Inspirational Christmas [Box set]

Track Listings

1. Great Is Thy Faithfulness - Rick Riso

2. Trust and Obey - Gary Floyd

3. Hymn of Grace - Tami Gunden

4. Softly and Tenderly - Steve Archer

5. 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

6. Mighty Fortress Is Our God - Glen Allen Green

7. Fairest Lord Jesus

8. Holy, Holy, Holy - Ken Givens

9. Amazing Grace - Luke Garrett

10. It Is Well With My Soul - Chris Christian

Tracks:

It Came Upon The Midnight Clear
Gloria
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
Winter Wonderland/White Christmas
Christmas Time Is Here
Silent Night
Away
Drummer Boy
I Heard The Bells
O Holy Night
Joseph's Lullaby

Amazon.com

Stocking caps off to Mercyme, the best selling Christian rock band, for making a solid Christmas rock record that ranks as one of the year's best holiday releases. The Christmas Sessions showcase Bart Millard's arching pipes and the band's ability to rock many of the traditional hymns and popular carols without excess or restraint. No mean feat. Even "Silent Night," here played as it were always a country-rocker (with Amy Grant singing harmony), is rendered with spirited reinvention, while the band's guitar-driven sound always seems to draw yet more from such classics as "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" and "It Came Upon The Midnight Clear." Although the entire group could be accused of being U2's poor American cousins (despite Millard not yet having achieved the global sainthood of Bono for his humanitarian work), no one is going to be disappointed if this record gets wrapped up with a cool bow and pretty paper, or stuffed in a long stocking hanging on the mantle. Highly recommended. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

Give it a few listens before you make up your mind!.......2007-03-06

My teenager and I didn't like this at all the first time we listened to it because the Christmas songs you all know and love were changed to where you couldn't sing along. But after I listened a few times, I actually really liked, and in some cases preferred, the new arrangements. My son still didn't like the rearrangement of "Gloria, in excelsis deo", but I really like it.
Just go into it knowing that they're different, and give them a chance! It's now March, and my 5-yr-old is still asking to hear "Little Drummer Boy"! (Which she calls pa-rum-pa-pum-pum!)

5-Star Christmas.......2007-02-15

One of the best contemporay Christmas albums out there. Each song is unique in style and I'm looking forward to more volumes in this series from Mercy Me.

Wonderful.......2007-02-08

I had not heard of MercyMe before, but was looking for some Christmas music and found this. I was totally blown away by this group. I still listen to the CD even though it's well past Christmas. I am shopping for more of their music now and really like the fact I can sample the songs before I buy.

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree.......2007-01-19

I love southern rock, christmas songs, and worshipful riffs. Although the songs were too short, this CD delivered all of the above. From the Raucus Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree to the Heartfelt Drummer Boy to the Rap Wrap-Up of Josephs Lullaby...the arrangements are fairly predictable - but I enjoyed THIS Christmas CD and it will NOT be re-gifted!

Worth the Buy.......2007-01-12

I have really enjoyed this CD. Mercy Me is one of my favorite bands and has created a great Christmas CD. My favorite song has to be "Silent Night." If you are looking for an addition to your Christmas collection, this is a great choice.

Average customer rating:

I Didn't Know Yolanda From Oleta...But I Like This
Can't stop listening to Christmas with Yolanda
Christmas Ruined
Truly Amazing!!!!!!
Glorious!

Christmas with Yolanda Adams
Yolanda Adams
Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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One Wish: The Holiday Album
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Bethlehem
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Fred Hammond Christmas: Just Remember

ASIN: B00004Y6JN
Release Date: 2000-10-24

Tracks:

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Little Drummer Boy
Born This Day
The Christmas Song
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
Carol Of The Bells/What Child Is This
Silent Night
The First Noel
O Holy Night
Joy Medley (Joy To The World)/Angels We Have Heard On High/Hark The Herald Angels Sing/Ode To Joy)

Amazon.com

The queen of modern R&B-influenced gospel soul brings a typically updated approach to this, her first Christmas album. Although the singing is less intense and earth-shatteringly amazing than on last year's breakthrough, Mountain High... Valley Low--how intense can one be when singing "Little Drummer Boy"? Her take on "It Came upon a Midnight Clear" is so thick with slow-jam funk that it almost loses its way, but it never does, and is instead a highlight of this solid (although not superlative) disc. Unfortunately, this is mostly a set of secular shopping mall tunes. One notable exception is "Born on This Day," which drops a heavy choir funk vibe. And her take on "O Holy Night" is so truly transporting that it'll have you taking a cue from the song and falling down on your knees in thanks for the many blessings of the holiday season. --James Conde

Customer Reviews:

I Didn't Know Yolanda From Oleta...But I Like This.......2007-01-04

I was poking around the holiday section of the local library's CD collection, just hoping to find something a little different, when I came across this collection by Yolanda Adams and thought,"Hmmm. "Get Here" was a powerhouse song, so how bad can this be...?"

