It's the Thought... is a Christmas album and the seventh studio album and by Christian singer-songwriter Twila Paris, released in 1989 by Star Song Records. It was the last album that Paris collaborated with producer Jonathan David Brown. The album is not your typical Christmas record, aside from "White Christmas" used in medley form with "Whiter Than Snow". Paris wrote four original songs and her father Oren Paris II wrote "This World", about the change that the first Christmas had on the entire world. The album debuted and peaked at number 15 on the Billboard Top Inspirational Albums chart.
Track listing
Personnel Twila Paris – lead vocals, backing vocals (3) Carl Marsh – keyboards, Fairlight III programming, arrangements Hal Brown – additional acoustic piano (5) Tom Hemby – acoustic guitars, mandolin Jerry McPherson – electric guitars Gary Lunn – bass Mark Hammond – drums Eric Darken – percussion Lisa Glasgow – backing vocals (1–3, 5, 7, 8) Tammy Jensen – backing vocals (1–3, 5, 7, 8) Marabeth Jordan – backing vocals (1) Tim Marshall – backing vocals (1) Leah Taylor – backing vocals (1–3, 5, 7, 8) Steven V. Taylor – backing vocals (1–3, 5, 7, 8), BGV arrangements (1–3, 5, 7, 8) Raymond Weaver – backing vocals (1–3, 5, 7, 8) Greg X. Volz – backing vocals (3)
Production Jonathan David Brown – producer, recording, mixing Ken Love – mastering at MasterMix (Nashville, Tennessee) Karen Horner – art direction, design Toni Thigpen – art direction Jackson Design – design Paul Micich – illustration
Critical reception Dacia A. Blodgett-Williams of AllMusic wrote "The ever popular Christian crooner Twila Paris shows the reason for her longevity with this holiday release. Strong vocals and stress-relieving accompaniment are trademarks of the album, and it includes a good mix of contemporary and traditional carols."
Charts Chart (1989)Peakposition US Inspirational Albums (Billboard)15
Radio singles YearSingle Peak positions CCM AC 1989–90 "Wandering Pilgrim"27
References