Released on October 16, 2012,[1]Joy is Chapman's first release with Reunion Records.[2] It is one of several Christmas albums that Chapman has done over the past few years.[3] The album was produced by Chapman and Brent Milligan.[2] The African Children's Choir performs on several tracks.[4][5]
The cover album cover is intended to convey a 1950s styling that characterizes a number of the songs.[5]
Joy received generally positive reviews from music critics. Worship Leader rated the album four-and-a-half stars and called it another classic.[11] Brendan O'Regan of Cross Rhythms rated it eight out of ten, and stated that the songs had been given a "fresh and contemporary makeover".[9] At Jesus Freak Hideout, Jen Rose rated it three-and-a-half stars, and wrote that it was "bright and fun and certainly lives up to its name".[10] Jonathan Andre of Indie Vision Music, who rated the album three stars, said it was "one of [Chapman's] best",[4] and at The Phantom Tollbooth, Michael Dalton rated it four stars, and called it "one of the best releases of the season".[5] Joshua Andre of Christian Music Zine rated it 4.25 out of five, and wrote that it has "vulnerable, moving and pertinent songs".[6] At CM Addict, Grace Thorson rated it four stars, and said it was "full of joy" for the holiday season.[8]
Steven Curtis Chapman, Adam Lester, Blair Masters, Brent Milligan and Dan Needham
Production
Producers – Steven Curtis Chapman and Brent Milligan.
A&R – Terry Hemmings and Blaine Barcus.
Recorded by Andy Hunt at Sainte Claire (Lexington, Kentucky).
Second engineers – Tim Price and Cailon Williams.
Tracks 6 and 13 recorded by Brent Milligan at Beech Creek Studio, assisted by Robert Gay and Marty Gay; track 7 recorded at Soundwerks (Nashville, Tennessee).
Drums on track 3 recorded by Brent Milligan and Dan Needham at Dan's Place.
Strings recorded by Bobby Shin at Little Big Sound (Nashville, Tennessee).
African Children's Choir recorded by Bobby Shin and Brent Milligan.
Mixed by F. Reid Shippen at Robot Lemon (Nashville, Tennessee), assisted by Erik Jahner (1, 3, 4, 8); Shane D. Wilson at Pentavarit (Nashville, TN), assisted by Evan Redwine (2, 5, 6, 10, 11); Sean Moffitt, assisted by Warren David (7, 9, 12, 13).
^ abcdeAndre, Joshua (October 15, 2013). "Steven Curtis Chapman – Joy (Review)". Christian Music Zine. Archived from the original on December 14, 2013. Retrieved December 14, 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)