Brandon Heath finds a strong balance between festive, fun, and light, and sacred and serious in his Christmas record, “Long Expected.” The album catches your attention from the start to the end; it isn’t your typical Christmas music. Instead, Heath sings original songs such as “Delivery Man,” “Holiday In,” “We Need Emanuel,” and “God Made a Way.” He welcomes guest vocalists Rachel Purcell, Francesca Battistelli, Tasha Layton, and Heath’s young daughter.
“God Made a Way,” with Layton and Heath, celebrates God’s love through his birth in a manger: “In his infinite love; It had to be done; He did the impossible; And gave up his Son, Jesus; God made a way; A way in a manger.”
“Delivery Man” anticipates the gifts dropped off at Heath’s house: “Headlights pulling up my street; Here he comes, I can feel my heart beat; Throw it in reverse, make it go beep beep; I'm your biggest fan.” The record’s instrumentation is striking with bold horns and a joyful big band/swing sound on various selections. This recording incites joy and is well worth a listen this season and beyond. (Centricity Music)
About the Author
Paul Delger is a long time professional writer and inspirational speaker to young people and lives in Kanawha, Iowa.