BEC Recordings
Release Date: November 24th 2023
Reviewed by: Joshua Andre
Tasha Layton– This Is Christmas (Deluxe Edition) (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- Hang Up Your Stockin’
- Diddly Squat
- Giving Christmas Away
- Make It To Christmastime
- Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree
- Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
- This Is Christmas
- Comfort And Joy
- Holy Night
- Somewhere In My Memory
- White Christmas
- This Christmas
- Angels We Have Heard On High
- Turn Your Eyes (This Christmas Day)
Way back at the end of 2018, BEC Recordings signed worship leader Tasha Layton – the latest artist in what seems to be a signing spree. Matty Mullins, Stephen Christian, Jorge (now known as George Mhondera), Aaron Bucks, River Valley Worship and London Gatch were all presented a spot on the label in 2017, while Brian Ortize, Free Worship and Battledrums were signed to BEC Recordings in 2018. These days, BEC Recordings looks way, way different; yet this doesn’t mean Tasha was added to the roster just to make up numbers nor for the sake of it. Rather, with Tasha’s debut EP Love Running Wild scoring a 5/5 rating, and me enjoying her brand of worship-pop music very much; let me just let you all know, that Tasha’s joy and effervescent love for Jesus has shined through on very song she has released. With Tasha’s vocals being simply extremely powerful and strong, more-so than any other debut artist over the past few years in my opinion; Tasha unveiled Into The Sea in 2020, an EP that I reviewed here, and a release that further confirmed my assertions of Tasha being one of today’s most inspiring worship leaders. The release of Look What You’ve Done – a 3 song EP in 2021 (not reviewed!), further reminds us of Tasha’s staying power and songwriting prowess- in a CCM industry that desperately needs revamping quickly in order to stay relevant and relatable. And as Tasha’s worship melodies are a breath of fresh air, we were introduced to Tasha’s full length debut album How Far in May 2022 (which we reviewed here). As Tasha continues to remind us how much she is on fire for Jesus and her prowess as a songwriter and as a singer; I am continually in wonder of a God who loves me unconditionally and calls me to be in relationship with Him! And now, as we fast forward to the present, Tasha is back… this time with a brand new song called “Never”. The single released in June this year, but now, Tasha has unveiled three new versions- and they’re all incredibly impressive- I voiced by thoughts on the extended EP here.
But as we’re so, so, close to Christmas 2023, let’s divulge and do a semi-deep dive into Tasha’s deluxe edition of her 2022 album This Is Christmas, which released last year, and was enhanced last month through the addition of 4 new songs. Releasing deluxe editions or special edition albums of highly rated and well-received albums… well, doing that right is a feat in and of itself. I’m of the firm belief that if you’re an artist, you either unveil a deluxe edition album the same day as the standard edition, with 3-4 new tracks; or if you release a deluxe edition 1-2 years later, then you have around 8-9 or 10 extra tracks tops. With Tasha’s deluxe edition of 4 extra tracks on This Is Christmas 1 year later, I probably would’ve appreciated 2-3 more tracks, but these 4 songs are out-of-this-world in a good way! “White Christmas” has an additional first verse that makes this eerie ballad all the more otherworldly in a captivating and transfixing way (so, in a good way!); while “This Christmas”, usually an upbeat and danceable melody, is slowed down to a jazz ballad that takes a while getting used to, but is nonetheless inspiring, encouraging, and impactful. “Angels We Have Heard On High”, another upbeat poppy carol that is stripped down to a jazzy ballad, has Tasha showcasing more and more of her vibrant, commanding, and hard-hitting voice; while the deluxe edition album ends with the original melody “Turn Your Eyes (This Christmas Day)”, which is essentially a reworking of the hymn “Turn Your Eyes” (made popular by the Newsboys) with newly penned Christmas verses inserted in. In no way though, does this song feel forced, and it truly is an album highlight and personal standout!
Many, many Christmas albums have impacted my soul that we’ve written about and listened to throughout the past few years. Tasha Layton’s 2022 holiday album, and subsequent 2023 deluxe edition album, stands tall amongst the rest of these melodies and projects, as she continues on in her mission to make Jesus’ name famous, and to point people to Him. It isn’t known what is next for Tasha. We’ve heard her singing one of Casting Crowns’ hits in “Glorious Day”. But if Tasha’s second all-new studio album (aside from this Christmas album) is anything like “Never” and “I Lay It Down” (yet to be reviewed!); then I reckon we’ll all be in for a treat! Sophomore slump? Who knows, but at this point in time, I reckon a resounding ‘no’! Well done, Tasha, can’t wait for you to hear what is next from you, as you continue to bless us all with more songs! Fans of Hannah Kerr, Natalie Grant, Kari Jobe, Sarah Reeves, and Mia Fieldes will love Tasha Layton!
4 songs to listen to: This Is Christmas, Comfort And Joy, Somewhere In My Memory, Turn Your Eyes (This Christmas Day)
Score: 4.5/5
RIYL: Natalie Grant, Hannah Kerr, Sarah Reeves, Mia Fieldes, Riley Clemmons, Katy Nichole