Search - Randy Travis :: Songs of the Season

BEST Christmas music ever

BB & Ace | 11/06/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Songs of the Season". What a perfect name for a Christmas project. Christmas truly is a season that most of us associate with gift returns and headaches. But some of us can truly still appreciate the real meaning of this holiday. In my opinion, Randy Travis's new Christmas release captures that meaning perfectly from start to finish.



How the listener interprets this album is half Travis and half what is inside the heart. My perspective comes from a long life of no Christmas holiday- just a dinner sometimes that could never quite match the size of Thanksgiving- not much meaning in that, of course. It was not until recently that my sister Kris and I began to observe the Holiday. In our first year already we had established something special- as we always do when we do anything together. We got ourselves our first tree and decorated it. We got a couple of things and placed them under the tree. The second time we decorated it to the hilt with cheap ornaments from Wal-Mart until the thing looked like it would tip. We once again got a couple of gifts, as well as some things from our close friends. And the presents looked big and pretty under the tree. It was fun. But it was also special because those two years we grew in the Lord and closer together. We made special memories and spent time together like we never had. So, when I think of this holiday I reflect on so many things: my sister and hero, Kris, and the bond we share. We would have never had a special friendship, I know, without Jesus.



Kris and I have filled our Christmas times with music. We heard our share of pop classics from artists who could or could not sing. With the passing of time tradition becomes ritual. I realized that many people have become robotic about Christmas. They forget the true meaning and focus on the headaches and the heartaches. I feel a lot of Christmas music is all the same. One rendition of "O Holy Night" is no different from the next. And by the time we sing along we forget about what the words are really saying.



Randy Travis brings the meaning of Christmas back to what it should be. "Songs of the Season" goes far beyond "An Old Time Christmas". His first Christmas album, although still a great listen, was traditional and somewhat common. But "Songs of the Season" is special, and the best Christmas music I have ever heard. I'll tell you why.



The album opens with an acoustic version of the pop classic "There's No Place Like Home For The Holidays". Randy's vocals are instantly warm, playful, and very inspired. He reminds me that, not matter where you are, Christmas time is just not the same unless spent at home. For me, home would be with Kris. No matter where I have been, I have always been at home beside her.



The album flows smoothly into another acoustic pop classic- "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas." Once again, I heard the song in a new light. Our last Christmas had been spent during a very troubled time at our old house. I can remember the pain we tried to live past daily, and yet our Christmas was still merry because we had the Lord and each other. Nothing could shake that foundation. This is a beautiful arrangement by Randy.



The third track is an instant gem. Immediately the arrangement calls for one's complete attention. It is soft and unpretentious. Randy's vocals are stunningly quiet and worshipful. On my first listen I could picture the quietly falling snow. I could feel the awe and wonder of those words "O Holy Night". I suddenly realized what "O Holy Night" meant. So many singers use the song to stretch their vocals- to sing it from the mountain top. They forget to "fall on their knees. O, hear the angel voices." Randy truly sings this from his knees, where the song should be sung. After this night divine when Christ was born, never again would man have to come to God through ritual and sacrifice. Never again would only the priest be allowed to enter the Holy of Holies. ALL MEN would be able to come to God through Jesus Christ. Oh, if we all could only realize the scope of that, then perhaps we would all fall on our knees.



"Go Tell It On The Mountain" brings a taste of "Glory Train" to the Christmas season. Randy's quarter tones and pitch bends perfectly fit the soul/gospel arrangement of this song. Not only tasteful, but he proclaims the news from the mountain this time, and it all just works.



When I first heard "Labor of Love" I was stunned. The arrangement here is styled like a Contemporary Christian song. But as Randy always does, he takes the genre and song style and makes it his own. The song is masterfully written lyrically and arranged beautifully. The description of Christ's birth is perhaps more realistic than our usual pictures of Mary, Joseph, and the wise men huddled around a quiet manger with a couple lambs peeking in. The music surrounds Randy's delivery to perfection. Even the quiet moments enhance the message. This would be awesome for Christian radio to play!



Randy Travis himself arranged many of these songs on this album. One of the most beautiful is "Angels We Have Heard On High." This is a perfect example of a song that has fallen victim to Christmas ritual. Never have I heard the song sung with more worship to Jesus than this version. It is just beautiful. Randy can say a million wonderful things holding the notes in the word "Gloria". I know I will never hear the song the same again. "Let It Snow" features Randy's more playful side, complete with harmonica and a bouncy string opening. "Away In A Manger" is also simply beautiful. I love the words: "Be near me Lord Jesus, I ask Thee To Stay, Close by me forever and love me I pray."



I must take time to talk about the ninth track, "O Little Town of Bethlehem." Randy sang portions of this on "Touched By An Angel" some years back. Kris has always loved this song, both lyrically and in melody. She told me how she wished Randy would record it. Her wish came true. She said the song is so poetic. "Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by." Again Randy brings appropriate emotion to this song. It is remarkably beautiful, calm and deep. For those listeners looking for pop holiday classics from a cookie cutter, this would not be for you.



