Amy Grant's previous two holiday releases (1983's
Christmas Album and 1992's
Home for Christmas) focused on traditional tunes, so there was little for
Grant to do on her third holiday album but branch out.
A Christmas to Remember concentrates on contemporary and original songs -- "Christmas Can't Be Very Far Away," "'Til the Season Comes 'Round Again," "Christmas Lullaby (I Will Lead You Home)," "Mister Santa" (a rehash of "Mr. Sandman"), and "Welcome to Our World" -- and flirts with jazz and big band sounds. The few classics ("Agnus Dei," "Highland Cathedral," "Silent Night") sound a little clumsy when coupled with "Jingle Bell Rock," but
Grant's fans will be pleased with her conventional, amiable album. ~ Gina Boldman