Search - Michael W Smith :: Christmastime

Not His First, But Worth a Listen Just the Same

Mark Baker | Santa Clarita, CA United States | 11/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Michael W. Smith's first Christmas CD was different from what he normally does, with its choral sound and the feel of a church program. Since that was so different, I wasn't sure what to expect when I got this.Good thing I wasn't expecting anything specific because this CD is all over the place. Very few of the songs on here are original, but most are seldom recorded. The more familiar songs on here are instrumental arrangements. While at first I was disappointed to not get words with "O Christmas Tree" and "We Three Kings," the arrangements are so fantastic it's easy to get past that. And the pipes on "I Saw Three Ships" make me want to get up and dance. "Hope of Israel" is an original instrumental piece as well.He revives the choral sounds of his first Christmas CD on "Christmastime" and "Carols Sing." And he provides some more pop songs with "The Happiest Christmas," "Kay Thompson's Jingle Bells," the first Christmas recording of "Welcome to Our World," and "Christmas Waltz," a duet with Sandi Patty. Frankly, these are the songs I love most. Of special note is a new version of his "Sing We Now of Christmas" that is just a hauntingly beautiful as the original.So does this mishmash of styles work? Yes, it does, but it takes a few listens. The first year I had it, I wasn't sure if I liked it at all, but each year it's grown on me. Now I look forward to hearing it every year."

An instant Christmas Classic with lush orchestration!

Soozie4Him | Chicago suburbs | 12/09/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD has a real mix of styles, but still hangs together as a very cohesive CD. My favorite track on the album is "Christmastime". It's just fabulous! Also, I especially enjoyed Michael's duet with Sandi Patty on "Christmas Waltz". Michael incorporates a wide variety of instruments in this masterpiece of a CD - tinwhistle, bagpipes, Uillean Pipes, and all the usual instruments are included. Track 6 is a medley with "Sing We Now of Christmas" sung by the American Boys Choir starting out. The medley ends with a lively "Emmanuel" (the one Amy Grant has on her first Christmas album, but MWS wrote it)! The first track, "The Happiest Christmas", is reminiscent of the music my parents used to listen to - Ed Ames, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, etc. Michael does a great job with this style!There is truly something for everyone on this CD - you can't go wrong buying this CD for any of your loved ones!The liner notes are a feast for the eyes, with great drawings and photos.Please check out my other reviews of Christian music and books!"

Truly gorgeous!

Brideofchrist | Minnesota | 05/29/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album instantly became one of my all time favorite Christmas cds! Micheal's talent is beautifully showcased here, both musically and lyrically. My two favorite tracks are Christmastime and Carols Sing. I get goosebumps every time I listen to them. God has truly blessed this man with a wonderful talent. Anyone who finds themself sucked into the commercialized-Christmas-is-for-getting-stuff mindset would be blessed by this cd. Micheal really points the listener in the right direction. Kudos for your passion for Christ, Micheal!"