Brian McKnight - Bethlehem (1998)

One of the most consistent and enduring adult contemporary R&B artists,
Brian McKnight jumped in toward the end of the new jack swing era with his
platinum debut Brian McKnight (1992), and he's maintained a devoted fan
base ever since, all the way through Exodus (2020), billed as his final
album of all-original material.

Whether writing and producing on his own or working with the likes of
Diddy, the Underdogs, and Tim & Bob, McKnight has enjoyed moderate
commercial success - highlighted by four consecutive Top Ten albums for
Motown - without ever quite becoming a superstar. This, along with a
down-to-earth personality and a catalog heavy on engaging and predominantly
mellow material, has helped McKnight longevity.

With the help of several R&B artists, including Boyz II Men and Claude
McKnight from Take 6, McKnight's "Bethlehem" is a joyful, romantic holiday
album. Religious Christmas songs like "The First Noel," "Hail Mary,"
"Silent Night," and "Bethlehem Tonight" are mixed in with contemporary
tracks such as "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Home for the
Holidays," "Christmas Time Is Here," and "Christmas Eve with You."

Overall, Bethlehem is a diverse collection of traditional and modern-day
Christmas songs with something for everyone celebrating the season.