Search - Carola Häggkvist :: Jul I Bethlehem

Make this your new Christmas tradition

tropic_of_criticism | 12/10/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Though this album is more or less evenly split between Swedish and English carols--and modern and traditional ones--no single track is better emblematic of the recording's spirit than "Dagen Ar Kommen" ("O Come All Ye Faithful"). Stunning for its acoustical church setting, it's all the more wondrous for its courage to reinvent musical tradition. It starts with the mixed and muted sounds of actual carolers singing in what sounds to be a snowstorm, then bleeds into Haggkvist's ethereal voice growing ever stronger over a chorus of voice and modern percussion. It even mixes in a bit of religious rap at one point, tapping into the understated power of a chanting male voice. By the last verse, her voice, the chorus, and the percussion section are so triumphantly loud that you have no doubt what the Swede is singing about--even if it is in her own language. Worth getting for just this track alone, the album nevertheless offers a whole slate of neo-traditional Christmas cheer that will leave friends and family in awe of your good taste. If your tired of the usual, but don't want to cut ties with the traditional, put JUL I BETHLEHEM into your Christmas mix today."

Words will not do Carola justice...

Carleton R. Johnson | Williamsburg, VA USA | 12/19/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"... but suffice it to say that she is a beautiful woman with a beautiful spirit and a voice to match. Carola sings with a warmth, passion, and conviction rarely found these days. Knowing only a minimum of basic Swedish, I still am deeply moved by the unique and traditional songs Carola sings in her native language. I hear cuts from this album being played all over Stockholm, (for good reason), and it sets my heart singing. I am very happy to have discovered this talented singer and am pleased to have added this album to the top of a very extensive Christmas collection."

This is the ultimate Christmas Album

Mariah Kecman | Fagersta, Sweden | 12/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Carola has a voice and a spirit made for christmas songs. She has said herself that her "secret" is that she always sings with an smile on her face, and this helps in making the words come out in the most beautiful and joyful way. Her presence is very marked in every song, you can hear her emotions shining through in every little tune, every melody, and I guess that's what makes this album so precious to me. Christmas just isn't christmas without Santa, a tree, lots of candles - and Carola."