Search - John Berry :: My Heart Is Bethlehem

Updated Christmas Album from a Fabulous Artist!

SandyP, Country Music Columnist @ B | Nashville, TN | 12/05/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I could just say, "Trust me and Buy It... You Will LOVE IT" because this album is truly ~ that ~ good!John has done it again with a brand new Christmas album and with new songs as well as traditional classics. I have yet to find a better Country artist to sing Christmas songs than John Berry! Singing classic songs such as "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", " Let It Snow", "We Three Kings", and " Winter Wonderland" it is his interpretation of "The Lord's Prayer" that will stop you in your tracks and force you to listen. It is truly spell bounding and magical.John also adds three brand new Christmas songs that are sure to become favorites of many. "My Heart Is Bethlehem", "Snowed In", and "Christmas Morning" are wonderful additions to an album of classics. "Christmas Morning" was especially meaningful to me since the song deals with the fact that not all parents can be with their children on this spiritual and magical morning.Although this album, John doesn't have the same country twang as on "O Holy Night", the smooth arrangements and mixture of voices make it an equal companion. This album is perfect for Christmas breakfast or brunch!If you need to listen to any song sample for proof that this CD will remain a favorite, listen to "The Lord's Prayer" or the slightly non-traditional sound of "Let It Snow.""

If you thought "Oh Holy Night" was something...

Patricia L. Grove | Rothschild, WI United States | 11/01/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"John Berry is back with his second collection of holiday favorites and a few new songs. And like "Oh Holy Night", it's an album that you'll find yourself playing on the 4th of July, because it's just too good to leave sitting next to the ornaments in the basement.What makes both of his Christmas albums special is his ability to interpret classic songs. He can make a song sound like it was written just for him, yet keep the basic integrity of the song intact. For example, "Let It Snow" is a bit different than most versions you've heard, with a cozy, laid back feel. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is smooth and sweet, sounding a bit like the Kenny Loggins version. "The First Noel" requires quite a bit of range, which is one of Berry's vocal gifts.Yet he can flawlessly shift gears into traditional carols like "What Child Is This" and "We Three Kings," where his spiritual nature and strength comes shining through. That strength really comes into play during the only non-Christmas song on the album. "The Lord's Prayer" is a song usually done by the Streisands and the Lanzas of the world. But Berry more than holds his own. Simply put, this man's voice has never sounded more alive or powerful. With this classic piece, he sounds like he'd be more at home with the Irish Tenors than the Dixie Chicks. The new songs are certainly worthy, especially the title track. The title "My Heart is Bethlehem" may sound confusing at first, but it all makes sense once you've listened to the lyrics. "Christmas Morning" (co-written by Berry) deals with the fact that many parents cannot be with their children throughout the holiday season. There really is nothing country about this album at all, other than the guest vocals from Billy Dean and Kenny Rogers on "We Three Kings." In fact, if you had never known that Berry was considered a country singer, you'd probably think he was either an adult contemporary or Christian artist. Hopefully, this album will give listeners of other genres a taste of one of the best (and most underrated) voices in music today."

Another BEAUTIFUL Christmas CD!

Mary Ellen Brown | Stephens City, VA United States | 11/17/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD perfectly complements John's *O Holy Night* CD from 1995. I bought *My Heart is Bethlehem* when it was released in 2000. I play it all year long. John has added more dimension to the usual Christmas songs with the use of violins, harp, and acoustic instruments. The 3 original songs (My Heart is Bethlehem, Snowed In, and Christmas Morning) bring a unique flavor to this CD which also has the legendary Kenny Rogers and Billy Dean singing with him on *We Three Kings*. *The Lord's Prayer* is an added bonus to this CD, sung as only John can do it -- filled with emotion that touches your heart and soul.The result is EXCELLENCE that crosses all music genres!"