BEC Recordings
Release Date: November 17th 2023
Reviewed by: Joshua Andre
Tasha Layton– This Is Christmas (Live From The Fisher Center) (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- Make It To Christmastime
- Comfort And Joy
- Somewhere In My Memory
- Diddly Squat
- Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree (feat. Danny Gokey)
- God Made A Way (feat. Brandon Heath)
- Hang Up Your Stockin’
- Giving Christmas Away (feat. Jon Reddick)
- This Is Christmas
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 new live album called This Is Christmas (Live From The Fisher Center). Featuring live versions of songs from her 2022 album This Is Christmas, this release… probably isn’t needed, and is a set of songs that I’m frustrated with. Sure, the original album and the deluxe edition Christmas album are superb, stellar and I guess some could say exemplary. But translating that live to an album with limited risks and songs that stray too close to the original? This album, though objectively good, is just there, and I couldn’t connect any more to the live versions of these songs than I already did with the studio counterparts. Doing like albums are tricky. And so I commend Tasha for jumping in and taking a risk. But unfortunately, this Christmas album is just filler for me, and background music. Maybe I don’t like live albums that much. It’s possible. Regardless, Tasha still is talented, and if others connect with this album, then I guess this album is worth it, don’t you think? Even if I never resonate with this rendition of This Is Christmas…
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. Less so with this live version of her Christmas studio album, but that’s neither here nor there. 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, I guess for the who package and collection of three albums that can only be viewed of as 3 parts to the same puzzle which is Tasha’s Christmas releases! 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!
3 songs to listen to: Comfort And Joy, God Made A Way, This Is Christmas
Score: 3.5/5
RIYL: Natalie Grant, Hannah Kerr, Sarah Reeves, Mia Fieldes, Riley Clemmons, Katy Nichole