Merry Christmas to You (Sidewalk Prophets album)

Last updated
Merry Christmas to You
Merry Christmas to You (Sidewalk Prophets album).jpg
Studio album by
Sidewalk Prophets
ReleasedSeptember 24, 2013 (2013-09-24)
Genre Contemporary Christian music, Christmas music
Length43:57
Label Fervent
Producer Casey Brown, Ian Eskelin, Jonathan Smith
Sidewalk Prophets chronology
Live Like That
(2012)		Merry Christmas to You
(2013)		 Something Different
(2015)

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.

Contents

Background

The album was released on September 24, 2013 by Fervent Records, and it was produced by Casey Brown, Ian Eskelin and Jonathan Smith. This was the band's first holiday album.

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
CCM Magazine Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [1]
Christian Music ReviewStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [2]
Christian Music ZineStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [3]
Indie Vision MusicStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [4]
Jesus Freak HideoutStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [5]
New Release TuesdayStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [6]

Merry Christmas to You garnered some mixed and positive reviews from music critics. At CCM Magazine , Grace S. Aspinwall rated the album three stars out of five, which she noted that the released comes "With a little more big-band flair, Sidewalk Prophets has put together a fun, entertaining ensemble of Christmas music." [1] Kevin Davis of New Release Tuesday rated the album three-and-a-half out of five stars, and stated that some of the Christmas hymns were done in a reverential way. [6] At Jesus Freak Hideout, Alex "Tincan" Caldwell rated the album three stars out of five, which he wrote that the album had some mistakes, yet noting the band put listeners into a good vibe with the music done with an emphasis on the holiday cheer. [5]

Jonathan Andre of Indie Vision Music rated the album three stars out of five, which he criticized the lack of spiritually relevant traditional Christmas songs offered on the album, however he alluded to how the album was fun and "heartfelt". [4] At Christian Music Review, Laura Chambers rated the album four stars out of five, which she alluded to how this was the kind of Christmas album listeners need, and not that "obnoxious[ly]" overplayed same Christmas carol on the radio. [2] In addition, Chambers liked the "non-message" material on the album. [2] Joshua Andre rated the album four-and-a-half out of five stars, and evoked that this was the most holistic holiday album of the year, which he declared was a "hit". [3]

Commercial performance

Merry Christmas to You reached No. 177 on the Billboard 200 album chart, and it was also No. 8 on Billboard's Christian Albums chart.

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."What a Glorious Night"Casey Brown, David Frey, Ben McDonald, Jonathan Smith5:04
2."White Christmas" (featuring Francesca Battistelli) Irving Berlin 3:31
3."Give Me Christmas" Dave Barnes, Frey, McDonald3:41
4."Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" Ralph Blane, Hugh Martin 4:25
5."Hey Moon"Frey, McDonald, Sam Mizell3:26
6."Merry Christmas to You"Frey, McDonald3:02
7."Holly Jolly Christmas" Johnny Marks 3:26
8."What Child Is This"Traditional3:20
9."That Spirit of Christmas"Parnell Davison, Mable John, Joel Webster4:23
10."Silent Night"Traditional3:35
11."Hope Was Born This Night"Frey, McDonald3:54
12."Because It's Christmas"Frey, McDonald3:10
Total length:43:57

Charts

Chart (2013)Peak position
US Billboard 200 [7] 177
US Christian Albums (Billboard) [8] 8

Related Research Articles

<i>Christmas in Diverse City</i> 2011 studio album by tobyMac

Christmas in Diverse City is TobyMac's first full-length Christmas album and fifth full-length studio album. It was released on October 4, 2011.

<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>The Upside of Down</i> (album) 2012 studio album by Chris August

The Upside of Down is the second studio album by contemporary Christian musician Chris August. It was released on August 21, 2012 through Fervent Records, and the album was produced by Chris August and Ian Eskelin. The album debuted at No. 101 on the Billboard 200 chart and at No. 3 on the Christian Albums chart. In addition, the lead single from the album "Center of It" has garnered chart 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>Christmas</i> (Francesca Battistelli album) 2012 studio album by Francesca Battistelli

Christmas is the first Christmas album by American contemporary Christian music artist Francesca Battistelli. The album is her third release with Fervent Records, and her fourth album overall including her first independent release. The album was produced by Ian Eskelin, and was released on October 16, 2012. The album charted in the Top Five on the Billboard Holiday Albums chart and has received critical acclaim.

<i>Only a Mountain</i> 2013 studio album by Jason Castro

Only a Mountain is the third studio album from contemporary Christian singer Jason Castro. It was released on January 15, 2013 via Word Records, and was the first record with that label alone without co-label partner Atlantic Records in tow. The album has already garnered acclaim from the critics and has already achieved success from the lead single "Only a Mountain" on the charts.