How embarrassing to get my Adams(es?) confused, but then I had the same problem back in high school when I'd constantly be mixing up John and John Quincy. Call it a mental block. Or something. All I know is there are two soulful, powerhouse singers named Adams out there (more, if you count Ryan, Bryan--still more confusion--and Edie).

I always tell folks that if there's a singer whose work they DON'T know, check out their holiday album (if any). It's often cheaper, and it does provide the ultimate test. I mean, if you can breathe new life into some of the standard Xmas warhorses, you can pretty much do anything. So believe you can fly, Yolanda, cuz it's clear you can.

Adams is never less than professional when attempting the standard holiday fare, and much of the album is just that: soulful but not overwrought interpretations of songs like "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," the umpteenth version of "The Christmas Song" (nicely done, if not exactly a revelation) and, yes, even "The Little Drummer Boy." But the gospel inflected original (I believe) "Born This Day" truly soars. There is also an imaginative medley of "Carol of the Bells" and "What Child Is This?" And while soul versions of "Oh Holy Night" are hardly unheard of, you'd better be worth your salt, frankincense and myrrh to even attempt it. Yolanda Adams is up to the task.

Good stuff. And a great stocking stuffer.

Can't stop listening to Christmas with Yolanda.......2006-10-11

What sheer delight listening to this, one of the finest ever Christmas CD's. Could listen to this one 12 months of the year and keep the Spirit of Christmas gloriously alive. Yolanda's voice simply radiates with beauty, clarity and that motivating energy of pure love. This is one of those "must" albums you have to buy for yourself and then for your friends - just maybe in that order!

Christmas Ruined.......2006-10-10

Born this Day, the song is quite beautiful so I was upset when I heard- "Christ The Lord He's God the Father, God the Son and Holy Spirit [Jesus]." This is all sung on the song as one phrase. Note, the "Jesus" at the end is in the audio but not in the lyrics I found online.

Christianity teaches that Jesus Christ IS God, but NOT that He ~is~ the Father, NOR that He is the Holy Spirit. Yolanda is teaching the ancient heresy called "modalism" which is rejected by Christians of every stripe... protestants, Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Eastern Orthodox....

Her doctrine destroys the importance of Christmas itself because if true we would no longer have the incarnate Christ, our great High Priest interceding for us. There are other implications, but that particular one seems to kill the meaning of Christmas itself.

Truly Amazing!!!!!!.......2005-12-20

Christmas with Yolanda is truly an amazing work of art. Although I'm just getting around to writing a review, I had to take a moment to let all of you know what a terrific cd this is. Yolanda is not only an amazing singer, she is a person who truly blesses the Lord with her musical abilities. If you're looking for a good Christmas cd this year, then definitely purchase this one! You and your family will be blessed! I promise :)

Glorious!.......2004-12-15

Her voice was made to sing Christmas songs. I purchased this album and it immediately became my favorite Christmas CD. Hearing her sing "The Christmas Song" when she sings "Merry Christmas to You" you can't not be filled with the joy of the season. Every track is exceptional. (second favorite Christmas CD: Nancy LaMott)

Average customer rating:

Well-Produced, Warm, and Inviting Contemporary Christian Christmas Album
Excellent!
OK, but not my cup of tea
A FANTASTIC HOLIDAY TREAT FROM SCC!
The Only Christmas Album You'll Ever Need

The Music of Christmas
Steven Curtis Chapman
Manufacturer: Sparrow
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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All I Really Want for Christmas
Christmastime
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Heaven in the Real World
Steven Curtis Chapman: Greatest Hits

ASIN: B000000V4A
Release Date: 1995-09-26

Tracks:

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing/The Music Of Christmas
Christmas Is All In The Heart
Angels We Have Heard On High
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Our God Is With Us
Interlude: The Music Of Christmas
This Baby
Silent Night/Away In A Manger/O Holy Night
Carol Of The Bells
O Come All Ye Faithful
Going Home For Christmas
Precious Promise

Customer Reviews:

Well-Produced, Warm, and Inviting Contemporary Christian Christmas Album.......2006-12-31

It's been said before that Amy Grant's A Christmas Album (1983) is the Nat King Cole of contemporary Christian Christmas albums -- the one that you always bring out year after year. I think that was true a decade and more ago, but I wouldn't be surprised if Stephen Curtis Chapman's The Music of Christmas (1995) has taken over that spot now. The Music of Christmas is just as inviting, inspiring, contemporary, and well-produced as Grant's album -- and some might say more so.

