The Kingsmen Return with Their First Christmas Record in Almost 30 Years

The Kingsmen return with their first Christmas record in almost 30 years.'Tis The Reason, their first festive record since 1994, will be released on October 14. The EP features 6 newly recorded songs ranging from Christmas classics to new songs, including  "Here We Come A Caroling," "The God Who Gave Himself Away," "There is Peace" and the title cut "'Tis the Reason."

"The last time the Kingsmen released a Christmas album was in 1994," notes Alan Kendall. "With the tremendous response from the Christmas single "Tell It On the Mountain" in 2020, our fans and friends made it clear to us that they were way past ready for another collection of seasonal songs celebrating the birth of Jesus. Our producer Jeff Collins and the folks at Crossroads Music agreed with us, and we began preparing it over a year ago.  

"We're excited about four brand new songs that not only sing us into our favorite time of year, but celebrate the very reason for the season. And with timeless classics like 'O Holy Night' and 'The Christmas Song' added to the mix, we feel like we have something for everybody. We are certainly proud and honored to present this recording, and we pray that it will be a cherished and spirit-filled part of everyone's holiday listening for many years to come."

On their new Christmas EP, The Kingsmen waste no time in getting to the point. The title track and very first tune on "'Tis The Reason" is direct, with clarion horns punctuating lead singer Chris Bryant's sympathetic reminder: "'Tis the season to be frantic / The crazy time of year we panic / Countless greeting cards to send / Christmas parties to attend / But it's not the time to fret / Over what we may forget / On the list to do, or make or bake or spend / 'Cause in the end - it's about Him" 

The song rises to a crescendo as Chris Jenkins, Alan Kendall and the group's patriarch, Ray Reese, join in: "'Tis the Reason to let our praises ring / 'Tis the Reason to lift our voice and sing / To open up our hearts - and keep on believin' / 'Tis the Reason"

The collection seamlessly weaves together old favorites - the majestic "O Holy Night" and the warmly nostalgic "The Christmas Song" - and new songs that range from the upbeat "Here We Come A Caroling" to the thoughtful meditation on the infinite mercy of "The God Who Gives Himself Away" and the closing reminder of "There Is Peace," with its timely message: "When we love and hold on to each other / When we give just like it's still December / Every day the Christmas season stays with you and me / There is joy, there is hope, there is peace"

Pre-order, add or save 'Tis The Reason HERE.

 

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