Which CCM Artist is Releasing a Christmas Album This Fall? Here's a Sneak Peek (Part 1) (Video)

By Timothy Yap Aug 17, 2014 02:02 AM EDT

Christmas is not only a time for sharing about the good news that Jesus Christ is born. But it's the time where we get to sing about His birth. Perennially we have been bombarded with new releases of Christmas music, some originals, some carols and some a myriad of both. And perennially we find ourselves downloading yet another version of "Joy to the World." How many mp3s of "Joy to the World" do we need? Though we may never admit it, our hearts are made for Christmas music, and it will be always be restless for one more version of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen."

To entice us this year, the line is already queued. This year, just like any other year, many contemporary Christian artists are already readying their yuletide discs. As early as September 30, Queen of Contemporary Christian music Amy Grant is set to release yet another Christmas offering entitled "Icon Christmas." Christmas music is synonymous with Amy Grant. Her classic arrangements, stirring original Christmas songs, and widely attended Christmas tours over the years have all contributed to over 5 million Christmas albums sold. This new addition to the Icon series showcases Amy Grant's Christmas catalog and features 11 songs, including, "Breath Of Heaven (Mary's Song)," "Grown Up Christmas List," and "Tennessee Christmas."

Also being released on the same day of September 30 and also featuring Amy Grant as a duet partner is Michael W. Smith's star studded Christmas album "The Spirit of Christmas." This is destined to be big seller and a favorite of many across many genres. Here Smith is joined by some of today's biggest country music superstars - Carrie Underwood, Bono, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Jennifer Nettles and Martina McBride along with Amy Grant, Vince Gill and Michael McDonald. This star-studded album is full of timeless carols, holiday favorites and new versions of some of Michael's most loved Christmas songs.

Coming to the shelves on September 30 is David Phelps' all newly recorded "O Holy Night." Renowned, three-octave tenor and Gaither Vocal Band member David Phelps celebrates the joys of Christmas with this moving, 12-song collection of his most requested songs of the season. This GRAMMY® Award-winning vocalist captures the awe and worship of that special night in Bethlehem with this timeless collection of nostalgic favorites such as "Joy To The World," "The Christmas Song," "O Holy Night," "Mary, Did You Know?" and many more.

The omnipresent Amy Grant again shows up this time with her hubby Vince Gill on Guy Penrod's September 30th release "Christmas." Gospel music mainstay and award-winning vocalist Guy Penrod celebrates the season of Christmas with this all-new release featuring the warm, powerhouse vocals that have made him a fan favorite around the world. From the soothing sounds of "The Christmas Song" and "White Christmas" to the soaring arrangement of "O Holy Night," Guy has created signature renditions of some of the most popular songs of the holiday season. The recording showcases his country-tinged style and includes a special recording of "Tennessee Christmas" with guest vocals by Amy Grant and Vince Gill.

These are just four of the upcoming releases.... stay tune as we will be featuring more Christmas releases in the upcoming weeks.