"You dont have to be a die hard fan of Jon Secada to enjoy this Christmas CD. You will enjoy this live performance by Jon and a 62 piece orchestra. The "Gift" has a sound of past time, something like that of Nat king Cole. The "Gift" includes 7 holiday favorites, 10 in all."
The best "Gift" for everyone
Behnam | JustSecada.com | 01/25/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am a big fan of Jon Secada. This album is gorgeous. After "Amor" , in an interview Jon Secada promised to do the same album. "The Gift" can be the best gift for everyone.Although the songs were set for Christmas, but it is sensitive for every time. Makes you feel relax with the warmest voice of Jon and a wonderful Orchestra."
Secada Equals Classic Christmas Crooners Sinatra and Cole
Gary Peterson | Omaha, Nebraska USA | 11/26/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Jon Secada has with THE GIFT transcended his pop music beginnings and has joined the hallowed ranks of classic Christmas crooners Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. Secada's singing is at its most controlled and is perfectly complemented by the orchestations. The opening overture will place you under a spell and hold you entranced through the album's ten tracks. Highlights include the beautiful but seldom heard "A Cradle In Bethlehem" (very reminiscent of Nat Cole's version)and "Silent Night." Secada also brings a renewing passion to the old and overplayed Christmas chestnut "The Christmas Song." It's a shame Mel Torme is not alive to appreciate Secada's vocal styling. For me, the two Spanish tracks detracted slightly from the album, as did the cover photo, which gives no hint it's a Christmas album and would be much more appropriate on an album of Sinatra standards (such an album would allow Secada to shine--his voice is perfectly suited to the standards). THE GIFT will be played in my home this Christmas season along with the classics by Sinatra, Cole, Andy Williams, et al. It's encouraging to find such good music still being produced. May God grant all of you a MERRY CHRISTMAS!"
A surprise snoozer from Secada
J. R. S. Germain | Berkeley, CA USA | 12/11/2004
(2 out of 5 stars)
"Don't get me wrong - I LOVE Jon Secada and own everything else he's ever done - even the Pocahontas soundtrack where he only sings on one track.
If you like Christmas music to listen to while falling asleep, then this would be perfect for you. It's just a waste because Secada has such an amazing, powerful voice, and it is almost never heard on this album.
If you want to try out Secada, don't start with this album. He is a wonderful artist, but I just feel that he was very underutilized here. Luckily, you can listen to thirty second snippets of the tracks on this CD on this page, and can decide for yourself."