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Produced by: Stephen Hill and Woody Wright
Website: http://www.woodywright.net http://www.stephenhillmusic.com

“The Spirit of Christmas” kicks off with a song that sounds as if the whole Gaither clan is singing along. “A Time for Joy” features both Stephen and Woody and is a good example of what the entire album is about. I’m sure it goes over well during their “Spirit of Christmas” tour. With a similar feel, Stephen sings, “Look Who Just checked in.” Though not my favorite song on the record, it does have a way of getting stuck in your head. The project takes a more traditional turn with what the boys call the “O Little Hark Medley.” A combination of “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and “Hark the Herald Angels sing,” this WAS one of my favorites.

“Come and See What’s Happening in the Barn” is a driving country tune telling the story of the birth of Christ from the Inn Keeper’s perspective. As a songwriter myself, I appreciated the different point of view of this song. “Christmas in the Country” was another homecoming feeling tune. Then a version of “Silent Night” that I’m sure you’ve never heard before. In my opinion it was the highlight of the project. Though now an up tempo song, it didn’t seem to lose the song’s intimate feel. The album’s title cut, “Spirit of Christmas” was sweet, and “Go tell it on the Mountain” was enjoyable. The album continues with “Listen to the Angels Singing“ which I felt was also one of the strongest on the record. I liked the vocal production on this one. The boys leave us with “Five Little Fingers,” a sweet little tune about baby Jesus.

This record was obviously a lot of fun for Stephen and Woody. I’m sure audiences across the nation enjoy their Christmas tour. The album’s overall down home country feel is what gives it its charm. Though these guys are known more for their producing or songwriting skills than vocals, Stephen Hill at moments reminds me of the mainstream country artist, Vince Gill or perhaps Ronnie Booth of the Booth Brothers. The song choices were definitely well focused stylistically, however at times musically bland. Not that the music itself was played poorly, but it went beyond continuity to sameness for me. In other words, I found myself getting bored and skipping ahead a lot. It is a very laid back album, but I think it’s something that families will enjoy putting in while decorating the Christmas tree or wrapping presents. Stephen and Woody seemed to capture the feeling of family and tuck it between the notes of the songs on this record.

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