BEC Recordings
Release Date: November 15th 2024
Reviewed by: Joshua Andre
Tasha Layton– Wake Up It’s Christmas – EP (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- Wake Up It’s Christmas
- Hang Up Your Stockin’
- Diddly Squat
- Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree
- Have Yourself A Merry Little 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 2023, 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 2024, let’s divulge and do a semi-deep dive into Tasha’s brand-new holiday EP Wake Up It’s Christmas. It’s been a couple of months since we reviewed anything (since Jelly Roll’s Beautifully Broken), and what better way to kick off the Christmas season than some inspiring and impacting holiday songs from Tasha? With the 5 song EP comprising of 4 tracks we’ve heard before (“Diddly Squat”, “Hang Up Your Stockin’”, “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”, and you can read my thoughts on those 4 tracks and more here; the title track of the EP is a jazzy, pep-in-your-step, energetic and heartfelt holiday original tune, and Tasha fervently and enthusiastically relays to us all that Christmas is here and that Santa has been busy delivering presents to nice children!
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, subsequent 2023 deluxe edition album, and now her ‘new’ Christmas EP, 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 her Christmas offerings) 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!
3 songs to listen to: Wake Up It’s Christmas, Hang Up Your Stockin’, Diddly Squat
Score: 4/5
RIYL: Natalie Grant, Hannah Kerr, Sarah Reeves, Mia Fieldes, Riley Clemmons, Katy Nichole