An eagerly awaited spirited album of Christmas favourites and original Christmas songs from one of Christmas’s hit artists.

Matthew West is a four-time Grammy award nominee with multiple Christian music Songwriter/Artist of the Year and Dove Awards. He has also been awarded an American Music Award, a Billboard Music Award, and named Billboard’s Hot Christian Songwriter of the Year (2016). West received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Original Music & Lyrics for “The Heart of Christmas” from the film of the same name.

Returning with his second full length Christmas album, Matthew West is back with five brand new songs and some of his biggest Christmas hits in his 2016 Christmas album ‘Unto Us’. Featuring the hit radio singles “A Christmas to Believe In,” “The Heart of Christmas” & “One Last Christmas” this collection of songs will help you get in the spirit and is a reminder of God’s love and faithfulness; the true reason for the season.

The album also features five Yuletide favourites, including a memorably jazzy “Jingle Bells”, but the value here is definitely in the new original songs. The title track is a worshipful anthem that opens the set, while “The Heart of Christmas” is a warm, positive song that reminds the listener to cherish every moment. “Join the Angels” is a spirited sing-along that will be a favourite for many with its slight gospel flavour.

“Unto Us” is the second foray into the festive market for West and many have been waiting for it. In 2011, he released “The Heart of Christmas,” which gave him his debut Christmas #1 single “Give This Christmas Away,” a duet with Amy Grant.

“Unto Us” is a great collection but unfortunately is not a completely brand new album of 10 new songs for those who are already on the West bandwagon.  Only the first half of the album is new and the remaining five songs are taken directly from West’s first Christmas release.  These songs still round out the album nicely but do leave the listener hoping for more of the new stuff in the future.

A great album from one of Christmas’s perennial artists.

My Must Hear: ‘Unto Us’ – Matthew West

To purchase this album: Australian iTunes

For more of Matthew West: http://matthewwest.com/