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Editorial Reviews
Elvis' most cherished holiday classics reinterpreted by today's biggest female stars with Elvis Presley! The album features 'Blue Christmas' with Martina McBride, 'I'll Be Home for Christmas' with Carrie Underwood, 'Here Comes Santa Claus' with LeAnn Rimes, 'Santa Clause Is Back In Town' with Wynonna Judd 'Silent Night' with Sara Evans, 'White Christmas' with Amy Grant plus Gretchen Wilson, Karen Fairchild & Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town, Anne Murray, Olivia Newton-John and three Bonus Tracks.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
59 of 67 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I love this. The first track I listened to was "If I Get Home on Christmas Day" because that is my favorite Elvis Christmas song. I love the way they updated the music without trying to make it sound trendy or phony. Next I listened to Winter Wonderland - they really made the rhythmic elements of this song shine while still allowing James Burton's guitar solos to stand out deservedly. After that, I listened to "The First Noel": This just flat-out brought tears to my eyes, that's how beautiful it is. I don't want to spoil it for you, but, on "The First Noel", they added a beautiful almost baroque-esque string arrangement that really tugs at the heart strings. Ahhh, right now I'm listening to "I'll Be Home for Christmas"...it's so amazingly and divinely beautiful. The illusion of "duets" created by adding these talented female singers to Elvis' already existing tracks is very effective. Yes folks, we get to have Elvis right here with us for one more Christmas - and thankfully we'll have this cd to listen to for lasting memories. 5 holly-jolly stars.
26 of 30 people found the following review helpful
By J. Kirk
Format:Audio CD
"Christmas Duets" is not a waste of money, but it could be better.
Ever since the day that Celine Dion did a duet with Elvis on American Idol, there has been a new standard for such performances. I am not a huge Celine fan, but I will concede that her vocals managed to bring back some of the charming presence of Elvis.
Elvis Presley's "Christmas Duets" is another story. I believe all the stars on this album intended to do a wonderful job, and all things considered, they sang quite well. However, it is difficult to provide the sense of Elvis' presence when singing with old recordings. These Elvis recordings were originally solo works, which is one possible reason for the lack of chemistry. Another reason is that Elvis was unfortunately not here to reciprocate glances and to share the performance. Elvis would likely have presented these songs slightly different if he had originally sung them in a duet.
Overall, the chemistry on this CD is on or below par with Elvis. However, I did find some entertaining highlights within this CD. My favorite track is Olivia Newton-John's "O Come, All Ye Faithful". Olivia's musical experience brings her nearest to the lush sounds we would hear in a real duet with Elvis. Here are some interesting facts: I know that Elvis covered two of Olivia Newton-John's early songs ("Let Me Be There" and "If You Love Me Let Me Know") on "Moody Blue", his last album to be released in his lifetime. I also know that Olivia Newton-John has previous experience singing duets with posthumous musicians. Newton-John released a duets CD titled "2" that includes a very touching recording titled, "Tender-field Saddler". "Tender-field Saddler" was originally sung by the now deceased Australian songwriter and entertainer Peter Allen. Olivia's duet with Peter Allen has been described as a modern miracle in musical technology. She also sings "Tender-field Saddler" live on her new DVD, "Live In Sydney".
Another highlight is "I'll Be Home For Christmas", sung by Carrie Underwood. The clear and penetrating vocals of Carrie are very well placed, and not overpowering. Like others on this CD, Carrie is very respectful to Elvis, who probably seems like a mythical superhero musician that she grew up hearing but not seeing.
Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes, and Wynonna Judd also sing quite well. I enjoyed Judd's sassy, playful voice in "Santa Claus Is Back In Town." Overall I can easily recommend purchasing this CD. "Christmas Duets" will be fun to come back to year after year.
Ever since the day that Celine Dion did a duet with Elvis on American Idol, there has been a new standard for such performances. I am not a huge Celine fan, but I will concede that her vocals managed to bring back some of the charming presence of Elvis.
