Customer Reviews

Christmas: Gift

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There are two CD's in my Christmas collection titled "The Gift", Jim Brickman's and Collin Raye's. And Collin Raye (with Susan Ashton) does sing the Brickman song of the same title on Brickman's recording, but not on this one. Whatever, anyway both of them are deeply spiritual in feeling and highly recommended. Want reasons? Okay:

The collection starts with a pair of secular standards, "The Christmas Song" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas", and then kicks in gear with a real bang. Johnny Cash gives the introduction to the one original song, "It Could Happen Again" based on a well known incident that happened on a Christmas Eve during the First World War. This is followed with one of the most feeling interpretations of the traditional "The First Noel" known to me. No less notable is Collin's duet with his daughter Brittany Wray on "Away in a Manger". After these three outstanding cuts, the fresh and unique delivery of "White Christmas" is a nice change of pace. Remaining briefly in a secular mood, the Beach Boys sing along with Collin for a swinging arrangement of "Winter Wonderland". Good (though in my opinion not quite up to the previous carols) are his versions of "Angels We Have Heard on High" and "Little Drummer Boy", bringing us back into the spiritual mood and preparing us for the experience of the last three cuts. These last cuts are, in my mind, appropriate for listening to in a darkened room, maybe lit by candle light. First of the three is his second duet with daughter Brittany for "Silent Night." The placing of an instrumental reprise of "The First Noel" perfectly sustains the mood and leads nicely into what I think one of the absolutely best arrangements and deliveries of "O Holy Night".

The entire album strikes me as more of a spiritual and, if you will, worshipful event than a festive one, not even remotely a party record, but one for listening to alone or with those closest to you in heart and spirit. If you want a CD which will help you tune in to the deeper spiritual mood of Christmas (as does the afore mentioned Jim Brickman CD of the same name), this is it.

Collin Raye has demonstrated over the years his unique vocal style---a high, high tenor that sometimes seems as if he's not gonna quite hit the note, but somehow he does. This is both a blessing and a curse for Raye. This album shows that trait on several of the cuts. I Sometimes wonder why he doesn't sing in at least a half note or so lower, then it might come across a little cleaner, a little more natural.
In spite of this, however, one can't deny his effectiveness on this collection of standard holidays tunes, with the inclusion of "It Could Happen Again", a song about the truce in WW II where both sides lay down their weapons and shared Christmas together. This cut is the highlight of the album, along with his Beach-Boyish "Winter Wonderland".
Raye exhibits great taste in his arrangements, and also shows that he has a true Christian spirit in both his singing and in the messages he includes in the liner notes.
RECOMMENDED.

Anyone who likes Collin Raye,Easy listening or Country music will LOVE this album. Even if Collin is a country artist( I call it "country lite") this album sounds very Adult contemporary. Collin celebrates his faith and family in this album with Christmas hymns and Traditional Christmas favorites with a few surprises. "It Could Happen Again", a song about Christmas Eve during in World War I humbles me everytime I hear it, it's such a beautiful powerful song with a message. "Winter Wonderland" with the Beach Boys is fun too. There is nothing weird on this album, it is very straight forward and traditional. It is a must have in any Christmas album collection.

This is a fantastic Christmas CD! His rendention of "O Holy Night" sends tingles down my spine. Great for anyone - not just country lovers

This is definitely one of best country Christmas CD's in my collection. Collin's voice on alot of the songs seem very passionate and connected to them. This one country fans ought to buy for the holidays.

I'm not a fan of Christmas music, but this will be a treasure in my collection. O Holy Night will take your breath away. I never used to like The Christmas Song until I heard Collin sing it. Simply breathtaking. My poor kids will have to get used to hearing it over and over. Keep up the good work, Collin and Amazon!

This is the best Christmas album that I have ever heard. Collin's daughter Brittany sings with him on two songs on this album(Away in a Manger and Silent Night{Great work Brittany}) and the song "It Could Happen Again" is such a powerful song and it a great song for Collin. I even find myself listening to the CD during other parts of the years. It's just as wonderful as Collin's country albums. Even if you are not a Collin Raye fan, this is a great album to add to your collection. I am very pleased at the turn out of this album. Way to go, Collin!

This is one of my families favorite Christmas albums. I have had to replace it 3 times because it has gotten all scratched up carrying it back and forth from house to car to other car. This time it has been saved to a computer so I won't have to replace it again! The only down side is the lack of the title song The Gift. I love this song but it is not included on this album and I'm not sure why. Collin Raye's version of O Holy Night is the best I have heard. All of the tracks but one are traditional Christmas songs. The track that is not traditional starts out with Johnny Cash giving a short explanation of Christmas Eve on the battlefield. If you are looking for a great Christmas album that captures Christmas, this is it.

I had this on cassette. I love it. It came quickly and in mint condition. (I need four more words.)

I had never heard of this singer, but I listed to the previews and decided to give him a try. I am glad that I did. He has a beautiful voice, and sings with great warmth and feeling all the Christmas songs I love. This will definitely be one of the CDs I play every year for the holidays.