Reviewed by Graeme Crawford

Christmas compilation albums generally fall into two categories: the traditional carols; or the usual commercial hits, such as Slade, Wizzard and Band Aid. BEC Recordings have produced a Christmas version of their popular X series to freshen up the crowded Yuletide market. Featuring the traditional (Sanctus Real - "Silent Night"), the original (Hawk Nelson - "Gloria") and the unusual (FM Static's reading of the old 4Him hit "Christmas Shoes"), it is an eclectic and fascinating listen. David Crowder gets all mariachi with "Feliz Navidad", August Burns Red give "Carol Of The Bells" a metallic makeover while Thousand Foot Krutch do "Jingle Bell Rock" as only they could. As interesting as it is, it is not necessarily an album that will stand up to repeated listens. Many will find themselves playing their favourite few tracks and ignoring the rest. Project 86 may well find themselves out in the cold with a very sludgy and uninspired "This Time Of The Year".

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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