Search - Sara Groves :: O Holy Night

Very Nice Album

Troy McClure | Chicago | 11/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I actually would like to rate this album 4.5 stars. It's not perfect, but its highs pull it towards 5 stars more than its lows pull it towards four stars.



I often think that artists tread upon dangerous ground when they alter the melodies of all-time favorite hymns and carols. Sometimes it works (see Fernando Ortega), often it doesn't. Sara Groves alters the melodies of several standard carols on this album, and I have to say, the results are fabulous. They are actually the strength of the album in my opinion. In particular I found "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" and "Angels We Have Heard on High" to be excellent renditions that I am excited to add to my Christmas music rotation.



In addition to the standard carols, there are also a handful of original songs. I don't have anything against original tunes on a Christmas album, but I often find them to be inferior to the standard carols (I have to admit, I'm a sucker for all the carol favorites). On this album I had a range of reactions to the various original tunes. Most of them I would put in the "actually pretty good" category, but one of them - "To Be With You" - is as beautiful and any Christmas carol out there. It will definitely be in the rotation for Christmases to come.



The reason why I would give it 4.5 stars instead of 5 stars is because there are, in my opinion, a couple clunkers on the album. Of course, music is all a matter of personal preference, so don't let this criticism keep you from checking out this album. Specifically, I found the original song "It's True" to be a bit treacly for me, and the song "Toy Packaging," while kind of quirky and fun, is also a little too, I don't know, quirky and fun for my tastes. But of course, that's just my tastes.



On the whole though, I highly recommend this album. It's one of the best to come out in recent memory."

A middling effort

R. Berman | Tennessee | 01/29/2009

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Of all the Sarah Groves albums I have (which is several), this is my least favorite. Of all the Christmas albums I have, this is among my least favorite. If you're going to meddle with the melodies of classic songs, it ought to be an improvement."

O Holy Night

M. Pearson | 10/18/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I completely love this cd. I love Sara Grove's music, but wasn't sure I wanted this cd; just because I didn't think I needed another cd of the same Christmas songs. My husband gave this to me last Christmas. I downloaded it to my ipod and listened, on our way "home" to be with family. The songs settled a joy and peace in my spirit and attitude. This in turn got my focus on the true meaning of Christmas-God and the peace and hope He delivered through his son Jesus. Recently, I have been listening to the songs in a shuffle and they always lighten my burdens and give me strength for the day. Thanks Sara!!!! I've just ordered your new album!!!"