Nashville-based CCM group
Sidewalk Prophets
offer up a fresh-faced modern alternative rock perspective on the traditional Christmas album with
Merry Christmas to You
, a collection of holiday standards and original Christmas compositions by the band. Starting the collection is the lively, radio-ready, indie rock-flavored "What a Glorious Night", which begins with a sample of Linus from
Charles M. Schulz
's Peanuts reading the biblical story of the shepherd's meeting Jesus in the manger before blasting into the joyous, melodic tune. Among other originals, the collection includes time-honored holiday favorites like "Holly Jolly Christmas" and a doo wop reading of "White Christmas," featuring guest vocalist
Francesca Battistelli
. ~ Fred Thomas