Selah Releases New Christmas Album Titled Hope of Christmas

The Story Behind Selah's New Christmas Album

The vocal trio Selah has released a new Christmas album for 2022 titled Hope of Christmas. This marks the group's first holiday record in six years. Let's take a look at the story behind this album and what fans can expect.

Selah's Christmas Music History

Over their 25-year career, Selah has become known for their inspirational recordings and Christmas albums. Some of their most beloved Yuletide releases include Be Still My Soul (1999), Glory Bound (2000), and You Deliver Me (2008). They have brought their smooth harmonies and reverent arrangements to classic carols and new holiday songs alike.

In 2016, Selah released their last Christmas collection Unto Us. It featured hymns and original numbers that reflected on the meaning of Christmas. That album landed at #3 on Billboard's Christmas charts. It left fans eager for more festive music from this talented group.

The Making of the New Album

Work on Hope of Christmas started over a year ago in 2021. Selah's three members - Todd Smith, Allan Hall, and Nicol Smith - began brainstorming concepts for the album. They wanted to capture the warmth, comfort, and joy of the Christmas season.

The global events of recent years provided inspiration. Nicol Smith explained, "Coming out of a couple very difficult years, we recognize the hopelessness so many feel and wanted to provide encouragement through this music." The album ultimately centered around offering hope amid troubled times.

Finding the Right Mix of Songs

Selah brought together a thoughtful song list for Hope of Christmas. It blends newly-penned holiday tunes with fresh renditions of Christmas classics. Todd Smith noted, "We try to choose songs that will resonate differently with listeners."

With Nicol Smith also serving as the album's producer, the trio carefully crafted each track. Their signature harmonies shine on both upbeat celebrations of the season like "Sleigh Ride" and more reverent cuts like "O Holy Night." Heartfelt originals such as "Hope of Christmas" and "This Tiny Miracle" are highlights as well.

Early Praise for the Album

Though just released in October 2022, Hope of Christmas is already garnering rave reviews. The collection is being praised for its hopeful themes and Selah's outstanding vocals. One review declared it "holiday comfort food for the soul."

Another reviewer remarked, "Their magical harmonies and moving song choices will make you believe in the promise of Christmas again." It's clear this new album is resonating strongly with Christmas music fans.

The Songs and Sounds of Hope of Christmas

From soothing balladry to exuberant caroling, Hope of Christmas shows Selah's versatility. Let's spotlight a few of the songs that make this album so special.

Hope of Christmas

The album's title track sets the tone with its inspiring message about finding light even in hard times. Nicol Smith's uplifting lyrics combined with Selah's glorious vocals make "Hope of Christmas" an instant classic original holiday song.

O Holy Night

Selah transforms this beloved carol into a reverent choral masterpiece. Their angelic harmonies crescendo into a rapturous climax. It's a goosebump-inducing take on a Christmas standard.

Carol of the Bells

One of the most unique arrangements goes to "Carol of the Bells." Starting a cappella, Selah slowly layers in chiming percussion and ethereal atmospherics. It's a mystical, haunting adaptation made for winter nights.

Wonderful Christmas Time

For a taste of festive pop, look no further than Selah's cover of the Paul McCartney holiday classic. Their lively rendition captures all the bubbly Christmas cheer of the original. The upbeat tempo is irresistible.

Selah's Hope for the Holiday Season

With exquisite songcraft and moving messages, Hope of Christmas feels like a musical balm after recent hard times. In the final song “This Tiny Miracle,” Selah beautifully expresses their hope for the holidays:

"No matter how far you feel from the light, no matter how cold or dark the night, there's hope in this tiny miracle."

That sense of hope and comfort is what Selah wanted to bring listeners this Christmas season. As Todd Smith reflected, "If this music can give people hope and bring them joy, our work is done."

FAQs

What is Selah's new Christmas album called?

Selah's latest Christmas album is titled Hope of Christmas. It was released in October 2022.

What was Selah's inspiration for the album?

Coming out of recent difficult years, Selah wanted the album to offer encouragement and hope through its music and messages. The themes center around finding light even in troubled times.

How would you describe Selah's sound?

Selah is known for their smooth harmonies and ability to adapt their vocals across musical styles. Hope of Christmas incorporates their signature reverent hymns as well as cheerful holiday pop tunes.

Does the album contain new songs?

Yes, along with classic Christmas songs, Hope of Christmas features original compositions written by Selah's Nicol Smith. These include the title track and "This Tiny Miracle."

What are critics saying about the album?

Early reviews praise the album for its heartfelt themes, inspiring messages, and Selah's outstanding harmonies. It is being called musical comfort food for the holiday season.