Christmas in Diverse City

Last updated

Christmas in Diverse City
Christmas in Diverse City.png
Studio album by
tobyMac
ReleasedOctober 4, 2011
Recorded2011
Genre Christian hip hop, Christmas music, R&B, CCM
Length48:14
Label ForeFront
TobyMac chronology
Tonight
(2010)		Christmas in Diverse City
(2011)		 Dubbed and Freq'd: A Remix Project
(2012)

Christmas in Diverse City is TobyMac's first full-length Christmas album as well as his fifth studio album. It was released on October 4, 2011. [1]

Contents

A re-release of the album, excluding a few tracks and including two new tracks 'Bring On The Holidays' and 'Can't Wait For Christmas' featuring Relient K was released in 2017 under the name 'Light Of Christmas'.

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [2]
CCM Magazine Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [3]
The Christian ManifestoStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [4]
Christian Music ZineStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [5]
Cross Rhythms Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [6]
Jesus Freak HideoutStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [7]
Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [8]
Louder Than the MusicStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg [9]
New Release TuesdayStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [10]
The Phantom TollboothStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [11]

Christmas in Diverse City garnered a positive reception from music critics. At CCM Magazine , Grace S. Aspinwall rated the album four stars and called the album "a fun-filled romp through holiday magic." [3] Lins Honeyman of Cross Rhythms rated the album seven out of ten and said that the release was "undeniably accomplished", noting that some listeners may not like the part-time performance by the artist. [6] At Allmusic, Steve Leggett rated the album four stars and said that the artist was "doing what he does best, mixing rock, pop, soul, hip-hop, and urban sounds into memorable songs with an edgy but positive spirit" of the holidays. [2] Sarah Fine of New Release Tuesday rated the release four-and-a-half stars and affirmed the album to be "the most creative" of the holiday season. [10] At Christian Music Zine, Tyler Hess rated the album the same as Fine, writing that even though the artist steps back on the project the release is still a worthy one. [5]

Jono Davies of Louder Than the Music rated the album a perfect five stars and highlighted how TobyMac put his own spin on the festive songs that are going to be played at holiday gathering near and far. [9] At The Christian Manifesto, Calvin Moore rated the album three-and-a-half stars, affirming the album as "an acquired taste." [4] Jamie Lee Rake of The Phantom Tollbooth rated the album the same as Moore, and felt that the effort "doesn't disappoint". [11] However, Ryan Barbee and Roger Gelwicks of Jesus Freak Hideout were mixed toward the album, both rating it three stars and Barbee said the album "cannot be easily dismissed nor easily accepted." [7] Gelwicks stated that "Pairing Christmas spirit and TobyMac's musical genius could have been a classic combination, but the outcome seems to prove otherwise. To be fair, Christmas In Diverse City does more right things than not, but given Toby's pedigree of inventive composition and pleasurable atmosphere, the middle-of-the-road result is disheartening overall." [8]

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Diverse City band member who created workLength
1."Christmas This Year" (featuring Leigh Nash) Cary Barlowe, Jesse Frasure, Toby McKeehan  3:31
2."The First Noel" (featuring Owl City)Traditional 3:32
3."Mary's Boy Child" (featuring Jamie Grace)Jester Hairston 2:35
4."O Come All Ye Faithful"Traditional 3:54
5."Little Drummer Boy"Katherine K. Davis, Henry Onorati, Harry Simeone 3:37
6."This Christmas (Father of the Fatherless)" (featuring Nirva Ready)Randy Crawford, McKeehan, Jeff Savage 3:01
7."Carol of the Kings" (featuring Gabe Real & Liquid)Michael Allen, Victor Oquendo, Traditional DJ Maj 3:56
8."Birth of Love"Benjamin Crespo, Brian Haley, Sarai SiddiquiSuperHErose4:17
9."What Child Is This?"TraditionalArch Nemesiz2:45
10."It Snowed"Tim RosenauTim Rosenau4:14
11."Angels We Have Heard on High"TraditionalNirva Ready4:40
12."Santa'scomin'baka'round!"Derrick "D.O.A." Allen, Todde Lawton, Doug Lovelacetoddiefunk3:51
13."Christmas Time"Byron Chambers, Tamara Chambers, Ivan SantiagoByron "Mr. Talkbox" Chambers4:29
Total length:41:58

Charts

Chart (2011)Peak
position
US Billboard 200 [12] 84
US Top Catalog Albums (Billboard) [13] 16
US Christian Albums (Billboard) [14] 6
US Top Holiday Albums (Billboard) [15] 2

Related Research Articles

<i>Closer</i> (Shawn McDonald album) 2011 studio album by Shawn McDonald

Closer is the fourth studio album by American Christian singer-songwriter Shawn McDonald. The album was released on March 22, 2011 by Sparrow Records, and was produced by Christopher Stevens. The album saw commercial success and positive reception.

