2. O Come, O Come Emmanuel
3. White Christmas
4. In My Dreaming
5. Christmas Eve
6. Christmas Time Is Here
7. I Pray
8. Let It Snow (featuring Jaimee Paul)
9. The Coventry Carol
10. Hope
11. O Holy Night/Cantique de Noel
12. Ave Maria
13. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
PRE-ORDER FROM ARTIST SITE
Christmas Hope is a compilation of the warm sounds of classic carols with the addition of powerful new songs guaranteed to be quick favorites.
Former NFL Tight End and Superbowl Champion Ben Utecht hung up his spikes in 2009. But he's decided not to just fade away and is enjoying his second career as singer of inspirational songs. When his eponymous debut album on Sandi Patty's Stylos imprint was released, critics praised Utecht as a "solid songwriter and exceptional singer". The Contemporary Christian sound has become more, well, contemporary in recent years. But for those who like to kick their inspirational music old school, Ben's a well above average performer. And the match of Utecht and Christmas music makes for a winning combination. "Christmas Hope" is set to be released through Green Hill this October, but you can pre-order now (autographed copies for those who order early) through Ben's web site and get three full-length tracks from the album instantly upon checkout so that you have something to enjoy between now and then. Based on the samples on Ben's home page, I'm guessing the Sneak Peak tracks you'll receive will be "The First Noel", "In My Dreaming" and "Christmas Time Is Here". Not a bad little threesome, Charlie Brown. Not bad at all. Ben also recorded a version of "O Holy Night" with Jim Brickman, as part of Jim's "Nashville Sessions" project. And Ben will be touring with Jim Brickman later this year, dates to be announced very soon.