This is no small feat given the fact that Christmas albums (like, in prior decades, live albums) seemingly are career requirements for successful contemporary Christian artists. Chapman started work on this project in 1993, just after completing his Great Adventure tour supporting the album of the same name that catapulted him into stardom. He abandoned work on it, however, in favor of releasing a live album that fall. He then came back to this album two years later, after the even bigger success of Heaven in the Real World.

And the singer on this album sounds like the Steven Curtis Chapman of the Heaven in the Real World period. Oh, you'll only find only one purely pop song here ("This Baby"); this is a Christmas album, after all. But this album is still the work of the Steven Curtis Chapman who had not yet been stretched vocally, lyrically, musically, and just plain all-around artistically, on the Brown Bannister contemporary Christian music production rack. (The beneficial results of that stretching would be seen on Chapman's next pop album, Signs of Life.)

Nonetheless, Bannister is here as co-producer on The Music of Christmas, his very first venture with Chapman. As he proved on Grant's classic, Bannister knows how to create a Christmas album that is both contemporary and traditional at the same time -- and how to make it lush, warm, and inviting. Partly this effect is achieved through photographs of cabins, snowy Tennessee mountains, and Chapman and his wife Mary Beth enjoying the winter rustic setting. The message is clear: come and join our family in the celebration of Christmas.

The album itself begins with Chapman alone on guitar singing "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing." But just in case you'd forget that this is a contemporary Christian album, we only get the first verse and chorus before a nice musical segue leads us into the title track. With singing children, a large choir, beautiful orchestrations, and an incredibly catchy chorus, it's no wonder that this song was successful on contemporary Christian radio.

From there, the album continues with a mixture of contemporary and traditional offerings. The old carols sport new arrangements that nevertheless mostly maintain a traditional feel. (The one exception here is a very modern arrangement of "Angels We Have Heard on High" with backing vocals from pop/rock band Chicago's Bill Champlin. Champlin also guested on Grant's first Christmas album and other Grant/Bannister pop collaborations.) The contemporary songs are pop in nature, but most of them honor the spirit of the season with some sense of reverence, awe, and even solemnity. There's even one instrumental medley of Christmas hymns that serves as an interlude. (Did Chapman and Bannister design the album with Christmas concert performances in mind?)

There are also an amazing number of potential singles on the album. Beyond the title track, "Christmas Is All in the Heart" (a duet with guest vocalist CeCe Winans), "Our God Is With Us" (co-written with Michael W. Smith), and "This Baby" are all Christmas single material. These songs easily could have provided Chapman with a year's worth of contemporary Christian music chart toppers. "Our God Is With Us" is particularly impressive, with Chapman surveying salvation history and Christ's incarnation for signs of hope.

The album does decrease in quality just a tad with its last two tracks. "Going Home for Christmas" tells the tale of a (fictional?) grandmother who died during one Christmas season. It's honest and emotional, but a little sappy and too pop country. (Chapman would tell a much more harrowing, and far better, story of a relative's departure on his next album's "What I Would Say.") "Precious Promise" concludes the album with a final telling of the Christmas story. It's not bad; unfortunately, neither is it memorable, since it sounds too much like a typical Chapman closing ballad.

These minor flaws aside, The Miracle of Christmas truly is an excellent album. You probably will not get any better than this among Christmas albums from popular contemporary Christian artists.

Excellent!.......2006-10-13

Steven Curtis Chapman proves why he is one of Christian music's most loved artists! My favorites on this CD are "Christmas is all in the Heart," "This Baby," and "O Come All Ye Faithful."
Chapman brings a heartfelt quality to classic songs I have listened to for years, and really keeps the focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Definitely a must buy!

OK, but not my cup of tea.......2006-01-18

Well produced, but not the style of Christmas music I was looking foor

A FANTASTIC HOLIDAY TREAT FROM SCC!.......2005-12-28

Steven Curtis Chapman's first Christmas album, "The Music of Christmas," is an instant classic. Chapman, who is the master of Contemporary Christian music, created a masterful recording full of joy and peace that are an instant part of the Christmas season. Each song has the power and emotion that one comes to expect from a SCC recording, which makes this a CD that belongs in every collection of great Christmas music.
Grade: A+

The Only Christmas Album You'll Ever Need.......2003-11-26

This flawless combination of music, material, & message make this an exceptional CD.
In Christmas music, all of the gifts that Steven Curtis Chapman have to share with the world conspire to
achieve perfection.

Tracks:

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
White Christmas
Silver Bells
I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
Winter Wonderland
Baby, It's Cold Outside
Blue Christmas
Jingle Bells
A Winter Romance
A Marshmallow World
The Christmas Blues
Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer
Silent Night
I'll Be Home For Christmas Bonus Alternate Versions:
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
Winter Wonderland
White Christmas

Customer Reviews:

What's not to love!.......2007-02-28

If you love Dean Martin, you will love this. His smooth, easy way of singing is a joy to the ears. If you're unfamiliar with Dino's music and are just looking for some Christmas music, watch out. You will fall in love with this fabulous singer!

Solid Gold.......2007-02-15

Excellent Christmas / Dean Martin album. Much better than a Frank Sinatra Christmas album I bought last year.

DINO AT HIS BEST.......2007-01-24

THIS A WONDERFUL DEAN MARTIN CHRISTMAS CD. VOICE IS IMPECCABLE AS USUAL AND THIS IS A FESTIVE HOLIDAY CD. DEAN MARTIN IS WONDERFUL.

Great Sound Quality.......2006-12-28

Just a note on sound quality. Sixteen tracks are wide true stereo. Only track eleven is mono. Great fidelity.

Remind me to do my Dean Martin impersonation for you sometime........2006-12-14

This CD compiles the "best" songs from Dean Martin's two Christmas albums (1959's A Winter Romance & 1966's The Dean Martin Christmas Album), plus the 1953 single "The Christmas Blues". Some songs appear twice on this disc, because Dean recorded them for both of his Christmas albums. The songs from A Winter Romance are "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!", "White Christmas", "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm", "Baby, It's Cold Outside", "A Winter Romance", "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" and "Winter Wonderland" (don't ask me why "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" was on an album of "romantic" songs). The songs from The Dean Martin Christmas Album are "Silver Bells", "Winter Wonderland", "Blue Christmas", "Jingle Bells", "A Marshmallow World", "Silent Night", "I'll Be Home For Christmas", "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" and "White Christmas". Dean was a great singer of traditional pop songs, who projected a boyish sense of fun with his singing voice. He does quite well with these songs. His version of "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm" is the best version of that song I've ever heard. Avoid the newer version of this CD, which has a contemporary remix of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" with Martina McBride dubbed in (nothing against her, but why tamper with a classic?).

Average customer rating:

Its a Christmas MUST HAVE
Best Christmas CD
Outstanding CD!
ANOTHER CLASSIC CHRISTMAS ALBUM FROM SCC!
A JOYOUS NOEL

All I Really Want for Christmas
Steven Curtis Chapman
Manufacturer: Sparrow
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Christmas Sessions
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ASIN: B000B19AU4
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Tracks:

Luke 2:7-14 As Told By Shaoey
Angels From The Realms Of Glory
I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day
All I Really Want
The Miracle Of Christmas
Go Tell It On The Mountain
Christmas Is All In The Heart
Silver Bells
Winter Wonderland
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
The Night Before Christmas
Shaoey And Her Dad Wish You A Merry Christmas

Amazon.com

You don't expect a Christmas record to become a campaign for adoption but in Steven Curtis Chapman's able hands, he manages to weave the joy of answered prayers for family and kids with songs from the season of the child born in a Bethlehem stable two centuries ago. With three adopted Asian kids--and a foundation to help others fund their own adoptions--Chapman finds plenty to celebrate and give thanks for and he does so in "All I Really Want" (told from a child's desire to belong to a loving family). It's the perfect subject for a song at Christmas, flanked by many familiar standards, a cameo from Vince Gill and 14 tracks all (including gospel readings and greetings from Chapman and one of his new daughters). The Christian music star has put the Word into action in his own life and it's that spirit that colors this special Christmas package. Give it to someone who's waiting to adopt one of the millions of children looking for a home this season. Speaking from experience, it will make the trial of waiting a lot easier. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

Its a Christmas MUST HAVE.......2007-01-09

I am not the biggest fan of certain types of music but This SCC CD was amazing. The song "The Night Before Christmas" is worth buying the whole CD for. I highly recommend it!

Best Christmas CD.......2006-12-14

I'm usually in the habit of purchasing individual tracks from iTunes or the like, instead of purchasing CDs. However, I'm so glad that I went out and purchased this CD solely based on the statements of the previous five reviewers. This CD is awesome! The arrangements are a bit jazzy and remind me a little of Sting's musical genius. Every song is great, and I feel that I got my money's worth. In fact, I'm sure that I'll listen to a few of the songs year-round.

Outstanding CD!.......2006-12-04

Steven Curtis Chapman has a beautiful gift for making you feel his music. This CD is so moving and will really make you feel the true meaning of Christmas. It is one of my favorite Christmas CD's (and I have many)! Some of the songs that really stand out to me are "The Night Before Christmas," "Christmas Is All In The Heart," "The Miracle Of Christmas," and his rendition of "Little Town Of Bethlehem" is the most beautiful I've ever heard. The others are great classics that Steven has added some nice touches to. Every song on this CD is GREAT. I think after a few listens, you, too, will find it a favorite!

ANOTHER CLASSIC CHRISTMAS ALBUM FROM SCC! .......2005-12-27

Steven Curtis Chapman's 1995 album "The Music of Christmas" was so fantastic, that no subsequent album could possibly come close to capturing it's power. But the latest Christmas album from Mr. Chapman, "All I Really Want for Christmas," has proven that assumption wrong. Once again, Chapman has created an album that will surely become a classic holiday collection. The standout songs are "All I Really Want," "The Miracle of Christmas," his new rendition of "Christmas is All in the Heart" featuring Vince Gill on background vocals, and his awesome arrangements of "Angels from the Realms of Glory" and "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day."
Whether you're a fan of Steven Curtis Chapman, or just enjoy great Christmas music, then "All I Really Want for Christmas" is an album that belongs in your collection!
Grade: A+

A JOYOUS NOEL.......2005-12-11

Christian superstar Chapman gives us his second Christmas collection and it's as impressive as his wonderful THE MUSIC OF CHRISTMAS. While one may find the inclusion of his adopted daughter's reading of the birth of Christ a little manipulative, one also can't help but admire the Chapmans for their adoption of three children, and his heartfelt "ALL I REALLY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS" certainly brings the orphan's point of view into a clear focus. The collection however soars with Chapman's sincere vocals: a beautifully understated rendition of O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHELEHEM is one of the best of this venerated carol; his reworking of CHRISTMAS IS ALL IN THE HEART with Vince Gill is nicely done, too. Another Chapman written standout is THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, a song saluting the real night and not the Clement Moore poem. Some may think Chapman "sells out" in including the secular tunes SILVER BELLS and WINTER WONDERLAND, but to be real and honest, even Christians can rejoice in the non-religious side of this holy season, too. BELLS is quietly charming and WINTER expectedly upbeat. He also does an uplifting version of GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN and a uniquely tasteful GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN. Over the years, Chapman has rightfully earned the praise and honor among both Christian and popular music fans, and this marvelous collection of Christmas tunes is a welcome addition to my Christmas CDs. Merry Christmas, Steven.

Average customer rating:

27 Christmas Classics
Cristy Lane
Manufacturer: Chordant
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

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One Day at a Time

ASIN: B000HT36J6
Release Date: 2006-09-26

Tracks:

The Man From Galilee
Silent Night
Away In A Manger
Pretty Paper
I'll Be Home For Christmas
Silver Bells
White Christmas
Old Christmas Card
Blue Christmas
Shake Me I Rattle
A Little Bit Colder
O Holy Night
The First Noel
What Child Is This?
Up On The House Top
Jingle Bells
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
Joy To The World
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
O Come All Ye Faithful
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
This Is Christmas
The Son Of God Is Born
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
Do You Hear What I Hear?
His Father's Eyes

Average customer rating:

An Absolute Delight!
Father show me where I fit into this plan of yours. . .
Just beautiful...where are all the other reviews???

The Promise
Michael Card
Manufacturer: Sparrow Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Praise & Worship | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Michael Card - Joy in the Journey: 10 Years of Greatest Hits
Brother to Brother
The Way of Wisdom
Poiema
Soul Anchor

ASIN: B000008E0O
Release Date: 1994-10-07

Tracks:

The Promise
Unto Us A Son Is
What Her Heart Remembered
Joseph's Song
Vicit Agnus Noster
Shepherd's Watch
Jacob's Star
We Will Find Him
Thou The Promise
Immanuel

Customer Reviews:

An Absolute Delight!.......2005-11-15

I don't think there is a singer alive who can take the word of God and teach it to us through beautiful music better than Michael Card does. I was first introduced to his music by a coworker in the late eighties, and I have been a big fan ever since. I was so glad when this album, The Promise, first came out as I was hoping for a Christmas album from Michael. It is the first album we play at our house each Christmas season, and we listen to it many times each year. I can't even select a favorite song from this album because I love each and every one of them. If you ever have an opportunity to see Michael in concert, please do. It is an awe-inspiring experience that you will never forget!