<i>The Hurt & the Healer</i> 2012 studio album by MercyMe

The Hurt & the Healer is the seventh studio album by American contemporary Christian music band MercyMe. Released on May 22, 2012, the album was about the season that the band is currently in at the time of composing the music. Produced by Brown Bannister and Dan Muckala, the album met with positive critical and commercial reception. The album sold over 33,000 copies its first week and debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 and at No. 1 on the Christian Albums chart. This is also their first album release without keyboardist and group co-founder Jim Bryson.

<i>Eye on It</i> 2012 studio album by TobyMac

Eye on It is the sixth studio album by TobyMac, released on August 28, 2012. A deluxe version of the album was also released. The album experiments more with electronic music, primarily dubstep. "Me Without You" was released as the first single from the album on June 12, 2012. The album won Best Contemporary Christian Music Album at the 2013 Grammy Awards.

<i>Light Up the Sky</i> (album) 2010 studio album by The Afters

Light Up the Sky is the third studio album and fourth album overall from contemporary Christian music band The Afters, which the producer on the album is Dan Muckala, and was released on September 14, 2010, by INO Records. This album has seen some commercial and critical success.

<i>Zion</i> (Hillsong United album) 2013 studio album by Hillsong United

Zion is the third studio album by Australian contemporary worship music band Hillsong United. It was released on 22 February 2013 for Australia, and was released by 26 February 2013 internationally, under Hillsong Music and Sparrow Records. Production for the album began in March 2011 in Sydney, Australia. Michael Guy Chislett and band member Joel Houston oversaw production of the album, with the latter serving as executive producer.

<i>Kings & Queens</i> (Audio Adrenaline album) 2013 studio album by Audio Adrenaline

Kings & Queens is the ninth studio album by Christian rock band Audio Adrenaline, the only Audio Adrenaline album with Kevin Max as the lead singer and the last album with bassist and founding member Will McGinniss. The album was released on March 12, 2013, and was the first album after their comeback and with the Fair Trade Services label. Kings & Queens garnered critical acclaim from music critics, and has seen chart successes.

<i>Fading West</i> 2014 studio album by Switchfoot

Fading West is the ninth studio album by the American alternative rock band Switchfoot, released on January 14, 2014 through Atlantic. The album was promoted by four singles: "Who We Are" and "Love Alone Is Worth the Fight", released in September 2013, "Let It Out" released in February 2014, and "When We Come Alive", released in May 2014.

<i>Live</i> (All Sons & Daughters album) 2013 live album by All Sons & Daughters

Live is the first live album by duo All Sons & Daughters, released on April 23, 2013 by Integrity Music. The album was produced with One Sonic Society member Paul Mabury.

<i>Radiate</i> (album) 2013 studio album by Tricia

Radiate is the second studio album by American contemporary Christian musician Tricia, released on August 13, 2013 by Inpop Records. The album has seen commercial charting success, as well as, positive critical attention.

<i>Royal Tailor</i> (album) 2013 studio album by Royal Tailor

Royal Tailor is the eponymously named second and final studio album from Christian pop rock band Royal Tailor. It was released on October 22, 2013 by Essential Records, and was produced by Chuck Butler, Aaron Lindsey and Christopher Stevens. The album was well received by Christian music critics, and is Royal Tailor's highest charting release to date.

<i>Ready to Fly</i> (Jamie Grace album) 2014 studio album by Jamie Grace

Ready to Fly is the second studio album by Christian singer Jamie Grace, released on January 28, 2014 on the Gotee Records label. The album was produced by Chuck Butler, David Garcia and Christopher Stevens.

<i>Christmas Is Here</i> (Brandon Heath album) 2013 studio album by Brandon Heath

Christmas Is Here is a holiday studio album from Christian Contemporary Christian musician Brandon Heath, released on October 15, 2013 by Reunion Records and produced by Ben Shive. The album achieved commercial success and critical acclaim.

