Newcomer Tasha Layton is leaving a six-song gift beneath the tree for fans this year with the release of her first holiday collection, This Is Christmas. A mix of sassy and sweet, the new EP is perfectly suited for a season that’s both fun and meaningful.
Kicking things off, Layton delivers a message from Ol’ Saint Nick with the spunky and unexpected cut, “Diddly Squat.” She puts a Big Band spin on the lighthearted song penned by comedian Heywood Banks. The surprising album opener is followed by a breezy, retro original written by the songstress, her husband and Tony Wood called “Giving Christmas Away,” on which she recounts the best intangible sentiments of the season—ones she hopes to share all throughout the year.
“Make It To Christmastime” is another highlight with clever lyrics that ring true in regard to the high speed and contagious excitement of the holiday trumped by gratitude for the ones we love. Backed by a piano and tight background harmonies, Layton takes on the role of a jazz singer with a song worthy of a throwback.
WATCH NOW: "Make It To Christmastime" (Official Music Video)
Showcasing her wide vocal range, a soaring version of “O Holy Night” precedes the triumphant title-cut, which takes a congregational-friendly turn. The back-to-back spiritually-focused tracks provide complementary moments of reverent, celebratory worship in the midst of an otherwise playful set.
The festive project—produced by Layton’s husband, Keith Everette Smith—ends with the poignant “Comfort and Joy,” which touches on the reality that for some, Christmas isn’t the most wonderful time of the year. Following the widespread loss of the pandemic, the song carries an especially relevant message this December as it acknowledges the grief and sadness that many experience during the holidays. It also reminds us of the supreme Source of all comfort and joy.
WATCH NOW: "Comfort and Joy" Live Performance
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“I’ve wanted to do a Christmas record for so long. I love this season, and I think there’s never been a time our world has needed to know the Hope of Christmas more than now,” Layton remarks. “For so many, the holidays can be a difficult time, but it’s my prayer that through these songs, listeners will be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.”
Just like all of her music, This Is Christmas points listeners to Jesus. Layton did just that with her latest smash single, “Look What You’ve Done.” The talented singer and songwriter received an early Christmas present this year when the powerful testimony-filled track recently summited the top of the radio charts and became her first No. 1 hit.
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