Customer Reviews

Chris Isaak Christmas

5 star:		(45)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Never would I though Chris Isaak will release a Christmas album, but hey, never say never! Like Chris said it himself on an Aussie TV interview recently: "....I've always like Christmas music....we did a kinda like a bunch of Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Elvis, that's the kind of records I listened to when I was growing up, so I did a that kind of classics, and I wrote 5 new songs......"

I believe this is the first time Chris has taken on a bigger role musically, producing the entire album without his pals Erik Jacobson and John Shanks on his own label Wicked Game, the result is in fact quite appealing and consistent from track to track. He croons through some Christmas standards such as Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, White Christmas, The Christmas Song, Pretty Paper with full warmth and mellowness, sometimes a tad of melancholy, all in the style of "Isaak" if you know what I mean.

Auld Lang Syne was sung in a very nostalgic mood. The Hawaiian flavored Mele Kalikimaka is short and sweet. Is Gotta Be Good a continuation of Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing?! You've been bad before, so NOW you gotta be good! Love his comic low voice!! The growling tone reminded me of Louis Armstrong.

If you are a big fan of Mr. Isaak, be sure to get a copy of the Australian edition, because it included two bonus tracks: 17. I'll be Home For Christmas & 18.Santa Bring My Baby Back. I'll be Home For Christmas is one of those classics from the War World II era that has been covered by many over the years. In this album, the fuzzy organ and guitar arrangements with Chris's sentimental interpretation of the song is truly moving, it's one of my favorites! There are some traces of Elvis Presley'ish vocal affectations one might have noticed; I find it as a good thing of course, kinda tribute to the King.

Have to mention how cool the album cover looks. The colours are in at the shade of "1960's". The Christmas sprite is sudtlely revealed on the traditional red ornaments hanging on the green pine tree, so simple yet classy. Yeah, it's a nice day, he's driving along the coastline in his vintage blue Chevy Nova, he's smiling, he's happy, it's Christmas! The booklet artworks also showcased another talent/passion of Chris, cartoon drawings, how fun!

Interesting enough, according to Warner Music Australia, the album was actually released on 1st of October, but I couldn't find it in any major record shops (HMV, Sanity, Dick Smith Power House...etc), earlier, eventually I got it from Myer (one of the big local department stores) a few days ago.

I think it's brilliant to have Chris here touring at moment while his new album is being released!

This CD makes a GREAT X'mas gift for 2004!!

This is one of those rare CDs that's as excellent as you hope it'll be when you buy it. With Mr. Isaak, as the song says, it's "Gotta Be Good." And man-oh-man that's sure-nuff a fact.

Thankfully, the tune selection by Mr. Issak is somewhat balanced between those he interprets with his signature vocal chords and those where he plays things straight. I can't really decide which style is preferable, which is leading me to say the 16 songs presented are consistently excellent.

While I really enjoy Christmas music, there normally ain't too much of it that can get me in the mood prior to Thanksgiving. This CD definitely has jump-started the holiday for 2004 for me.

Time will tell, but jolly ol' Chris Isaak might have given us a classic in this early Christmas gift.

Ho-Ho-Ho!

Although I am a big fan of Chris Isaak, I wasn't excited at the prospect of a Christmas album, as I felt I was a bit "over" Christmas. To be honest, the main reason I bought it was to get his autograph after a concert. However, after 2 listens, he had completely won me over. My "bah, humbug" attitude disappeared, and I remembered how much I loved Christmas songs when I was a kid. Chris does great re-workings of standards, plus adds 5 of his own tracks, which are all good. His voice, as always, is amazing. Highly recommended.

Chris Isaak and Silvertone have outdone themselves with this cd. The standards are fantastic , the 'Pretty Papers' rendition tops the original by Roy Orbison. Chris' wide range of vocal talent is reflected in 'Gotta Be Good'. 'Last Month of the Year' has a bit of an Elvis sound . Some of the others have a bit of a country twang. All in all - one of the best Christmas cds that I've heard, lots of variety and easy listening. Just the kind of quality that we've come to expect from CI and Silvertone.

I saw Chris sing "pretty paper" years ago and always hoped he would release it. I was pretty excited to see that and much more on this Christmas cd. I was very suprised at the spiritual "brightest star". As a christian I really appreciated it. This cd reminds me of what Elvis or Roy Orbison would have done in the early 60's.

I admittedly initially bought this album due to the one Stevie Nicks duet.... But as it turns out, that's not even my favorite track! This album has become an instant holiday classic in my home. I'm hard to please when it comes to holiday songs, and I love the album's quirkiness! Chris' orginal songs are my favorite tracks, especially "Gotta Be Good"! There's plenty for everyone: traditional holiday songs, quirky/silly songs, plus a couple spiritual ones. If you enjoy Chris & a variety of holiday song styles, I definatly recommend this album!

This is the perfect Christmas album. Old favorites sound fresh and there are six wonderful original songs. Isaak's smooth voice rivals Elvis, Dean Martin, and Bing Crosby to produce a sound that all ages will enjoy. I would recommend this album without reservation for anyone who enjoys holiday music.

Jami Edwards

This is a solid Christmas album. Chris Isaak has always had a bit of an "Elvis" feel to him, and that's particularly true on this album. Many of the songs here have an early Elvis rockabilly vibe to them, but with a more contemporary feel. The eleven cover songs are all very good, but the hightlights are the five original songs Chris wrote for this album. It's hard to pick a favorite among them, but I have to make special mention of "Gotta Be Good", where Chris treats us to his Tom Waits impersonation! This is a fun Christmas album that a lot of people will be sure to enjoy.

I bought this cd when it came out last year, and when Christmas was over I was very sad to put it away. I couldn't wait to bring it out again this year! Everyone who hears it loves it - all the way from my 2 year old to my 78 year old mother. The songs he covers are great, and I love his original songs as well, especially "Got To Be Good." Besides his smooth crooning style, he has a special way of putting a little bit of humor in many of his songs. This cd has not left my player the entire season! Get it - you won't be disappointed!

I think Chris Isaak has been waiting for years to feel legit enough to record a Christmas albumn.

Now he's joined the ranks of every one of his heroes (including Neil Diamond) and added his Holiday record to the annals of history.

He pardons us the agony of yet another rockabilly rendition of Jingle Bell Rock, but still provides the coolest Christmas albumn since maybe the Phil Spector Family albumn.

No one new can make the "first" Christmas Rock and Roll albumn any more... but Chris Isaak's given us the first good new one in a long time.