Elvis Presley's "Christmas Duets" is another story. I believe all the stars on this album intended to do a wonderful job, and all things considered, they sang quite well. However, it is difficult to provide the sense of Elvis' presence when singing with old recordings. These Elvis recordings were originally solo works, which is one possible reason for the lack of chemistry. Another reason is that Elvis was unfortunately not here to reciprocate glances and to share the performance. Elvis would likely have presented these songs slightly different if he had originally sung them in a duet.
Overall, the chemistry on this CD is on or below par with Elvis. However, I did find some entertaining highlights within this CD. My favorite track is Olivia Newton-John's "O Come, All Ye Faithful". Olivia's musical experience brings her nearest to the lush sounds we would hear in a real duet with Elvis. Here are some interesting facts: I know that Elvis covered two of Olivia Newton-John's early songs ("Let Me Be There" and "If You Love Me Let Me Know") on "Moody Blue", his last album to be released in his lifetime. I also know that Olivia Newton-John has previous experience singing duets with posthumous musicians. Newton-John released a duets CD titled "2" that includes a very touching recording titled, "Tender-field Saddler". "Tender-field Saddler" was originally sung by the now deceased Australian songwriter and entertainer Peter Allen. Olivia's duet with Peter Allen has been described as a modern miracle in musical technology. She also sings "Tender-field Saddler" live on her new DVD, "Live In Sydney".
Another highlight is "I'll Be Home For Christmas", sung by Carrie Underwood. The clear and penetrating vocals of Carrie are very well placed, and not overpowering. Like others on this CD, Carrie is very respectful to Elvis, who probably seems like a mythical superhero musician that she grew up hearing but not seeing.
Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes, and Wynonna Judd also sing quite well. I enjoyed Judd's sassy, playful voice in "Santa Claus Is Back In Town." Overall I can easily recommend purchasing this CD. "Christmas Duets" will be fun to come back to year after year.
17 of 19 people found the following review helpful
By PressFocus
Format:Audio CD
After reading all of the reviews for this album, I felt I had to add my opinion.
The reviews here seem to be divided into two camps. The positive reviews seem to come from those who enjoy hearing "new" versions of the King's classic recordings. The negative reviews seem to come from fans who feel that albums like this are somehow disrespectful to Elvis' legacy.
I have to put myself in the first group. I am also a big fan of Elvis. I wish he were alive today and still recording great new music. Unfortunately that's not the case. There won't be any new "hidden" recordings brought to light in the future. Even most of the "alternate" studio takes have also already been released.
So, if we want to hear "new" Elvis music, we can wait for new remixes, or when technology progresses further, even cleaner digital remasters.
Or we can enjoy albums like this.
No, it's not likely to replace the original versions in most fans' collections, but many will consider it a nice addition. In fact, if you could find someone who had never heard the originals and played them back to back with these duet versions, they might like some of the duet version even more than the originals (the duet with Amy Grant on "White Christmas" is a strong candidate, as is the saucy versions of "Merry Christmas Baby" with Gretchen Wilson and "Santa Claus is Back in Town" with Wynonna Judd).
I think this album was done as well as it could have been done. The female artists recorded in the same studio in which Elvis recorded the original versions. The instrumentation sounds as clean as I've ever heard it. Those reviewers who suggest that the females simply recorded "over" Elvis's vocals must not be listening very well. The three remixed, Elvis only songs that close the album are a nice bonus.
And the female artists represent a nice range of talent, including two performers Elvis knew and admired (Olivia Newton-John and Anne Murray), established artists like Wynonna Judd, Martina McBride, and Sara Evans, and relative newcomers like Carrie Underwood.
Some "purists" have stated that Elvis would not have liked this, and would never have consented to a duets album. Who knows? If you had told me in 1977 that Rod Stewart would be recording standards later in life, I would have laughed at you (Rod would have, too).
So I suggest folks just enjoy this for what it is - an addition to, not a replacement of the past. No one is suggesting that only the duet version of "Blue Christmas" will be aired from now on.
And if it gets some new or younger fans interested in Elvis, what's the harm?
The reviews here seem to be divided into two camps. The positive reviews seem to come from those who enjoy hearing "new" versions of the King's classic recordings. The negative reviews seem to come from fans who feel that albums like this are somehow disrespectful to Elvis' legacy.
