Our Review
Simple, classic, beautiful! Emily Johnson's Songs of Joy and Peace is the perfect remedy for your holiday headaches. With Christmas just around the corner, my reviewing season is drawing to a close. It seems most appropriate to end with a sweet, basic offering like this one.
Johnson is a talented singer, and her vocals exude a pure innocence, welcoming warmth, and genuine sincerity. She sings in the alto range, so there's nothing sharp or shrill about her presentation. Her album creates blissful, hot-cocoa moments of contemplation and, well, joy and peace. Not surprising, the tempo tends to be thoughtful and reverential. The synthesized accompaniment is low-key and appropriate, providing helpful support without crowding Johnson's clean vocals.
As for song selection, these are all old friends--the beloved carols from your childhood. With the exception of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, the tunes are ancient classics. Each number tends to be quite well-developed; Johnson takes her time when telling these cherished stories. I particularly enjoyed her emotive interpretation of Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel and the opening Oh Come All Ye Faithful, which radiates faith with stylings that are both delicate and exuberant. On the latter piece, her a cappella bars near the end are particularly effective.
Hoping for straightforward renditions of sacred favorites? Look no further! Emily Johnson's Songs of Joy and Peace will warm your heart and hearth this Christmas season.
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2009)
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From the liner notes:
Produced by Hyman Stansky
Arranged and Orchestrated by Hyman Stansky
Engineered by Sal Salvador Jr.
Recorded, Mixed and Mastered at HarborHouseStudios.com
From the artist's Website:
Emily is a worship leader, and songwriter from Southwestern Oklahoma. She began her rich history of music at a young age, playing the piano and singing by eight years old, then she continued to follow her desire and pursued her love for music.
She is now a worship leader at The Christian Center, in Lawton Oklahoma, under the leadership of Pastor Paul Craig.
Emily also travels and ministers all over the United Stated leading worship for thousands, she has been involved with missions in Mexico and Africa.
Emily has been called by many a gifted singer, songwriter, worship leader, and speaker. This gift is evident with her passionate approach in worshiping God, teaching others the importance and history of worship, and helping people draw closer and connect with Him using music as a tool.
Emily Johnson
Songs of Joy and Peace
Artist link
Label: Emily Johnson Music
Length: 43 minutes
Genre: New Age
Release: 2009
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| Oh Come All Ye Faithful |
| Away in a Manger |
| Oh Holy Night |
| The First Noel |
| Silent Night |
| What Child Is This |
| Oh Little Town of Bethlehem |
| God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen |
| Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel |
| Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas |