Customer Reviews

O Holy Night

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

 

 

This is Sandi Patty's second Christmas album (a new one, "Yuletide Joy," should be out in September of 2005). Although it has a few weak moments (a too-artsy "My Favorite Things" and "Carol of the Bells" and a version of "Angels We Have Heard On High" that is more labored than inspired), the rest of this album is top-notch all the way.

I consider her covers of "Silver Bells" and "The Christmas Song" to be THE definitive versions: gorgeous arrangements and gorgeous singing. Her version of "White Christmas/Winter Wonderland" is unique, lovely, and fun all at the same time--and I love how the backup chorus comes in with bits of "Snowfall" during this medley. It's a very clever arrangement and just beautiful. "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" grew on me (I didn't like it at first--she uses her "operatic" voice on this one). The arrangement and Sandi's singing really bring out the meaning of this seemingly simple song and make it powerful. If you've heard her do it at any of her Christmas concerts, you know how she can just blow you away. "Star of Bethlehem" is quite lovely and moving, growing with power and passion as the song moves to its climax--yet retaining its simple beauty. I have mixed feelings for the title song, "O Holy Night." Sometimes I feel that it is an over-the-top syllable by syllable interpretation of the words, and at other times it just moves me deeply. Last of all, "Home for the Holidays/I'll Be Home for Christmas" is lovely, wistful, and charming.

On recordings Sandi Patty can slip into over-dramatization and shrillness when she is not really inspired, and as a musician I completely understand this, but when she IS inspired there is NO ONE out there who can sing more movingly. And as good as she is on record, she is always much better in person. Sandi just comes alive in front of an audience, and it's as if the biggest concert hall can barely contain the talent God has given her. I can't overstate how moving she can be in person when the Spirit of God descends and lights a fire in Sandi. It has to be experienced to be believed.

This is a partial repackaging of Sandi's Hallmark Christmas album from 1992 (It contains none of her material for the 1996 Hallmark album). It contains new material and the highlight is the closing "Star of Bethlehem" which is a rare song of beauty and majesty. The performance of "My Favorite Things" seems a little odd but on Sandi's 1996 Christmas TV special, her daughter Anna danced to the recording, and it all worked beautifully. The performances by the London Symphony Orchestra give Sandi the perfect backup for the mystery and joy of the holiday season. A vivid second Christmas album after 1983's "The Gift Goes On." We can pray for a third Christmas album. Yuletide Joy

Having been a fan of Sandi's first Christmas CD and her music in general, I was looking forward to getting this CD. While it's good music, it doesn't quite live up to her original.

The CD sounds great. We are treated to lush orchestration and Sandi's incredible vocals. Long time arranger David T. Clydesdale worked on these songs. He continues to do a great job here, allowing Sandi to show off her incredible range.

While the first 9 songs are traditional, we get a couple lesser recorded Christmas songs like "Home for the Holidays" and "My Favorite Things." Frankly, I prefer her version of "O Holy Night" from her first Christmas release, but that's just me. I do love the version of "Carol of the Bells" recorded here. My love for this song continues to grow, and this version is right up there. The two new songs are good, but don't stand out as anything special.

And that's my only real complaint. THE GIFT GOES ON was a special release filled with great new songs or cleaver medleys of old ones. This one, while still great, falls just slightly short of that.

This CD has much to recommend it, and any fan of Sandi's work will want it. But if you're only going to get one of her Christmas CD's, get THE GIFT GOES ON. It's an all around stronger project.

I have always loved hearing Sandy Patty. This CD was another of her fabulous piece of music singing her heart out!

Don't get me wrong...the traditional Christmas songs are wonderful. Especially the 3rd track medley "There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays/I'll Be Home for Christmas."
Is there any secular Christmas song that speaks of the heart of Christmas more than "I'll Be Home for Christmas"? If so, then
why are the airports so crowded at this time of year?
Plus, these traditional secular Christmas songs show off Sandi's vocal talent. I loved hearing Sandi's version/arrangement of them. She could sing the alphabet song and make it exceptionally beautiful! But lets talk about the other tracks. "Star of Bethlehem". Absolutely beautiful. Now this song speaks of the true meaning of Christmas. "Child of Peace' testifies of the star of Bethlehem...Jesus. "The wondrous child of peace has come." Nothing secular about that!
But if you only bought this CD for the title song....it would be worth every penny. I loved "Jesu Bambino-O Holy Night" from
"The Gift Goes On" album too. But this version of "O Holy Night" is just annointed by God....plain and simple.
Sandi....put out another Christmas album with "Mary Did You Know" on it. You're friends with Mark Lowry....I'm sure he would let you record it. I'm also waiting to hear Handel's Messiah...."Halelujah Chorus" Is there a person alive who could sing that song better than Sandi Patty? I think not!