It has been a sparse year for great new Christmas music. We’ve noticed this happens every few years. On the heels of a good year in 2007 with great new releases from artists like Bette Midler and Josh Groban we have hit a dry year in 2008. They’re resurrecting Elvis again, fer crying out loud.

The one lone standout this season comes from Amy Grant.

Grant’s Christmas collection hit stores earlier this fall as kind of a “greatest hits” compilation of her Christmas work. But thrown in for good measure were four new works, including a collaboration with husband Vince Gill.

I’ve always been of fan of Amy Grants smoky voice. Her range and earthy quality has never been better showcased than on a new track titled “I Need a Silent Night” (click here to listen).

All the great Amy Grant Christmas hits of the past are here — “Grown up Christmas List”, “Tennessee Christmas”, etc. And solid traditional orchestral-backed fare are here too — “Count Your Blessings” being added with this release.

And don’t miss “Baby, It’s Christmas” — a very Vince Gill-ish (sorry) tune bound for lots of airplay this Christmas. (Click here to listen).

From Grant’s early days as a breakout Christian pop artist we have watched her blossom as she has ventured into the fringes of jazz, contemporary, rock and country. This collection shows that off nicely.