At CCM Magazine, Grace S. Aspinwall noted that the album has "just the right balance of big-band style holiday classics and well crafted modern songs."[1] Stella Redburn of Cross Rhythms commented that West has a "strong but flexible voice that works well in these up-beat arrangements".[2] At The Christian Music Review Blog, Jonathan Kemp was "captivated" by his voice.[3] In addition, Allmusic's Jon O'Brien wrote that the release "justifies West's reputation as one of the most dependable voices in contemporary Christian pop."[4]
The Heart of Christmas garnered critical acclaim from music critics. At CCM Magazine, Grace S. Aspinwall rated the album four stars, and called the album West has created a "stunning" Christmas album.[1] Stella Redburn of Cross Rhythms rated the album eight out of ten squares, and said she would suggest it to a listener as a Christmas album that is eccentric.[2] At Louder Than the Music, Rich Smith rated the album a perfect five stars, and commented that West has imbued the album with the correct Christmas spirit, which proclaimed was "fantastic."[7] Jonathan Kemp of The Christian Music Review Blog rated the album four-and-a-half stars out of five, and evoked that West has made a great Christmas album unlike some artist.[3] At Alpha Omega News, Tom Frigoli graded the album an A, and stated West really knows the meaning of this special time of year.[5] Tyler Hess of Christian Music Zine rated the album three-and-a-half out of five stars, and alluded to how the album has a "few hints of spice and personality" that help distinguish it from the rest.[6] However, Allmusic's Jon O'Brien rated it three stars, which was the only mixed review, and felt that with respect to the album it "doesn't exactly break any new ground, but it's a heart-warming affair".[4]
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