Search - Sheryl Crow :: Home for Christmas

An Uneven Affair

Morten Vindberg | Denmark | 01/01/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Apart from Sheryl Crow's always fine vocals and a few very good tracks, there is little of the usual Crow to be found on this Christmas release.



Only two tracks stand out from the predominantly mainstream Christmas moods which characterize this album which really does not sound very inspired.



Crow's only original song "There is a Star that Shines Tonight" is a very fine song though, and helps on the overall uninspired impression, if the listener has not already lost interest at this point, since it's the penultimate song on the CD. The heavy strings put on the second part of the song are really unnecessary and I think the song would have better without them.



The CD's absolute peak, however, is the last track, the beautiful traditional "All Through the Night". It seems this song is the only track that has been given a new and original approach.



The rest of the CD is rather ordinary mainstream interpretations of traditional songs and carols, in several cases arranged like Patsy Cline in the early 1960s.



Why Crow chose to re-record "Blue Christmas" is a mystery - her previous version was much more fresh and actually sounded as a Sheryl Crow song.



If you like traditional Christmas music this CD could easily be something for you; if in contrary you are looking out for new original Sheryl Crow music with her personal edge, you will probably be disappointed with this release."

As Santa would say, "So-So-So"

MoMo in Mass. | Northampton, MA USA | 12/10/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"As a big fan of Sheryl Crow's music and of holiday music, I was really looking forward to this album. It's pleasant enough, but not much stands out here. Sheryl's take on holiday chestnuts like "White Christmas," "I'll Be Home for Christmas," and "Blue Christmas," are nice, but the arrangements and instruments aren't anything dazzling or unique. This is the sort of thing to put on in the background while you're taking care of holiday chores and activities. That said, there's one big low and a couple of high points. As another reviewer here said, the version of "O Holy Night" here is pretty terrible, but the two closing tracks that follow it are terrific, the Crow-penned "There is a Star That Shines Tonight" and a lovely version of "All Through the Night." These two really make the album worth having for me. Also, the bonus download track available online, "Hello, My Friend, Hello," is great. If only I could swap "O Holy Night" off of the CD for that one."

AWESOME!!!

Dottie Siroky | Roy MT | 12/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a voice! Great album! Sheryl and Christmas together - Why didn't this happen sooner??

"