I have to put myself in the first group. I am also a big fan of Elvis. I wish he were alive today and still recording great new music. Unfortunately that's not the case. There won't be any new "hidden" recordings brought to light in the future. Even most of the "alternate" studio takes have also already been released.
So, if we want to hear "new" Elvis music, we can wait for new remixes, or when technology progresses further, even cleaner digital remasters.
Or we can enjoy albums like this.
No, it's not likely to replace the original versions in most fans' collections, but many will consider it a nice addition. In fact, if you could find someone who had never heard the originals and played them back to back with these duet versions, they might like some of the duet version even more than the originals (the duet with Amy Grant on "White Christmas" is a strong candidate, as is the saucy versions of "Merry Christmas Baby" with Gretchen Wilson and "Santa Claus is Back in Town" with Wynonna Judd).
I think this album was done as well as it could have been done. The female artists recorded in the same studio in which Elvis recorded the original versions. The instrumentation sounds as clean as I've ever heard it. Those reviewers who suggest that the females simply recorded "over" Elvis's vocals must not be listening very well. The three remixed, Elvis only songs that close the album are a nice bonus.
And the female artists represent a nice range of talent, including two performers Elvis knew and admired (Olivia Newton-John and Anne Murray), established artists like Wynonna Judd, Martina McBride, and Sara Evans, and relative newcomers like Carrie Underwood.
Some "purists" have stated that Elvis would not have liked this, and would never have consented to a duets album. Who knows? If you had told me in 1977 that Rod Stewart would be recording standards later in life, I would have laughed at you (Rod would have, too).
So I suggest folks just enjoy this for what it is - an addition to, not a replacement of the past. No one is suggesting that only the duet version of "Blue Christmas" will be aired from now on.
And if it gets some new or younger fans interested in Elvis, what's the harm?
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Elvis Presley Christmas Duets
A really wonderful CD! If Elvis had lived to meet any of these contemporary artists, I'm sure he would have been pleased to record music with them. Read more
Published 7 days ago by Charlene
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Christmas CD!
This was a very nice purchase! I have an extensive Elvis music collection and own all the other Christmas CDs he has so I had to get this one as well. Read more
Published 9 days ago by renee banton
5.0 out of 5 stars
its traditional xmas songs and some gospel songs but i love it
its traditional xmas songs and some gospel songs but i love it.
the mix of old voice recordings and new recordings of today's stars is excellent, expertly done.
the mix of old voice recordings and new recordings of today's stars is excellent, expertly done.
Published 1 month ago by Tprime
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great CD
I love Elvis...I love Christmas...what a perfect match...a very good CD.. great gift idea (or keep it for yourself hehe).
Published 2 months ago by Debra Darley
3.0 out of 5 stars
Bought this as a gift
I bought this for my sister in law as a gift and she appreciated it. I didn't get to hear it. I guess it was OK as I haven't heard any complaints. ;)
Published 2 months ago by Maestro
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful
You don't have to be an Elvis fan to enjoy these duets. His beautiful voice blended with our current stars of today only highlight the perfection of his talent.
Published 2 months ago by claudia diorio
5.0 out of 5 stars
Elvis Always GREAT
I loved this Christmas CD. No one sings like Elvis. The way the CD was recorded is technically advanced. Love it.
Published 3 months ago by Susan Miller
2.0 out of 5 stars
Elvis Christmas Duets
For an Elvis CD, I was extremely disappointed... some of the songs don't harmonize well at all. I'm sorry I bought it; hoping to have some nice holiday music to play in my car as... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Meema of Seven
5.0 out of 5 stars
VERY NICE GIFT
MY WIFE HAD ASKED FOR THIS FOR CHRISTMAS AND I WAS ABLE TO FIND IT HERE. IT WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE FINDING IT IN THE STORES. WAS PACKED SECURELY AND WAS NOT A KNOCK-OFF.
Published 3 months ago by MYTTHUNDER
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wish I heard this years ago...
Found this CD by accident on Itunes. After sampling the soundbites, I had to have this cd. The price was great , I enjoyed this CD, very much.................
Published 3 months ago by Steven Andrade
