O Holy Night. Sara Groves (Sponge Records, 2008)

As in every Sara Groves album, the ethereal vocals, crystal clear delivery and sweetly lilting melodies we've come to expect are here in abundance. Immediately set apart from the pop/rock carols we're used to hearing in stores at Christmas, this album is definitely more than just ear candy.

O Holy Night features beautiful new arrangements of both traditional and modern Christmas favourites, giving them new life through unexpected melodic changes and thought-provoking lyrical edits. Groves' quietly penetrative insight into situations and human emotions wells up in many sections, drawing the listener in.

Given Groves' unique touch, familiar songs like It Came Upon A Midnight Clear and Angels We Have Heard On High regain much of their lost emotional intensity. You'll find yourself pausing over the lyrics and reflecting on the awesomeness of our Saviour's coming in a fresh new way.

Equally, if not more, beautiful are Groves' original pieces. Bringing the reality of everyday life into the context of Christmas celebrations, Toy Packaging will bring knowing smiles to doting mothers. Gems like To Be With You and Peace Peace remind us that it only takes a change of perspective to move ourselves from the chaos of last-minute preparations to a place of stillness, from which we can "Close our eyes and sing", and find that "All our hopes... Are met in Him".

Whether you're an avid fan of Christmas music of feeling a little jaded by the commercialisation of the season, you'll find something in O Holy Night to quieten your spirit, thrill your soul and point you back to the "Baby God/And all His blessed implications".