Joined by guests
Chaka Khan
,
Gavin DeGraw
, and
ZZ Ward
Anthony Hamilton
delivers a mostly upbeat mix of original material and renditions of traditional secular and religious Christmas-themed songs.
Hamilton
co-wrote six of the 14 songs on
Home for the Holidays
, including the romping,
Motown
-inspired "Spend Christmas with You" and the contemporary gospel ballad "Spirit of Love." The singer adds his typically hospitable tones to each of the selections, whether it's a faithful version of
James Brown
's "Santa Claus Go Straight to the Ghetto" or an energized spin on "Little Drummer Boy." This is more imaginative and festive than the average Christmas album. ~ Andy Kellman