Jonathan McReynolds | Red & Green Review

by Darnell Jackson

In a holiday music landscape often dominated by classic covers, Grammy-winning gospel artist Jonathan McReynolds reshapes the season with Jonathan McReynolds, his first-ever Christmas EP, Red & Green. Released on November 22 via Life Room Label/Capitol Christian Music Group/Motown Gospel, the project eschews familiar standards for a wholly original collection. McReynolds channels the highs and lows of the year, blending soulful melodies with spiritually resonant lyrics that bring a new perspective into the holiday genre.

The title track, “Red & Green,” encapsulates McReynolds’ reflective yet celebratory approach. Its festive instrumentation pairs bright harmonies with driving rhythms, creating a sonic parallel to the emotional contrast the holidays often evoke. The lyrics, “Hang the holly and fill every hallway with joy… Every shadow give way to the Light of Love (This Christmas)”, speak to finding light amid life’s darker moments. McReynolds masterfully crafts a balance between vulnerability and celebration, making this song both a personal anthem and a communal call to joy.

The EP’s spiritual heart beats strongest in “Sent Me a King,” a stirring duet with gospel legend Smokie Norful. The track transcends traditional Christmas narratives, anchoring its message in personal testimony and divine grace. With lines like “God sent me a light / A love that makes wrong men right,” McReynolds reframes the Nativity story as an engaging personal redemption tale. Norful’s rich, commanding vocals complement McReynolds’ smooth, earnest delivery, elevating the song into a gospel masterwork. The orchestral arrangement, featuring strings led by David Davidson, provides cinematic gravitas while maintaining worshipful intimacy.

“White Christmas” and “Don’t Take Christmas” highlight McReynolds’ signature blend of gospel, soul, and R&B. “White Christmas” is a joyous, groove-driven track propelled by tight rhythm sections led by bassist Josh Griffin and drummer Darryl “Lil Man” Howell. In contrast, “Don’t Take Christmas” delivers a soulful plea with lush harmonies from an exceptional choir, arranged by Jariuce Banks.

Meanwhile, “Christmas Is Everything” and “Forever Mistletoe” expand the sonic palette with warm, contemporary arrangements. Guitarist Anders Nordstrom’s gentle lines and Benjamin Moore’s expressive piano work add depth to these tracks, providing a musical canvas that radiates warmth.

The craftsmanship on Red & Green extends beyond McReynolds’ vocal performances. Rob Chiarelli’s pristine mixing and Gavin Lurssen’s expert mastering enhance the album’s sonic clarity, while Roy Cotton II’s string arrangements lend a rich, orchestral texture. From the soulful violin harmonies of Amy Helman and Janet Darnall to the resonant cellos of Nick Gold and Paul Nelson, every note feels intentional and spiritually charged.

Jonathan McReynolds’ Red & Green is a heartfelt exploration of faith, family, and fortitude. By embracing the complexities of the season, McReynolds offers listeners a gift far greater than festive cheer: an invitation to reflect, rejoice, and remember the spiritual significance of Christmas. Red & Green delivers with soul-stirring sincerity in a world craving authenticity and hope.