Rose of Bethlehem cover

Rose of Bethlehem

Selah · 2002

42 min · 10 tracks · contemporary Christian music

A harmonious blend of traditional carols and original compositions that evoke the warmth of the Christmas season.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    O Come, O Come Emmanuel — This track stands out for its hauntingly beautiful arrangement that captures the longing and anticipation of the Advent season, showcasing Selah’s vocal harmonies at their best.
  • →
    What Child Is This — With its poignant arrangement, this rendition invites listeners to reflect on the mystery and significance of Christ's birth, enhanced by Selah's rich vocal delivery.
  • →
    O Holy Night — This powerful interpretation elevates the emotional depth of the classic carol, allowing for a stirring vocal performance that resonates with the themes of hope and redemption.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100
Foothills
Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album effectively blends traditional and original pieces, showcasing strong vocal harmonies and smooth transitions.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a traditional carol, 'Silent Night', and maintains a balance of classic hymns and original songs throughout its ten tracks.
  • Each track features rich vocal harmonies, often layering multiple voices to create a fuller sound.
  • Several tracks incorporate instrumental interludes that transition smoothly between songs, enhancing the overall flow of the album.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Silent Night 4:20
  • 2 O Come, O Come Emmanuel 4:49
  • 3 Light Of The Stable 3:21
  • 4 Once Upon A Christmas 4:50
  • 5 What Child Is This 5:50
  • 6 Joy 3:53
  • 7 Noel 1:47
  • 8 O Holy Night 4:42
  • 9 Mystery 4:51
  • 10 Rose of Bethlehem 4:07

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata