Joy (Steven Curtis Chapman album)

History

Released on October 16, 2012, Joy is Chapman's first release with Reunion Records. It is one of several Christmas albums that Chapman has done over the past few years. The album was produced by Chapman and Brent Milligan. The African Children's Choir performs on several tracks.

The cover album cover is intended to convey a 1950s styling that characterizes a number of the songs.

Music and lyrics

Seven of the album's 13 tracks are renderings of traditional Christmas carols such as "Joy to the World" and "We Three Kings" as well as popular modern Christmas songs such as "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" and "Do You Hear What I Hear?". Chapman employs a full range of orchestration and his "trademark acoustic/pop sound" on these songs, and shows his versatility for a variety of musical arrangements on his own original compositions, including a piano ballad, slow jazz tune, and 1950s-style rockabilly.

Critical reception

Joy received generally positive reviews from music critics. Worship Leader rated the album four-and-a-half stars and called it another classic. Brendan O'Regan of Cross Rhythms rated it eight out of ten, and stated that the songs had been given a "fresh and contemporary makeover". At Jesus Freak Hideout, Jen Rose rated it three-and-a-half stars, and wrote that it was "bright and fun and certainly lives up to its name". Jonathan Andre of Indie Vision Music, who rated the album three stars, said it was "one of [Chapman's] best", and at The Phantom Tollbooth, Michael Dalton rated it four stars, and called it "one of the best releases of the season". Joshua Andre of Christian Music Zine rated it 4.25 out of five, and wrote that it has "vulnerable, moving and pertinent songs". At CM Addict, Grace Thorson rated it four stars, and said it was "full of joy" for the holiday season.

Commercial performance

Joy was No. 185 on the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart for December 15, 2012, and reached No. 7 on the Christian Albums chart.

Personnel

Production