Customer Reviews

Best of Narada Christmas

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This 2-disc set is one of my favorites--and I own over 32 Christmas CD's and over 20 Christmas cassettes.)

Narada is a popular New Age label, and this is a compilation CD from previous Narada Christmas releases. What is New Age music? Many styles fall under New Age music, including neo-classical, instrumental, ethereal synthesized music, Celtic, and light jazz. Some artists don't like to be categorized under New Age, but it's hard to find a place for the beautiful, relaxing, and positive music that often falls under the New Age genre.

This CD features traditional Christmas songs rendered in a non-traditional way, as well as new Christmas songs that are sure to become favorites of the season. There is enough varying of styles to add interest, including songs with beautiful vocals. What you won't find on this CD is drummed up "fake" holiday cheer with songs that grate on your nerves. Every song is truly ear candy that will soothe frazzled holiday nerves and bring the mind and spirit back to a more peaceful and joyful state.

Currently we have both CD's in our car's CD changer, and it was a treat to listen to them as we went Christmas shopping this weekend. Even my 5 year old son called from the back seat "nice singing!" I highly recommend this 2-disc Christmas collection from Narada if you like fresh, inspiring, and pleasant holiday music.

Disc 1

1. I Saw Three Ships - David Arkenstone
2. First Noel - Ralf Illenberger
3. Enniscorthy Christmas Carol - Dordan
4. Il Est Né (He Is Born) - Michael Gettel
5. Joy to the World - Bruce Mitchell
6. Angels We Have Heard on High - David Lanz
7. Away in a Manger - David Darling
8. Silent Night - Tingstad & Rumbel
9. We Three Kings - David Arkenstone
10. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Michael Whalen
11. Unto Us a Boy Is Born
12. What Child Is This? - Billy McLaughlin
13. Carol of the Bells - Kostia
14. Bring the Torch - Tingstad & Rumbel

Disc 2

1. Gloria - Nando Lauria
2. Silver Bells - David Arkenstone
3. Mistletoe Waltz - Dordan
4. O Come All Ye Faithful - David Lanz
5. O Holy Night - Brian Mann
6. Ding Dong! Merrily on High - Nancy Rumbel
7. Do You Hear What I Hear? - David Arkenstone
8. Ukrainian Carol - Spencer Brewer
9. It Came upon a Midnight Clear - Wayne Gratz
10. Celebration - Tingstad & Rumbel
11. Coventry Carol/Noël Nouvelet - Bob Read
12. O Little Town of Bethlehem/The Holly and the Ivy
13. Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming - Sheldon Mirowitz
14. Hallelujah

Fresh, delightful, very listen-able. Can put it on and leave it go for hours. Sensuous, enthralling and very pleasing -- it always surprises and delights ... even after multiple listenings. Save your $$ on other Narada Christmas CDs... this one IS the best of.

Put these two discs on your player and prepare for a musical Christmas expierence! I have played them for hours and love every minute.

What I demand from Christmas music is that it create a mood. I have Christmas music that is reverent, contemplative, festive, playful, or reminiscent of years gone by. I have Christmas music by which to wrap presents, watch a fireplace fire, visit with friends, meditate, clean house, or write Christmas cards. While this CD does not create some of the strong emotional reactions that I have to some Christmas music, it is happy and light. My husband whistles to it. Although there are many spectacular selections, there are few demands from the music to stop everything and listen. For me, this is the music by which to watch it snow, plan shopping trips, or quietly visit with friends. Except for the ending Hallelujah chorus on Disc 2, I would call this Christmas chamber music.

Some details: Disc 1 is 60 minutes and Disc 2 is 62 minutes. That is a lot of music for the price. I highly recommend this 2 disc set.

This is an excellent deal because you get a CD set. With so many recording artists you know you are getting the best music each one has to offer. Keep these to play once a year. That makes them all the more intriguing. Perhaps more like a tradition. The music is so varied in style. You won't get bored with this selection. There is such a wide range of interpretation. These two CD's will take you through the whole emotive range of Christmas. You will recognize many favorite songs and then be introduced to some unique singing on the second CD. The next song is just magical. This is a must have set!

~The Rebecca Review

An excellent collection of un-cluttered, free flowing Christmas music. The fourth selection on the first disc is the most beautiful Christmas melody that I've ever heard. The rest is a romantic, joyous listening experience.

Over the past three decades I have acquired more than 300 Christmas albums. My wife has two go-to holiday albums: Elvis Presley and John Denver & The Muppets. For me, it would be tough to narrow it down to just two. But THE BEST OF NARADA CHRISTMAS finds its way into my CD player every year. Each one of these holiday classics is a gem. No lyrics. No Vocals. Just calming, soothing arrangements from some of the biggest names in new age music: David Arkenstone, David Lanz, Tingstad & Rumbel. Whether you're trimming the tree, baking cookies, or entertaining friends, this makes for ideal background music. So pour yourself a cup of eggnog, throw another log on the fire, and enjoy. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED [Disc 1 - 60:20, Disc 2 - 62:35]

Since I always start listening to Christmas music in November (sometimes I just can't get enough of it) this is always the first CD I play. As a matter of fact, it's on now while I search for a possible new 'very best favorite' Christmas CD.

I gave a copy of this to a friend for Christmas a few years ago and she plays it all year round. It's the kind of music that seems to lend itself to helping you get into a relaxed and emotionally peaceful mood.

Can't say enough good things about Narada's music. Listen to the samples and you'll be hooked. It's not your typical church sounding music - a very nice twist on the old holiday favorites.

THIS IS THE BEST OF THE NARADA COLLECTION BECAUSE IT HAS MOST OF THE MUSIC FROM THE OTHER CDS. BUT I HIGHLY RECOMMEND BUYING ALL
THE COLLECTION BECAUSE YOU WILL GET SO MUCH MORE. THIS IS JUST
A SMALL SELECTION OF THE MAIN COLLECTION. I PLAY IT ALONG WITH THE OTHERS FOR A WONDERFUL 4 OR 5 HOURS OF MUSIC. I HIGHTLY RECOMMEND THIS CD WITH THE OTHERS.......

This is a 2 CD set, which was a nice surprise. Narada artists are the best, and they have selected a wonderful variety of songs from them. There are the traditional Christmas songs done in a non-traditional way, and some new tunes, also. Even if you have spent too much time in stores and think you will explode if you hear another Christmas song, you will enjoy these. I have Narada: The Christmas Collection, which is also a great CD. But hey, you get 2 in this set. What a great deal!