The jazz tune `Nothin's Gonna Bring Me Down" once again demonstrates Randy's immense versatility with taste and style. He has stated that he can only sing country, but the poor man is just too humble to realize he has sung a variety of genres and performed outstandingly well on them all. His voice is befitting to the soft jazz style(like "Glory Train's" last track, "Precious Lord, Take My Hand"). This song is just as sweet, complete with Randy's trademark inflections that will make you feel better than hot chocolate. The irresistible lines "As long as I can cuddle with my honey in a huddle" will warm you up on the coldest night!



The tasteful and delightful "The First Noel" will bring a smile to your face and make you want to sing along. Randy's vocals here are very unassuming, taking me back to the classic Randy Travis sound. Speaking of classic Randy Travis, check out "Joy To The World."! Now, this is some hillbilly music- totally country arrangement and style. I laughed when I heard it and said to my parents, "Now that's really country." My Mom replied, "Yeah, but it's catchy. I like it." Amen to that. This tune has Randy written all over it, and you will come to adore this rendition of the song.



I want to return to what I said earlier about the meaning of Christmas. I feel that this last song, written by Randy, is perhaps the best on the album. From the opening of the album Randy has taken me on a personal walk through warm, Christmas memories, beautiful, worshipful Christmas praises, and stunningly realistic depiction of Christ's birth. Now we come here. It is a song about "Our King". We all sing about the baby in the manger at Christmas without really realizing what He means. Not everyone will understand this song. Not everyone knows Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior- much less as "King". Randy takes us on a softly sung journey that brings Christ out of the cradle into the man who preached and healed the sick. He was God's ultimate sacrifice for our sins- God's only son. He was God in the flesh, and the Savior for all who will believe on Him. He makes this time of year so important.



Go back to "O Holy Night." Fall on your knees for a moment. That little baby born in Bethlehem truly was "Our King."



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Christmas in September?

Dolores Guyer | Virginia | 09/30/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When it comes to a talent the caliber of Randy Travis, it makes no difference when you hear new music from him. Be it September or December. Country, gospel or seasonal. The music is always excellent. And always a gift from an exceptional talent.



I have long awaited for Randy to give us a second Christmas album. Now he has.



As much as I loved his "Ole Time Christmas", this one "Songs Of The Season" is a true joy to listen to. The production is masterful. The interlude on "Angels We Have Heard On High" is the most beautiful arrangement I have ever heard.



Who says Randy can't sing with an orchastra backup? Or sing anything other than traditional country?. Listen to him sing "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christams". Or the beautiful "Oh Holy Night"



Every religious selection (of vocals) on this beautiful offering has been arranged by Randy. He does some amazing vocal gymnastics on several of these songs. His styling is what helps set him apart from most artists of today.



Once again Randy has given to his fans an album they will treasure and enjoy hearing over and over, from season to season.



Two songs are slated to be released as singles. One to Christian radio. The other to mainstream radio.



To Christian radio goes, "Labor Of Love". It is a beautifully written song, telling the story of the night of Jesus's birth.It reveals the anguish of both Mary and Joseph (as well as the joy and the promise)that his birth brings to the world. Randy gives just the right touch of anguish and smypathy to both charcters in his delivery. To provide the emotional impact the writer intended.



"Nothin's Gonna Get me Down ( at Christmas time) is the one going to mainstream radio.



It is a cute song of how the weather, and the havoc it oft times creates can can put a damper on ones Christmas spirit.



However, if the stations receive a complete copy of "Songs Of The Season" I wouldn't be surprised to hear them play "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas". Or anyone of the other non religious offerings from it. Randy proves that he can deliver a pop song or two or three ( on this album) with the best of them.



If you want an album that will truly enhance your Christmas spirit. This season and for many to come. Don't psss up picking up a copy of "Songs Of The Season" by one of the greatest vocalists among today's artists. You will be glad you did.

"

September Brings Christmas Early with Old and new Tunes

Linda Webb | Carrollton, TX USA | 10/02/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Are you looking for the traditional Christmas songs as "there's No Place Like home for the Holidays," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let it Snow?" Are you looking for the Christian tunes such as "Away in a Manger," "The First Noel," or "Little town of Bethlehem?" Or are you looking for something new? They're here!!!



First, you will note even the traditional songs are not as traditional as one might thing, with many of the songs having been re-arranged by Randy. A couple that particularly stand out are two of my favorites "Angels We Have Heard on High" and "Oh Holy Night." Then there is Joy to the World" which is like no other offering I've ever heard.



The vocals, with Randy's rich baritone and a choir-like vocal background are terrific as is the musical instrumentation accompanying the CD.



Randy performs three new songs on the CD "Labor of Love," "Nothin's gonna Bring me Down at Christmas Time" and "Our King." "Labor of Love" is a beautifully performed song and although it starts out somewhat graphically and you wonder where it is going lyrically, one listen will tell you it is a song you'll probably find yourself playing again and again. "Nothin's Gonna bring me Down at Christmas Time" is an up-tempo song almost reminding one of the tongue-and-cheek songs Randy so often does on his CDs. It is about trials and tribulations that could bring you down during the holidays if you choose to let them. "Our King" written by Randy once again shows his unique writing ability wrapping up the CD with almost somewhat of a tribute to our Lord. I don't believe they could have ended with a more touching song.



The one thing that I noted about the CD is unlike many other artists and Christmas CDs, Randy offers more than one verse on many songs, sometimes performing three verses.



If you're truly looking for something to put some merriment in your Christmas, some joy in your New Year, this CD's for you.

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