Come to Bethlehem is a compilation of original and traditional Christmas songs performed by the various artists on the InVOICE Records label. With 12 tracks, we get a good idea of the caliber of artists represented on the label. And the consensus is that they're good. Some of them wrote some beautiful original songs that are worth repetition whether from the same artist or another. Here's a look at the individual tracks.

"Star Bright" is performed by a men's vocal group called 3sixty [Craig Clifford & Jeff Goldman]. It's a very short song sung a cappella, with pleasing results. Tight harmonies reminiscent of a barbershop chorus are prevalent. The lyrics are nice and simple, speaking of the bright star witnessed with Jesus' birth. Good start for the album.

"Joy to the World: A Proclamation" is next and it's an medley written by Rick Reeve. The treatment is a New Age technological pyrotechnics display much like one expects to hear from Mannheim Steamroller.

"Away in a Manger" sung by April Meservy is performed as a cross between a torch song and the lullaby it was intended to be. The pianist on this one is good.

"When Joseph Went to Bethlehem" is a Primary song performed on guitar and in voice by Jeff Goldman. This is a spare and simple performance that is nicely done.

"May We See Him" is an original piece performed by Bonnie Jae Egbert. This is a beautiful song performed in a style like Enya. It has a very Celtic feel and it's fantastic both musically and lyrically.

"Oh Come All Ye Faithful" by Rich Bischoff starts off with acoustic guitar then progresses into a full-scale pop number. I was told he's a contemporary singer compared to Greg Simpson, but I couldn't escape the notion that this sounded like pop-country.

"Angels Sang" is a contemporary setting of the angel sighting mentioned in Luke 2:8-20. Performed by Stephanie Smith, this original song has the feel of an inspirational album and would rightfully share space with Hilary Weeks.

"Silent Night" gets special treatment by Jennie Bangerter on piano. This is a beautiful arrangement and would be best classified as instrumental inspirational in style.

"Holy, Holy First Noel" is performed by Andrew Reese Howells, is another original piece speaking of the angels and also the wise men. I'm not quite sure if he was supposed to be singing in country style or was striving for an inspirational label. He doesn't quite fit into either. He does sing with emotion and that saves him.

"The Mother's Lullaby" is another original, this time by Angela Wunderli. This felt like a country lullaby. The lyrics follow the mother Mary from Christ's birth through his resurrection and the lullaby she sang to him at each major stage in his life. Very moving piece.

"Night of the Lord" by Jennifer Griffiths sounds so much like Julie de Azevedo, it's uncanny. This is another contemporary setting of Luke 2:8-20, speaking of the angels appearing and singing of Christ's birth. I'd call her style contemporary, with a splash of inspirational thrown in.

"Santa's Letter" is by far the best of all the pieces lyrically. Performed by Bonnie Jae Egbert, it follows the letter of an impoverished 8 year-old as it travels from her to a variety of characters who make Christmas dreams come true for her family. Expect to grab the tissues for this one.

This is not an elaborate studio album, but it does give a good cross-section of styles and most importantly, it gives some very deserving folks a chance in the spotlight. Most of the artists are good, and the rest show potential. If you can get your hands on a copy of the album, consider yourself fortunate. It's worth keeping just for the sake of following the artists as they undoubtedly become successful.

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Dacia A. Blodgett-Williams

1. Star Bright -3sixty
2. Joy To The World - A Proclamation -Rick Reeve
3. Away In A Manger -April Meservy
4. When Joseph Went To Bethlehem -Jeff Goldman
5. May We See Him -Bonnie Jae Egbert
6. Oh Come All Ye Faithful -Rich Bischoff
7. Angels Sang -Stephanie Smith
8. Silent Night -Jennie Bangerter
9. Holy, Holy First Noel -Andrew Reese Howells
10. The Mother's Lullaby -Angela Wunderli
11. Night of the Lord -Jennifer Griffiths

Bonus Track: Santa's Letter -Bonnie Jae Egbert & Children's Choir