Customer Reviews

All I Really Want for Christmas

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Ten years ago, Steven Curtis Chapman released his first Christmas CD. Over that decade, it's become required listening for me every year. Now he's back with a second holiday project, and it's just as great as the first.

Things have changed for Mr. Chapman over the last decade. His involvement in and heart for adoption is front and center on this disc. The disc opens with Shaohannah, his oldest adopted daughter, reading the Christmas story from Luke. The final track is the two of them singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." While at first I thought these might be cheesy, I really like it.

The title track is also about adoption. It's an orphan's letter to Santa asking for a family for Christmas. Its melancholy theme is uplifted by a very catchy tune. I find myself singing it after hearing it.

Two years ago, Steven released a Christmas CD with Hallmark. The good news for those who didn't get that CD is that the seven new songs are on this CD. The bad news for us die-hard fans who got that CD is that the seven new songs are on this CD. This makes the Hallmark CD pretty much obsolete, which I think I prefer over all. Now I can listen to two distinct CD's and get all his Christmas music without any repeats.

The CD does boast a nice selection of traditional songs. "Angels from the Realms of Glory" gets a new Steven melody and sounds like it fits in with his catalogue better then the traditional carol. Steven lets his bluegrass background show through more on his Christmas CD's. It makes for some original arrangements on such tracks as "I Heard the Bells," "Go Tell it On the Mountain," "Silver Bells," and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." Still, they aren't so different they aren't recognizable the first time through.

In addition to the title track, there are three other original songs on this disc. One is a new version of "Christmas is all in the Heart," this time a duet with Vince Gill. "The Miracle of Christmas" not only reflects on the original miracle, God became man, but the fact that He still comes to those who call Him. "The Night Before Christmas" places the ordinary daily lives of the residence of Bethlehem against the extraordinary events taking place in a stable. Both are outstanding songs and I wish there were more like them here.

Stylistically, this disc is a great follow up to "The Music of Christmas." In many ways, it's a continuation.

While not quite as strong as his first Christmas CD, it is still a wonderful disc in it's own right. It would be a perfect choice for Christmas Eve by a roaring fire. So grab some eggnog and enjoy.

Steven Curtis Chapman's 1995 album "The Music of Christmas" was so fantastic, that no subsequent album could possibly come close to capturing it's power. But the latest Christmas album from Mr. Chapman, "All I Really Want for Christmas," has proven that assumption wrong. Once again, Chapman has created an album that will surely become a classic holiday collection. The standout songs are "All I Really Want," "The Miracle of Christmas," his new rendition of "Christmas is All in the Heart" featuring Vince Gill on background vocals, and his awesome arrangements of "Angels from the Realms of Glory" and "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day."
Whether you're a fan of Steven Curtis Chapman, or just enjoy great Christmas music, then "All I Really Want for Christmas" is an album that belongs in your collection!
Grade: A+

Christian superstar Chapman gives us his second Christmas collection and it's as impressive as his wonderful THE MUSIC OF CHRISTMAS. While one may find the inclusion of his adopted daughter's reading of the birth of Christ a little manipulative, one also can't help but admire the Chapmans for their adoption of three children, and his heartfelt "ALL I REALLY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS" certainly brings the orphan's point of view into a clear focus. The collection however soars with Chapman's sincere vocals: a beautifully understated rendition of O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHELEHEM is one of the best of this venerated carol; his reworking of CHRISTMAS IS ALL IN THE HEART with Vince Gill is nicely done, too. Another Chapman written standout is THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, a song saluting the real night and not the Clement Moore poem. Some may think Chapman "sells out" in including the secular tunes SILVER BELLS and WINTER WONDERLAND, but to be real and honest, even Christians can rejoice in the non-religious side of this holy season, too. BELLS is quietly charming and WINTER expectedly upbeat. He also does an uplifting version of GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN and a uniquely tasteful GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN. Over the years, Chapman has rightfully earned the praise and honor among both Christian and popular music fans, and this marvelous collection of Christmas tunes is a welcome addition to my Christmas CDs. Merry Christmas, Steven.

There are a few songs on here that totally make it worth having, like Christmas is All in the Heart, and his daugher reading Luke 2. I bought it on chance and am glad to have it!

What can I say besides Stephen Curtis Chapman continues his long running position as an awesome A+ Christian Contemporary Singer. This CD was even more meaningful to us due to the recent tragedy in life, the loss of his young daughter. This CD is a beautiful tribute to the birth of our Lord and Savior.

SCC does an incredible mix of great Christmas songs on his new CD--some of which are familiar, with new songs as well. His new hit about a child wanting a family for Christmas is very touching. What is especially neat is that there are a couple parts on the CD that are done by his young adopted daughters--the first being the Christmas story read by one of them, and lastly, singing "We wish you a Merry Christmas" as the final cut (especially sweet!)

This is a treat that should be tucked into everyone's stocking. Steven Curtis Chapman is such a gifted singer and songwriter who truly helps us understand the real meaning of Christmas.

"And that's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown"
(Linus)

I am not the biggest fan of certain types of music but This SCC CD was amazing. The song "The Night Before Christmas" is worth buying the whole CD for. I highly recommend it!

I'm usually in the habit of purchasing individual tracks from iTunes or the like, instead of purchasing CDs. However, I'm so glad that I went out and purchased this CD solely based on the statements of the previous five reviewers. This CD is awesome! The arrangements are a bit jazzy and remind me a little of Sting's musical genius. Every song is great, and I feel that I got my money's worth. In fact, I'm sure that I'll listen to a few of the songs year-round.

Steven Curtis Chapman has a beautiful gift for making you feel his music. This CD is so moving and will really make you feel the true meaning of Christmas. It is one of my favorite Christmas CD's (and I have many)! Some of the songs that really stand out to me are "The Night Before Christmas," "Christmas Is All In The Heart," "The Miracle Of Christmas," and his rendition of "Little Town Of Bethlehem" is the most beautiful I've ever heard. The others are great classics that Steven has added some nice touches to. Every song on this CD is GREAT. I think after a few listens, you, too, will find it a favorite!

This is only an okay CD. There are two really good songs. The others are just Steven's renditions. There are other better Christmas CDs out there.