tomlin
Merges contemporary worship with Christmas themes, fostering a spirit of celebration and reflection.
Peace on Earth
Casting Crowns
Blends heartfelt lyrics with a pop-rock sound, focusing on themes of hope and unity during the holidays.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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