Harry Belafonte Christmas [Original recording remastered]

Harry Belafonte | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 25, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B00005O6KE
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #164,516 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Enjoy the spiritual side of Mr. Calypso with songs such as A Star in the East; The Gifts They Gave; The Son of Mary; Goin' Down Jordan; I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day; and 13 more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Thank you, RCA!, November 26, 2001

By 

Andrew Gage (Phoenix, AZ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Harry Belafonte Christmas (Audio CD)

I've got mixed feelings about this CD. Throughout my childhood, Belafonte's "To Wish You A Merry Christmas" was a staple Xmas album in our house and over time it became my favorite Xmas album of all. For over 20 years I have been waiting for RCA to re-release this magnificent album. They finally have, and the audio is so clean it is unbelievable. I almost wish they had left pops and skips in the album... as annoying as those can be, without them this crisp recording seems "too clean". Although I am amazed at the new quality of the original 1950's recordings, I am not terribly impressed with RCA's decision to add in 5 Belafonte cuts not original to the album, two of which aren't really Christmas or religious tunes at all and seem noticeably out of place. RCA did such a tremendous job with restoring the sound on the original recording I wonder why they didn't think it could stand alone. All in all though, a very moving album you should hear. This is probably one of Belafonte's finest albums and by far the best example of his vocal talent.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favorite Christmas albums, December 6, 2004

By 

eco13 (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Harry Belafonte Christmas (Audio CD)

I'm actually not sure what inspired me to purchase this CD, as I am only familiar with a few of Harry Belafonte's songs (though the few that I've heard I've enjoyed greatly). However, this is one of the (unfortunately) few times I've followed my instincts, and I am so profoundly glad I did. This is not only one of my favorite Christmas CDs, but one of my favorite CDs period.

Many people are probably familiar with Belafonte's fun, fast-paced version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas"; however, the best tracks on the CD are, in my opinion, the lesser-known Christmas songs such as "Jehovah the Lord Will Provide," "Mary's Boy Child," and "Amen." I also really enjoy the rousing "Goin' Down," though it is not really a Christmas song. I highly recommend this CD -- if you are like me, you play it over and over and never get tired of it.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Belafonte singing, November 29, 2003

By 

cyclista (the Midwest) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Harry Belafonte Christmas (Audio CD)

Harry Belafonte sings beautifully and with deep emotion on this CD. Some of the songs have no instruments but guitars, which is lovely. However, the orchestra and chorus on other songs is very Christmasy. Some of the songs are sung a little slowly, which contributes to a worshipful tone on the more religious songs. I especially like the song "Christmas Is Coming", which is very upbeat.

This CD is 46 minutes long. I'm always concerned about the quality of the digital remastering of these older records. I found the audio quality to be acceptable, especially considering the age of these recordings. Harry Belafonte's smooth melodies come through loud and clear. Recommended for any Harry Belafonte fan.