Customer Reviews

Harry Belafonte Christmas

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Harry Belafonte's recording delivers "Mary's Boy Child", "The Friendly Beasts" and other Christmas (not holiday) songs as only he could sing them. His voice is rich and mellow, and the songs are sung with tenderness, and joy, and the wonder of the events of that night. It was a thrill to find my long-scratched LP re-released as a CD, with a lot of new songs added, including the rousing "Amen". If you love Belafonte and/or good Christmas music, you must add this to your collection!

I ordered this CD on amazon.com and played it. One song I love is A Star in the East, which is the first selection. Beautifully done, and clear sounding with the remastering. I remember my mother having that song on a compilation LP. Other songs I enjoy are The Gifts They Gave, 12 Days of Christmas, The Son of Mary (Greensleeves), I Heard The Bells on Xmas Day and Mary's Boy Child. Harry's version of the latter is considerted to be the definitive by many. There's also a couple of medleys and some rarities like Aman and Christmas is Coming.

A very nice and relaxing group of holiday songs from the "Day - O" man himself. A total of 18 songs and over an hour of music. A good buy for your money.

Hi,
A satisfied customer here. The album arrived long before Xmas and a lot sooner then I expected. So, nothing to complain about and I sure will buy from this firm again.

The Harry Belafonte album always signals Christmas is coming. We played this album every year in my house growing up, and it truly stands the test of time. I love "Christmas is Coming," my siblings and I used to love singing the lines the "goose is getting fat" and "please put a penny in the old man's hat." I did love hearing the crackles and blips on the old record my parents had, too. I still have the version without the added secular songs, so can't comment on those. Belafonte's voice is so rich and beautiful, he sings every song gorgeously.

Harry Belafonte is truly a gifted singer, having a fine voice, and is able to sing a variety of lyrics and rhythms. Best listened to this disk during a quiet time, when you can just sit and appreciate the quality of the time of the year.

I first heard this CD in 2009 when my mother-in-law was dying of brain cancer. We played it in her room in hospice care and it was very comforting to my husband and his siblings. They grew up listening to it and it was Mom's favorite Christmas album. I love the songs and Mr. Belafonte's style and recognized some of the songs that have been done more recently by other artists (Sarah McLaughlin). It is a beautiful album. My parents were big fans of Harry when I was a child and I love his voice and style. Very nice!

This collection is not as nice as the To Wish You a Merry Christmas album which contains original 1950's selections. Some of these seem over-produced, and some selections jump out at you because they don't fit with the rest.