<i>The Acoustic Sessions: Volume One</i> 2013 studio album by Casting Crowns

The Acoustic Sessions: Volume One is a studio album by American contemporary Christian music band Casting Crowns of re-recorded, acoustic renditions of the band's songs that contains worship music elements. This album was released on January 22, 2013 through Beach Street and Reunion Records, and produced by Mark A. Miller. This album received mostly positive reviews from critics.

<i>1 Girl Nation</i> (album) 2013 studio album by 1GN

1 Girl Nation is the eponymous debut studio album by contemporary Christian music girl band 1GN, which was released on the Reunion Records label on August 20, 2013, and was produced by Casey Brown, Jason Ingram, Joshua Silverberg, Jonathan Smith, Jon White and Kipp Williams. The album has been met with commercial charting successes and positive criticism.

<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>The Heart of Christmas</i> (album) 2011 studio album by Matthew West

The Heart of Christmas is the first holiday studio album by Christian contemporary/pop-rock musician Matthew West. It was released on October 4, 2011 through Sparrow Records. The album was produced by Brown Bannister and Pete Kipley. The album has achieved commercial charting successes, as well as, it has garnered critical acclamation.

<i>Glory</i> (Kutless album) 2014 studio album by Kutless

Glory is the eighth studio album from Christian rock band Kutless, and the album released on February 11, 2014 by BEC Recordings. It is the band's final album with long-time rhythm guitarist Nick DePartee, as well as their only album with drummer Kyle Peek.. The producers on the album were Ian Eskelin and Dave Lubben. This album received generally positive reception from 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>If Were Honest</i> 2014 studio album by Francesca Battistelli

If We're Honest is the third studio album by American Christian singer and songwriter Francesca Battistelli that was released on April 22, 2014 by Word Entertainment and Fervent Records. The lead single from the album was "Write Your Story", which was released before the album on January 3, 2014 to radio and on January 14, 2014 as a commercially available single for download.

<i>All This for a King: The Essential Collection</i> 2013 compilation album by David Crowder Band

All This for a King: The Essential Collection is the only compilation album and greatest hits and twelfth and final album overall by contemporary Christian music group the David Crowder Band, released on May 21, 2013 by sixstepsrecords. The album was produced by the band. This album received critical acclamation and commercial viability.

<i>Casey Darnell</i> (album) 2013 studio album by Casey Darnell

Casey Darnell is the eponymously titled second studio album by Christian singer-songwriter Casey Darnell. It was released on November 12, 2013, by North Point Music. The producer on the album was Ian Eskelin. This album saw commercial charting success and positive critical response.

<i>City Harbor</i> (album) 2014 studio album by City Harbor

City Harbor is the eponymously titled debut studio album by contemporary Christian music duo City Harbor, released on February 4, 2014 by Sparrow Records. The producers are Matt Bronleewe, David Garcia, Ben Glover. This album has attained positive reception by music critics and commercial successes.

<i>What We Stand For</i> 2014 studio album by The Museum

What We Stand For is the third studio album by American Christian music band The Museum. The album released on May 6, 2014 by BEC Recordings.

<i>Something Different</i> (Sidewalk Prophets album) 2015 studio album by Sidewalk Prophets

Something Different is the third studio album by Sidewalk Prophets. Fervent Records alongside Word Records released the album on August 28, 2015. Sidewalk Prophets worked with Seth Mosley, in the production of this album.

<i>Forever Reign</i> (One Sonic Society album) 2012 studio album by One Sonic Society

Forever Reign is first studio album by One Sonic Society. Essential Worship Records released the album on 17 January 2012. One Sonic Society worked with Matt Bronleewe, in the production of this album.

<i>Into the Silent Night: The EP</i> 2013 EP by for King & Country

Into the Silent Night: The EP is a Christmas extended play from Australian Christian pop duo for King & Country. Fervent Records released the EP on 22 October 2013.

References

  1. 1 2 Aspinwall, Grace S. (December 1, 2013). "Sidewalk Prophets: 'Merry Christmas To You', (Fervent Records)" (PDF). CCM Magazine . Salem Publishing. p. 74. ISSN   1524-7848 . Retrieved November 28, 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 Chambers, Laura (October 27, 2013). "Sidewalk Prophets "Merry Christmas To You"". Christian Music Review. Retrieved December 10, 2013.
  3. 1 2 Andre, Joshua (December 3, 2013). "Sidewalk Prophets – Merry Christmas To You (Review)". Christian Music Zine. Retrieved December 10, 2013.
  4. 1 2 Andre, Jonathan (October 12, 2013). "Sidewalk Prophets – Merry Christmas To You | Reviews". Indie Vision Music. Retrieved December 10, 2013.
  5. 1 2 Caldwell, Alex "Tincan" (December 4, 2013). "Sidewalk Prophets, "Merry Christmas To You" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved December 10, 2013.
  6. 1 2 Davis, Kevin (November 22, 2013). "What Christmas is all about". New Release Tuesday. Retrieved December 10, 2013.
  7. ↑ "Sidewalk Prophets Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved December 10, 2013.
  8. ↑ "Sidewalk Prophets Chart History (Christian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved December 10, 2013.
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.