Customer Reviews

Holiday: A Collection of Christmas Classics

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Crystal Lewis is one of those singers who can do no wrong when it comes to trying different styles and being completly artistic in her approach to music. This has been proved right on her last four albums and she still is releasing amazing material. Her new Christmas release "Holiday!" is truly a gift. Crystal posseses a unique and incredibly beautiful voice that I am always amazed by. It took Lewis only three days to record this entire album, and that shows me true musicianship and artistic brilliance. The Lord has really blessed her and the musicians whom she works with. This album is a peice of musical heaven here on earth.

When I first heard Crystal Lewis was going to have a Christmas album, I was excited. SO, I went and bought it as soon as it was released. I was a little disappointed when I heard it and it was all loungy-type jazz arrangements. Her performance is not very powerhouse, as most of us are accustomed too, but mostly laid back easy listening, which is good, If you like that. It is definitely not classic Crystal Lewis. There are several good songs, but it sounded like a good background music CD to me. I was mostly disapointed with the rendition of Oh HOly Night, which was very soft. I'm glad that I bought the cd, I wouldn't take it back. It was just different, and will definitely take getting used to. So, if this is your taste, go for it.........

I purchased this CD at Crystal's concert in Anaheim and listened to it on my way home. I have to admit that the overall sound of the album, very lounge-sytle jazz, threw me because I had anticipated big vocals and more instruments. The songs are very low key with soft vocals, which most Crystal fans aren't used too. But what sets Crystal apart from most artists is her ability to give her fans new sounds and not reproduce the same old thing. I would have enjoyed hearing Crystal belt out some notes on O Holy Night but I have other Christmas albums where that's done and to have a softer sound is actually nice. Great music to put on while lounging by the fire. It's a definite keeper in the CD player this Christmas.

Most of us want to relax and feel "Christmasy" when we put on a CD at this time of year. My collection is repleat with over-produced seasonal projects that my wife always turns down. This album is a credit to her brilliant talent and ability offer a project that is at once casual and profound. Enjoy it with the fire on!

An amazing album! Crystal sings all the good Christmas songs on this one. But she takes a little different aproach this time. She sounds a lot like Ella Fitzgerald, giving this fantastic album a great jazz sound. And her three piece backup band does an excellent job. I would buy this album for everyone I knew, if I could afford it.

Most of us want to relax and feel "Christmasy" when we put on a CD at this time of year. My collection is repleat with over-produced seasonal projects that my wife always turns down. This album is a credit to her brilliant talent and ability offer a project that is at once casual and profound. Enjoy it with the fire on!

I see from the other comments I wasn't alone in feeling a bit letdown.

While it's a nice CD, I think it's evident not much time was spent on preparing it, "IMHO" (I don't know if it was budget or time limit) Anyway, it was a basic same style throughout all the songs. I too would have liked varied instruments and exuberant singing! Maybe even a background choir on one of the songs.

BUT the reason I still say this is a nice CD, is because Crystal has a absolutely beautiful voice and it's great to hear her on Christmas songs. So I still recommend this CD for your collection, whether you're a fan of hers, a Christmas music collector, or are trying her music for the first time.

While there's nothing "TA-DA!" about the CD,(oh how I was expecting and hoping it to be!) this will be totally perfect for those Christmas season hours when you want to reflect or just have a calm moment to yourself or with others.

I have listened to this album during Christmas seasons for years now. Although Crystal sings with only a trio, each song is intrically woven together by 4 incredibly talented musicians. Don't be frightened away from the Jazz label or the Christian label. For her long time fans, Crystal puts her other familiar genres aside, like hip-hop, spanish, R&B, rock and the others; and Crystal's powerful voice is a bit softened here compared to her other power-house vocalizations. I would have to describe this effort as warm, charming and cozy. These Holiday standards sung by Miss Lewis will carry you right into the Christmas holiday spirit. Each song is catchy. If I had to single out a favorite it would be "Go Tell It on a Mountain." Looking forward to her newest holiday album. Cyrstal if you're out there, thanks again!!!

I listened to this CD at her concert and it is so good. If you wan to get in the Christmas mood, this is the CD for you. It is jazzy and fun. I love it. I would recomend it to anyone!

This is definitely a departure for Crystal. Laid back, almost... live, sounding vocals. Very Christmasy!! Spinning right now! :-)