Craig & Christian Music

Everyone has there own list of classic Christmas albums.  For me, these are the ones that have stood the test of time and bring back all kinds of warm fuzzies at Christmas time.  As you can tell, my favorite Christmas song is O Holy Night and I prefer classy orchestrated yuletide offerings over folky ruminations of the season.  I've separated the Christian Classics from the Mainstream mainstays mainly because I like them for different reasons and since this is a CCM blog, I felt I needed to made a differentiation. Most importantly though, may the music recommended here point you to The One who this season is for: Jesus Christ Our LORD! Christian Classics: 1. Amy Grant- Home For Christmas/ A Christmas Album   When I was a kid, we had both of these albums recorded to one of those 80 minute cassette tapes (one album on each side) so in my mind, these two Amy Grant classics go together- I can't think of one without the other.   Ho...

With so many "Holiday" albums being released each and every year, its hard to figure out which ones are worth your time.  We can only take so many versions of "Silent Night" or "Let It Snow" so what makes a good Christmas Album is unique song selection, creative arrangements of old chestnuts and quality new compositions.  Below are my lists of the best Christmas releases of 2012: 1. Francesca Battistelli- Christmas Best Original Songs: Heaven Everywhere, You're Here, December 25, Christmas Is Best Cover Songs: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Marshmallow World Synopsis: I think the original songs are the best part of this CD (which is rare for holiday albums) and I am sure we will be hearing these for a while.  This one is worth buying the physical CD because the album packaging includes holiday stories, baking recipes, and cool pictures :)  Like Amy Grant's Home For Christmas , this is an album you will find yourself returning to ...

Check out my lists of the best Christmas radio singles in Christian Music both for this year and for all time!  I'm sure I left out a TON of great Christmas Songs by Christian Artists so feel free to add your suggestions in the comments sections below.  Happy Listening and Merry Christmas! Best of 2012: 1. Francesca Battistelli- Heaven Everywhere 2. Mandisa- It's Christmas 3. Steven Curtis Chapman- Christmas Time Again 4. Dara MacLean- Bethlehem Skies 5. For King & Country- Baby Boy  6. Anthem Lights- All I Want For Christmas is You 7. Josh Wilson- Once a Year  8. Kari Jobe- When Hope Came Down 9. Jason Gray- Christmas is Coming 10. Jeremy Camp- Joy to the World 11. Amanda Noelle featuring Anthem Lights- Hark the Herald Angels Sing 12. Sidewalk Prophets- Because Its Christmas  13. Francesca Battistelli- Christmas Is 14. Mandisa- Somebody's Angel 15. Matthew West- Come On Christmas 16. Sanctus Real- Sh...

In Christian Music there artists that are stars, those on the verge of stardom, those only a few know about, and then those that are on their way up.  Today's blog focuses on Christian Music's Up & Coming Artists.  They've only released a couple of albums and had a few hit singles but they are already beginning to make their mark on the industry.  Each has their own unique style and ministry and is reaching their own corner of the world for Christ.  Be sure to check out these great artists if you haven't heard of them already.  In a few years these guys may run the business... 1. Britt Nicole With 1 successful headlining tour, 2 #1 albums, 3 #1 singles and 4 more top 10 hits, Britt is well on her way to becoming a household name in CCM.  After establishing her presence with her sophomore album The Lost Get Found , she broke through in a big way with her recently released CD Gold .  With the right balance of mainstream friendly da...