A Timeless Christmas (Israel & New Breed)
Integrity Gospel

October 2006 on BlackGospel.com - Review by Natalie Campbell

It’s beginning to sound a lot like Christmas, certainly with the introduction of A Timeless Christmas, a Christ-centered contemporary vocal/musical compilation that has uniquely captivated the essence of the upcoming festive season by adding new twists and fresh turns to familiar songs, while drawing emphasis and emotion to the true spirit of the holidays. New Breed, lead by its director and spiritual leader, Israel Houghton, is heard caroling throughout this musical mélange with delightful contributions from other spiritual titans like CeCe & Pastor Marvin Winans; as well as Israel’s children, Mariah and Israel Duncan and many others.

Once you’ve plugged into the album, which is interspersed with yuletide interludes, you’re guaranteed to be humming along with each emotive carol. Each track will intensify the anticipation of the holy holidays with its rich and radiant interpretation of the familiar hymns. The CD that made its debut on September 26^th is comprised of 15 sacred songs.  Some of the traditional psalms take on a newfangled flavour that initially sounds very little like conventional versions and more like Kingdom music he’s earned a reputation for in recent years. There are varying toe-tapping beats that are reminiscent of the 80s as in O Come. Another sacred selection, Silent Nocturne or more commonly known as Silent Night, starts out with a sultry jazz feel that showcases musicality and a spirit that is anointed by the hand of God. The vocal arrangement on this beloved track is understated yet so entrancing, you’re likely to lip-sing this song from beginning to end.

Self-evident is the fact that Israel & New Breed is a multiple award winning ministry.  And it’s easy to discern why after a couple of spins of A Timeless Christmas. Musically speaking, it is anomalously a cut above. The musical sophistication and production applied to this winter release induces even the secular listener to sit up and take notice of the real meaning of Christmas.  For the believer, it’s an instant affirmation and celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.  Infused into each performance is the ability to transform the exultant hymn from insipid and predictable to astonishingly divergent. The entire collection is undeniably a Christmas must-have; truly “timeless”. According to Israel, they waited until the “timing and the inspiration were just right” to release A Timeless Christmas.  Apparently, both timing and inspiration arrived in the nick of time and can be heard in tracks 1 through 15 on this timeless holiday keeper that will surely put the Christ back into Christmas in 2006. 

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