Father show me where I fit into this plan of yours. . . .......2004-12-14

Back in September of 1996 I was not a christian. . .and having been diagnosed positively with MS a year earlier, I thought I was hoplessly doomed to a slow decline in physical abilities until I finally came to my end. . . but by God's grace, I somehow became a member of a choir singing these very songs behind Michael Card himself! We practiced for 11 weeks learning our parts and finally sang with Michael (and a young Fernando Ortega playing the piano and Darwin Hobbs singing some leads) before we went on tour with them to three smaller towns in Nebraska. Although every song on this CD was performed, the choir only joined in on a few . . . like "Unto Us A Son Is Given", "Vicit Agnus", "Shepherds Watch","Thou The Promise" and, of course, "Immanuel". I still get goose bumps when I hear these songs. And the ones Michael sang alone, i.e. "Joseph's Song" and "We Will Find Him" are especially moving.

I came to know the Lord listening to these songs and I learned to trust in His Promises.

Just beautiful...where are all the other reviews???.......2004-11-21

I'm listening to this lovely Christmas CD right now, and every song is a piece of the story of Christ's birth. With the soothing voice of Michael Card's tenor, and the lovely instrumental work involved, this CD always puts me at ease. "Joseph's Song" especially will get to you with it's sweet melody and tender lyrics. A must-have if you're a fan of Christmas music, or just an album to put in the CD player after a long day on the job. Now...where are all the other reviews? How did this one get missed???

Average customer rating:

Let There Be Light!
What A Way To Catch My Ears
Not as good as 'A Christmas Story'
Beautiful Harmony
More traditional than their other Christmas album

Winter Wonderland
Point of Grace
Manufacturer: Word Entertainment
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
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All I Really Want for Christmas
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I Choose You

ASIN: B000AA4I3A
Release Date: 2005-10-04

Tracks:

Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)
All is Well -- feat. Michael W. Smith
Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Jingle Bells
O Little Town of Bethleham
In the First Light
Santa Medley
Winter Wonderland
For Unto Us
Let There Be Light

Album Description

Winter Wonderland is a breathtaking assortment of ten classic Christmas songs that we have come to know and love. Long-time collaborator Brown Bannister (Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith) returns as producer, showcasing Point of Grace's vocally intricate harmonies and beautiful string arrangements on select tracks. This holiday collection contains something for everyone from traditional sing-alongs like "Jingle Bells" to a more contemporary version of "Little Town".

Customer Reviews:

Let There Be Light!.......2007-01-24

Bought the CD for this particular song...just an inspiring and uplifting piece of music. Thank you for such a gift!

What A Way To Catch My Ears.......2006-12-26

First things first--This is no ordinary Christmas collage. Not just "Breath Of Heaven (Mary's Song)" but, yet another Amy Grant classic, the Chris Eaton penned, "Little Town" are what paces this set well out of the usual and into the realm of extraordinary!!! ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!!!!

As for Breath Of Heaven, following in the footsteps of Donna Summer and Vince Gill, Point Of Grace's rendition of Amy's now standard anthem is what totally makes the album a class work of art.

Then, even though this album was a great piece, it gets even better. Although quite rare, "Little Town" is certainly given sparkle and verve that only Point Of Grace have purely mastered. Absolutely the gem in this set!!

With the fun, spunky and yet poignant character that this set offers, every Christmas mood is showcased and all with the beautiful harmonies and orchestration that can only be described as graceful.
Highlights include "For Unto Us", "It'sThe Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" and "Let There Be Light"

Not as good as 'A Christmas Story'.......2005-11-28

These ladies have beautiful voices, but I am disappointed by this album. The song selections are trite and the album isn't much of a value at less than 45 minutes long. I prefer the song selection and arrangements of their 1999 Christmas release- it's a unique addition to my Christmas music collection that gets played frequently during the season.

Beautiful Harmony.......2005-11-22

I don't buy many Christmas CD's, since I only listen to them for about a month out of the year. So if I do buy a Christmas CD, it needs to be very good.
The four ladies of Point of Grace showcase their wonderful harmony on "Winter Wonderland." Their version of "Jingle Bells" sounds like something from the big band era with the Andrews sisters.
The secular songs are fun, but Point of Grace is a Christian group, and it is on the spiritual songs that they really stand out. "Let There Be Light" is a nice new song with guest vocalist John David Webster. Point of Grace sings an acapella version of "In the First Light." On "Little Town" and "For Unto Us" they set familiar lyrics to unusual melodies.
The CD closes with "All Is Well," featuring Heather singing solo and Michael W. Smith on piano. I've always thought that song sounds like a lullaby, but Heather sings it so powerfully.
If you're going to get a new Christmas CD this year, do get this one.

