Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Repackaging back catalogue into box sets has become a standard procedure with many record companies these days and now the one-time queen of CCM is given the repackage treatment. Considering the title though, Amy's legion of fans may be surprised and possibly disappointed to find that this doesn't bring together Amy's three Christmas albums. Although this box set does offer 1999's 'A Christmas To Remember' one will look in vain for the other two (1983's 'A Christmas Album' and 1993's 'Home For Christmas'), instead we are offered 2002's 'Legacy. . . Hymns & Faith' and 2007's 'Greatest Hits'. The latter compilation to my ears features too many tracks from her 1991 megahit 'Heart In Motion' though it's great to hear "El Shaddai" and "In A Little While" from her breakthrough 'Age To Age' album. The 'Legacy' album was a little bit underwhelming and although her renditions of "Softly And Tenderly" and "I Need Thee Every Hour/Nothing But The Blood" are competent country pop hymnody in truth there are better versions of the evergreens from the country hymnals on other CDs. 'A Christmas To Remember' is of rather mixed quality too. On the plus side there is a beautiful version of "Silent Night" and a striking classical arrangement of Michael W Smith's "Agnus Dei" while on the minus side Amy's renditions of "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Mister Santa" are best forgotten. Still, at a bargain price of £13.99 this will no doubt find its way into quite a few Christmas stockings.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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