What took multi-platinum, three time Grammy Award-winning Christian rock band Jars of Clay so long to come out with a full-length Christmas album? Whatever the reason for the wait may be, Christmas Songs, the CD with the incredibly straightforward title, was worth the wait.

The Nashville-based band celebrates the season with a blend of traditional classics and original holiday melodies. The album begins with a short, instrumental piece that could set the ambiance in any Walt Disney movie.

Two of my favorite holiday tunes, "Christmas Time Is Here," and a cover of Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmas Time," are both present on this one, and very well done. Also included are excellent renditions of “The Little Drummer Boy” and “God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen.”

The new yuletide melodies feature great vocals with a pleasing mix of both soft and dynamic sounds. I especially liked “Love Came Down at Christmas.”

If ever a band were made to sing Christmas songs, Jars of Clay is it, delivering just what you would hope to hear from a new seasonal offering.

Grade: A

—Fay Rose Christmas Songs is currently available.