More traditional than their other Christmas album.......2005-11-17

Point of Grace's first Christmas album 'A Christmas Story' hit legendary status. They took traditional songs and reworked them wonderfully. I was expecting something similar with 'Winter Wonderland' but didn't find it. Point of Grace seems to take more of a traditional approach on this album. They have reworked traditional songs but they stay fairly close to the original. The one exception of course is the song entitled "Let There Be Light" which is a new song. It's no secret that the voices of the members of Point of Grace seem to melt into one voice so if traditional Christmas music is your thing you're going to love this cd. If you're looking for more of a departure from the traditional songs you may be a little disappointed the first run through. Give it another listen or two, however, and I think you'll come to enjoy this cd more and more. Christmas music is used for a variety of purposes: to get into the Christmas mood, as background for a Christmas party etc...this cd would work well for all of them. I give this cd 5 stars because of the quality of vocals and songs themselves. These are classic Christmas songs and will be enjoyed by all. Have a very Merry Christmas!

Average customer rating:

***One of the all-time best Christmas albums***
refreshing and filled with beauty

Joy to the World!
Steve Green
Manufacturer: Sparrow Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
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First Noel
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People Need the Lord
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ASIN: B000008G81
Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

Joy to the World
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing/Angels We Have Heard on High
Angels from the Realms of Glory/O Come, All Ye Faithful
Silent Night
Birthday of King/O Holy Night
Jesus Is Born
Messiah Medley
Rest
Adorar Al Nino
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel/Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne

Customer Reviews:

***One of the all-time best Christmas albums***.......2003-12-29

Wow!! I adore this CD. I love music that is both traditional and yet a little different, and Steve can do both so extremely well. The best track on the CD is "Adorar al Niño," which combines a wonderful Latino beat with the traditional Christmas story. This song was so impressive, I wrote to CD recording company & was able to obtain a copy of the the sheet music to use in our contemporary praise band at church. This song really gets people's attention, let me tell ya!! It's just fabulous. AND it's a Christmas eve tradition in our church, 2 years in a row, to use this album on Christmas Eve as pre-service music until our band is ready to go. The very first track, Joy to the World, is done in such an outstanding, majestic, upbeat manner, it captures the joy of the season. The next few tracks are awesome as well, with everyone's favorite "Silent Night" as the 4th track, which is performed traditionally with excellence. You have to wait until track 9 to hear "Adorar al Niño," but you'll be very pleased with all the music in-between. Awesome. Thank you, Steve! And God Bless You!!

refreshing and filled with beauty.......2003-11-30

Steve Green has a glorious voice, a full liquid sound that has a huge range and power of operatic proportions, but is equally effective when he is singing softly, which is how he interprets many of of the lovely songs on this CD, which span the centuries from Handel and Beethoven to "Jesus is Born" which was co-written by Steve.
He sings in a straightforward style, and with the melody, instead of against it, which has become so popular in modern times, with singers sometimes thinking that exaggerated "frills and meandering" make a song "their own"; Steve instead relies on his vocal technique, and the rare gift of true artistry.

Highlights for me are the exquisitely tender "Silent Night", and no Christmas album is complete for me without "O Holy Night", which is here presented in a medley with "The Birthday of a King"; other good medleys are the excerpts from Handel's "Messiah", and the final combination of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel"/"Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne".
My absolute favorite is "Adorar al Niño", sung in flawless Spanish (with one verse in English) and with a marvelous Mexican-style arrangement; it's an infectious tune, and the performance by all, including Jon Goin and Mark Casstevens on guitars, is exceptional.

Whether singing in the richness of his full voice, or in subdued velvety textured tones, Steve is a joy to listen to, and this 1987 CD, released in the fourth year of his long recording career, is tasteful and inspiring; a perfect addition to any Christmas music collection, it is one that becomes increasingly appealing with each hearing. The sound is very good and total time 33'38.

The Voice of Christmas
Average customer rating:

GREAT CHRISTMAS CD

Sandi Patty "Rarities" Re Released.

Still worth having, but there is nothing new here.

Rare and Familiar Christmas Moments

Hallmark Moments

The Voice of Christmas
Sandi Patty
Manufacturer: Word Entertainment
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
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Duets

ASIN: B000ICLRK2
Release Date: 2006-10-31

Tracks:

O Holy Night
Bethlehem Morning
Ave Maria
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Merry Christmas With Love
O Magnify The Lord
How Great Our Joy!
The First Noel
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Worship The King
Go Tell It On The Mountain
It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Album Description

7 never-before-released tracks including 2 duets with R&B singer Peabo Bryson. Also includes 5 signature Christmas songs from her perennial bestsellers. Merry Christmas With Love and O Holy Night! The Voice Of Christmas is sure to fill any room with yuletide joy for the holidays.

