Christmastime

Michael W. Smith | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 13, 1998)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Reunion
• ASIN: B00000D9VV
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #29,010 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #38 in Music > Miscellaneous > Holiday > Pop Vocal
  • #69 in Music > Classical > Opera & Vocal > Vocal Non-Opera > Noels

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Christmastime, the 1998 holiday release on which Michael W. Smith plays chemist and combines elements not previously forged together, is a study in contrast. His inclusion of three medleys of classic holiday tunes works more than it doesn't. But the addition of Christmas show tunes like "The Happiest Christmas," Kay Thompson's "Jingle Bells," and "Christmas Waltz" makes little sense. One has to be a crooner to pull these off and Smitty is many things but a crooner. The release's finest moments come in more contemporary style with the Chris Rice-penned "Welcome to Our World," Smitty's title track, and the Phil Keaggy-enriched instrumental "O Christmas Tree." Of the medleys, "Sing We Now of Christmas/O Come O Come Emmanuel " showcases Smitty's sensible arrangements as well as his now-famous "Emmanuel" chorus. --Michael Lyttle

Product Description

Michael W. Smith performs timeless Christmas classics plus several original songs with the help of the London Symphony and other special guests. Features O Christmas Tree with Phil Keaggy, Christmas Waltz with Sandi Patty, The Manger Medley with his daughter Anna, and more adult contemporary classics and beautiful instrumental songs. Artist: Michael W. Smith Format: Audio CD, one disc, 12 tracks Producer: Reunion ISBN: 602341001526Track listing: 1. Happiest Christmas 3:08 2. Jingle Bells 2:17 3. Christmastime 4:16 4. Welcome To Our World 3:28 5. Hope Of Israel 3:17 6. Medley 5:27 7. O Christmas Tree 3:53 8. Christmas Waltz 3:00 9. We Three Kings 3:23 10. Medley 5:06 11. Carols Sing 2:14 12. Medley 5:37

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Not His First, But Worth a Listen Just the Same November 22, 2003

By Mark Baker HALL OF FAMETOP 500 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

Michael W. Smith's first Christmas CD was different from what he normally does, with its choral sound and the feel of a church program. Since that was so different, I wasn't sure what to expect when I got this.

Good thing I wasn't expecting anything specific because this CD is all over the place. Very few of the songs on here are original, but most are seldom recorded. The more familiar songs on here are instrumental arrangements. While at first I was disappointed to not get words with "O Christmas Tree" and "We Three Kings," the arrangements are so fantastic it's easy to get past that. And the pipes on "I Saw Three Ships" make me want to get up and dance. "Hope of Israel" is an original instrumental piece as well.

He revives the choral sounds of his first Christmas CD on "Christmastime" and "Carols Sing." And he provides some more pop songs with "The Happiest Christmas," "Kay Thompson's Jingle Bells," the first Christmas recording of "Welcome to Our World," and "Christmas Waltz," a duet with Sandi Patty. Frankly, these are the songs I love most. Of special note is a new version of his "Sing We Now of Christmas" that is just a hauntingly beautiful as the original.

So does this mishmash of styles work? Yes, it does, but it takes a few listens. The first year I had it, I wasn't sure if I liked it at all, but each year it's grown on me. Now I look forward to hearing it every year.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An instant Christmas Classic with lush orchestration! December 8, 2000

By Soozie4Him VINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

This CD has a real mix of styles, but still hangs together as a very cohesive CD. My favorite track on the album is "Christmastime". It's just fabulous! Also, I especially enjoyed Michael's duet with Sandi Patty on "Christmas Waltz".

Michael incorporates a wide variety of instruments in this masterpiece of a CD - tinwhistle, bagpipes, Uillean Pipes, and all the usual instruments are included.

Track 6 is a medley with "Sing We Now of Christmas" sung by the American Boys Choir starting out. The medley ends with a lively "Emmanuel" (the one Amy Grant has on her first Christmas album, but MWS wrote it)!

The first track, "The Happiest Christmas", is reminiscent of the music my parents used to listen to - Ed Ames, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, etc. Michael does a great job with this style!

There is truly something for everyone on this CD - you can't go wrong buying this CD for any of your loved ones!

The liner notes are a feast for the eyes, with great drawings and photos.

Please check out my other reviews of Christian music and books!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Love it! Love it! November 27, 2000

By Sallie Stephens

Format:Audio CD

I purchased this CD last year and just about wore it out! I love the classic songs on here, mixed with some new ones. The rendition of "Jingle Bells" just plain tickles me (as well as my son...as soon as he hears that first whinny of a horse he just laughs and laughs...buy the CD and you'll see what I mean!) I also love "Christmastime" and my all-time favorite is MWS's instrumental piece "Hope of Israel". It is absolutely beautiful and really stirs my soul. Get this album and give yourself a wonderful Christmas present! You'll be so glad that you did!