Michael Hughes Watson – Dayspring EP
Michael Hughes Watson is the former singer of the band Above the Golden State and Nations. With the song “The Haunting” being a personal favorite song of mine to come out of the “golden” era of Christian pop/rock, I’ve been excited to follow MHW’s solo career over the past few years. The Dayspring EP is only one week off the heels of a 10 track project called Life & Good | Death & Evil that is also worth checking out. With a few classics and an original quasi-Christmas song the heavy beats mixed with Watson’s angelic voice provide a really cohesive and aesthetic listen.
Tommee Profitt – The Birth Of A King
There’s been no shortage of excitement for this album among the JFH staff and readers. I’ve played this album (especially the fantastic rendition of “Go Tell It On The Mountain”) a few times since it came out earlier this year. It’s epic, accessible, and really intriguing. 17 cinematic tracks centered on the birth of Jesus with different singers from the music industry that come together with Profitt’s amazing production is quite an experience. Be sure to check out staff writer David Craft’s five star review posted on JFH and listen to the podcast episode where interview Tommee Profitt about this album.
Ubcmusic – Magnificat EP
A pre-Christmas EP inspired by the passage in Luke 1 before Jesus was born. These songs provide a perfect setting for the time right before the coming Christ. A feeling of anticipation permeates this EP with “Brightest” being a definite highlight (and also available as a free MP3 on our free indie download page). Also be on the lookout for a theologically rich and compelling conversation with lead singer Jameson McGregor on podcast episode #125 releasing this Wednesday – December 23, 2020.
The Sing Team – The Last Christmas On Earth EP
“A merry troupe of family and friends who are always ready to party to the glory of God.” That’s a quote from their bio and it very well describes what you get with The Last Christmas on Earth EP. With a couple re-recorded songs from 2010 and a few new tracks, this EP is fun, whimsical, and quite unique.
nobigdyl., DJ Mykael V – GIFT RAP
This is perhaps the least “Christmas-sounding” album present, only slightly below the Magnificat EP from Ubcmusic. Nobigdyl. captures this particular 2020 Christmas season with a lot of quarantine and covid references but also a nostalgic look at Christmases past. There’s a lot to unpack in this short tracklist but it’s definitely worth your time.
Flight Deck – Flight Deck the Halls EP
Two fun Christmas classics and an odd but beautiful rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” are all that comprise the Flight Deck the Halls EP, but it’s definitely worth your time to check out this year. It’s pop/rock-y in nature and might make you think of a more tame Relient K Christmas. Produced by one of JFH’s favorite producer, Adam Watts, this is a top notch production and sure to provide an enjoyable listen for all ages.
— Christopher Smith