Customer Reviews:

GREAT CHRISTMAS CD.......2007-01-10

ITS A GREAT CHRISTMAS CD FOR THE HOLIDAYS. ITS HER GREATEST HITS FROM HER 3 CHRISTMAS CDS.

Sandi Patty "Rarities" Re Released. .......2007-01-02

This CD is for those SP supporters who don't have the limited edition Hallmark holiday CDs released in 1992 and 1994 by Hallmark Entertainment and once available at all Hallmark greeting card stores. The songs are quite nice. The "new" stuff is from the 1994 Hallmark CD which hasn't been released since then. These arrangements (from the 1994 Hallmark CD) aren't as great as the David Clydesdale arrangements on the 1992 Hallmark CD, but Sandi sings them nonetheless grandioso if not seemingly a bit less passionately. The other songs that were released on the 1992 Hallmark CD were re released on Sandi's 1995 "O Holy Night" Christmas Cd by Word Records (with the exception of Ave Maria) and some of the older songs are from Sandi's first Christmas CD "The Gift Goes On" that was first turned out in the mid 80's. I suppose Word is still trying to cash in on Sandi (who is no longer on the Word Records label but INO Records now) since her popularity is growing once again. But since they own the rights to most of her catalogue, I suppose they can do whatever they want. Be sure to stay tuned for a "Best Of" definitive compilation due in '07...once again released by Word. I, myself, wouldn't call it "definitive" because it only consists of 10 songs, but oh well. I wonder if Word regrets losing her to INO?

Still worth having, but there is nothing new here........2006-11-23

Any release by Sandi Patty is worth taking notice of... she's a brilliant musician, and I for one, am glad for every high note she sings. Her high notes are exciting and always in tune--I can't understand how anyone could describe that as "tedious." However, Word Entertainment is stretching the truth here: The duets with Peabo Bryson and the other five songs were released on Hallmark CDs more than 10 years ago. Unfortunately, there's really nothing new about this CD. At least you won't have to listen to the Peabo Bryson solos, though, which were included on the Hallmark release.

Rare and Familiar Christmas Moments.......2006-11-11

I'm a big fan of Sandi Patty's Christmas projects. Considering she released one last year, I was a little surprised to find another one this year, but I just had to have it. Unfortunately, it's a bit of a disappointment.

This release is a compilation of several different previous Christmas releases. It has four songs from her first Christmas release, one from her second official release, and the rest are from her two Hallmark releases. Since I never bothered to get them, I was thrilled to get the songs. Especially since "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" are two of my favorites.

Unfortunately, many of the songs here suffer from Sandi's operatic tendencies. While I love her voice and don't mind her occasional trips into the upper octaves for extended periods of time, I find it can get tedious when she does it song after song. That's exactly what happens here. She's managed to produce some of my least favorite versions of the favorite classics.

Not to say that everything is a loss. I still love the songs I already know. And the two duets with Peabo Bryson ("How Great Our Joy!" and "Go Tell it on the Mountain") are fun. I doubt I'll give this CD more then one spin a year in favor of her better Christmas recordings.

Hallmark Moments.......2006-11-01

Sandi Patty completed two Christmas projects (1991 and 1996) for the Hallmark Card company (originally only sold at Hallmark Card stores) and material from those CD's are the core of this repackaged collection. Sandi's roof rattling "O Holy Night!" and "Ave Maria" are here from the 1991 Hallmark album. Five tracks are from the 1996 project which was a Sandi/Peabo Bryson shared effort: Two duets with Bryon are featured ("How Great Our Joy!" and "Go Tell it on the Mountain") as well as the best track from the 1996 Hallmark album ("Hark! the Herald Angels Sing"). Three songs from Sandi's first 1983 Word Christmas album ("The Gift Goes On") and one that was exclusive to her second 1996 Word Christmas album ("Carol of the Bells") round out the program in this collection.
There is precisely nothing new here for die-hard Sandi fans. Nevertheless, the packaging is appealing, if skimpy, and appears to have been remastered (unlike the recent "Duets" compilation).
This collection puts highlights from Sandi's 1996 Hallmark album on the general market (most of the 1991 Hallmark album is on the "O Holy Night!" album).
The definitive Sandi Christmas album is her inspired 2005 release "Yuletide Joy".

Music Review:

Music Review

Music Review

1. Great Is Thy Faithfulness - Rick Riso
2. Trust and Obey - Gary Floyd
3. Hymn of Grace - Tami Gunden
4. Softly and Tenderly - Steve Archer
5. 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
6. Mighty Fortress Is Our God - Glen Allen Green
7. Fairest Lord Jesus
8. Holy, Holy, Holy - Ken Givens
9. Amazing Grace - Luke Garrett
10. It Is Well With My Soul - Chris Christian