The Heart of Christmas (album)

Background

The album released on October 4, 2011 by Sparrow Records, and it was produced by Brown Bannister along with Pete Kipley. This was the first Christmas album from Matthew West.

Music and lyrics

At CCM Magazine, Grace S. Aspinwall noted that the album has "just the right balance of big-band style holiday classics and well crafted modern songs." Stella Redburn of Cross Rhythms commented that West has a "strong but flexible voice that works well in these up-beat arrangements". At The Christian Music Review Blog, Jonathan Kemp was "captivated" by his voice. In addition, Allmusic's Jon O'Brien wrote that the release "justifies West's reputation as one of the most dependable voices in contemporary Christian pop."

Critical reception

The Heart of Christmas garnered critical acclaim from music critics. At CCM Magazine, Grace S. Aspinwall rated the album four stars, and called the album West has created a "stunning" Christmas album. Stella Redburn of Cross Rhythms rated the album eight out of ten squares, and said she would suggest it to a listener as a Christmas album that is eccentric. At Louder Than the Music, Rich Smith rated the album a perfect five stars, and commented that West has imbued the album with the correct Christmas spirit, which proclaimed was "fantastic." Jonathan Kemp of The Christian Music Review Blog rated the album four-and-a-half stars out of five, and evoked that West has made a great Christmas album unlike some artist. At Alpha Omega News, Tom Frigoli graded the album an A, and stated West really knows the meaning of this special time of year. Tyler Hess of Christian Music Zine rated the album three-and-a-half out of five stars, and alluded to how the album has a "few hints of spice and personality" that help distinguish it from the rest. However, Allmusic's Jon O'Brien rated it three stars, which was the only mixed review, and felt that with respect to the album it "doesn't exactly break any new ground, but it's a heart-warming affair".