<i>Merry Christmas to You</i> (Sidewalk Prophets album) 2013 studio album by Sidewalk Prophets

Merry Christmas to You is a holiday studio album by American contemporary Christian music band Sidewalk Prophets, which was released by Fervent Records on September 24, 2013, and it was produced by Casey Brown, Ian Eskelin and Jonathan Smith. The album has seen commercial charting successes, as well as, it garnered some positive to mixed critical attention.

<i>Songs for Christmas</i> (Phil Wickham album) 2010 studio album by Phil Wickham

Songs for Christmas was the first holiday studio album from contemporary worship musician Phil Wickham, and the album released on October 28, 2010 by INO Records. The album has seen commercial charting success, as well as, it has garnered critical acclamation from music critics.

<i>Oh for Joy</i> 2011 studio album by David Crowder Band

Oh for Joy is the first holiday studio album and tenth album overall from Christian rock group David Crowder Band, and was produced by the band as well. The album was released on October 4, 2011 by sixstepsrecords, and has attracted generally positive critical attention.

<i>Borderland</i> (John Mark McMillan album) 2014 studio album by John Mark McMillan

Borderland is the fourth album by Christian singer and songwriter John Mark McMillan, and it released on March 4, 2014 by Lionhawk Records, which is his own newly established label. The album charted at No. 41 on the Billboard 200, and it got positive reviews from HM, three from Jesus Freak Hideout, New Release Tuesday and Worship Leader, which it got one mixed review from CCM Magazine.

<i>The Maker</i> (Chris August album) 2015 studio album by Chris August

The Maker is the third studio album by Chris August. Fervent Records alongside Word Records released the album on April 7, 2015.

<i>Only You</i> (Karyn Williams album) 2012 studio album by Karyn Williams

Only You is the first studio album from Karyn Williams. Inpop Records released the album on August 28, 2012.

<i>The Burning Edge of Dawn</i> 2015 studio album by Andrew Peterson

The Burning Edge of Dawn is the eleventh studio album by Andrew Peterson. Centricity Music released the album on October 9, 2015. Peterson worked with Gabe Scott, in the production of this album.

<i>When Christmas Comes</i> (album) 2014 studio album by Kim Walker-Smith

When Christmas Comes is a Christmas album from Kim Walker-Smith. Jesus Culture Music released the album on November 4, 2014. She worked with Jeremy Edwardson, in the production of this album.

References

  1. ↑ "Christmas in DiverseCity Track Listing". TobyMac. August 25, 2011. Archived from the original on May 19, 2015. Retrieved November 11, 2011.
  2. 1 2 Leggett, Steve (October 4, 2011). "Christmas in DiverseCity - tobyMac". Allmusic. Retrieved December 15, 2013.
  3. 1 2 Aspinwall, Grace S. (December 1, 2011). "tobyMAC: Christmas in Diverse City (ForeFront Records)". CCM Magazine. p. 32. Archived from the original on December 15, 2013. Retrieved December 15, 2013.
  4. 1 2 Moore, Calvin (December 5, 2011). "TobyMac | Christmas in Diverse City". The Christian Manifesto. Archived from the original on December 16, 2013. Retrieved December 15, 2013.
  5. 1 2 Hess, Tyler (October 4, 2011). "Tobymac – Christmas In Diverse City (Review)". Christian Music Zine. Retrieved December 15, 2013.
  6. 1 2 Honeyman, Lins (October 24, 2013). "Review: Christmas In Diverse City - TobyMac". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved December 15, 2013.
  7. 1 2 Barbee, Ryan (October 3, 2011). "TobyMac, "Christmas In Diverse City" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved December 15, 2013.
  8. 1 2 Gelwicks, Roger (October 2, 2011). "TobyMac, "Christmas In Diverse City" Review: Second Staff Opinion". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved December 15, 2013.
  9. 1 2 Davies, Jono (October 14, 2011). "Reviews - TobyMac - Christmas In Diverse City". Louder Than the Music. Retrieved December 15, 2013.
  10. 1 2 Fine, Sarah (October 11, 2011). "Christmas is delightfully different here". New Release Tuesday. Retrieved December 15, 2013.
  11. 1 2 Rake, Jamie Lee (November 30, 2011). "Toby Mac - Christmas In Diverse City". The Phantom Tollbooth. Retrieved December 15, 2013.
  12. ↑ "tobyMac Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved July 9, 2016.
  13. ↑ "tobyMac Chart History (Top Catalog Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved July 9, 2016.
  14. ↑ "tobyMac Chart History (Christian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved July 9, 2016.
  15. ↑ "tobyMac Chart History (Holiday Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved July 9, 2016.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.