Search - Ralph Carmichael :: Xmas Joys

A Classic Christmas Album

Michael Spielman | Avondale, Az United States | 12/17/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"We had this LP when I was a kid back in the 70's. My Mom was a big Carmichael fan, so she brought it home one December day (or, knowing my Mom, it might have been November or even October!). I think it was probably available mostly in Christian bookstores and not regular stores. It's an excellent album. I purchased the CD when it was released several years ago and thoroughly enjoyed reliving my childhood memories. (The original CD issue had the same silvered-metallic cover as the LP, but subsequent copies replaced the metallic with a plain white background.) There are several orchestral medley arrangements along with vocal (solo and choral) arrangements. I liked this album as a kid because Carmichael took the old favorite Christmas songs & carols and rearranged them into a more contemporary (for the 70's) sound. Ralph even sings on the album (briefly on "Sweet Little Jesus Boy"), but what shines the most are his outstanding arrangements.A couple of years ago, Carmichael acted as arranger on the annual Hallmark Christmas CD (featuring Amy Grant). Some of the arrangements had echoes of "Christmas Joys". So it's nice to know that he still has "it" and knows how to use it! Maybe he'll release another full-blown Christmas CD in the years to come."