Various Artists

Christmas: Joy To the World
Centricity Music

Centricity Music released “Christmas: Joy To the World” on Oct. 22, showcasing their artists, as well as featuring new music by two of their newest artists, Lauren Daigle and Jonny Diaz. Other artists contributing to the record are Andrew Peterson, Carrollton, Downhere, Jason Gray and Unspoken. Daigle adds two songs to the record, the original “Light of the World” and the traditional “The First Noel.” Diaz’s contribution is the new song “Asleep in the Hay.” Both artists have upcoming albums that will be released by Centricity in early 2014. Other new music on the record includes Peterson’s “Long, Long Ago” and Downhere’s “How Many Kings.” The remaining songs are excellent interpretations of traditional Christmas music.

While Christmas releases can often seem a little tired, Centricity Music and their fine artists have produced one of the freshest Christmas records I’ve heard this season. This one deserves a spot in your Christmas music rotation.