Customer Reviews

O Holy Night

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I actually would like to rate this album 4.5 stars. It's not perfect, but its highs pull it towards 5 stars more than its lows pull it towards four stars.

I often think that artists tread upon dangerous ground when they alter the melodies of all-time favorite hymns and carols. Sometimes it works (see Fernando Ortega), often it doesn't. Sara Groves alters the melodies of several standard carols on this album, and I have to say, the results are fabulous. They are actually the strength of the album in my opinion. In particular I found "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" and "Angels We Have Heard on High" to be excellent renditions that I am excited to add to my Christmas music rotation.

In addition to the standard carols, there are also a handful of original songs. I don't have anything against original tunes on a Christmas album, but I often find them to be inferior to the standard carols (I have to admit, I'm a sucker for all the carol favorites). On this album I had a range of reactions to the various original tunes. Most of them I would put in the "actually pretty good" category, but one of them - "To Be With You" - is as beautiful and any Christmas carol out there. It will definitely be in the rotation for Christmases to come.

The reason why I would give it 4.5 stars instead of 5 stars is because there are, in my opinion, a couple clunkers on the album. Of course, music is all a matter of personal preference, so don't let this criticism keep you from checking out this album. Specifically, I found the original song "It's True" to be a bit treacly for me, and the song "Toy Packaging," while kind of quirky and fun, is also a little too, I don't know, quirky and fun for my tastes. But of course, that's just my tastes.

On the whole though, I highly recommend this album. It's one of the best to come out in recent memory.

This Christmas CD does have some well-known songs as well as some original songs, but beware if you like traditional tunes this may not be the CD for you. Sara came up with her own arrangements/music for traditional songs. They are good, but I was a bit disappointed because I am one of those weirdos who likes to have twenty different Christmas CDs all with the same songs, same tunes, just different voices.

I completely love this cd. I love Sara Grove's music, but wasn't sure I wanted this cd; just because I didn't think I needed another cd of the same Christmas songs. My husband gave this to me last Christmas. I downloaded it to my ipod and listened, on our way "home" to be with family. The songs settled a joy and peace in my spirit and attitude. This in turn got my focus on the true meaning of Christmas-God and the peace and hope He delivered through his son Jesus. Recently, I have been listening to the songs in a shuffle and they always lighten my burdens and give me strength for the day. Thanks Sara!!!! I've just ordered your new album!!!

This is not the best Sara Groves CD. I really am a fan of hers but i just think she takes too much liberty with "covers". I only really like one song on the CD and the rest range from ok to annoying.

Of all the Sarah Groves albums I have (which is several), this is my least favorite. Of all the Christmas albums I have, this is among my least favorite. If you're going to meddle with the melodies of classic songs, it ought to be an improvement.

This is a Christmas album that has grown and grown on me. I got it the year it came out, and I can honestly say it is now one of my very favorites. My sister and I have talked about it and decided -- it's more like a Sara Groves album with a Christmas theme. Sometimes I get a hankering to listen to the songs in July -- for real! In a way, it's timeless because the story of Christmas is timeless.

The song "It's True" is beautiful. It makes me want to cry. She so captures the fantastic, magical idea of a baby coming to save creation -- but it's not magic -- "It's true". And I love her fun, light song "Toy Packaging" and "To Be with You" is such a heartfelt song about family. She's great. The album is great. I think I've bought at least three copies to give away as gifts. Enjoy!

I just lover her soothing, relaxed voice, and her arrangements of a number of classic Christmas carols really bring a fresh twist to them. I especially love her "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear". THe traditional words are given a new melody. After hearing the original over and over and OVER on the radio about 12 times a day, you really stop listening to the words. Here, with her beautiful arrangements, our ears are forced to stop and listen again; and completely enjoy it.

I am a huge fan of Christmas music and have quite the collection. This album has some songs in it that are at the top of my list. It's True is one of them Other reviewers didn't like the song, but what is Christmas about if not the important role of Jesus as our Saviour. I love the spoken lines by Toby. I love the line speaking of the new star, "God put it there when his baby son was born, to be like a spotlight shining on him... showing people the way to him. You see God was like a new dad, he could keep the news to himself. He'd been waiting all these long year for this moment and now he wanted to tell everyone." My first child, a boy, is due in January and I can kinda relate to God with wanting to share the news of his son's birth. Thank you for this amazing song!

This is one of my favorite Christmas CD's. Sarah sings like an angel! I listen to it over and over again. It has now replaced all my other Christmas tunes! Very traditional in her own style.
Puts you in the mood for what Christmas is really about!
This is a real winner and Sarah has the voice of Heaven!

When I heard Sara sing "O Holy Night" on the radio I knew I had to find out who she was and buy a copy. This may be the only Christmas album I have ever bought. It is very down-to-earth, has a pure sound, a little bit folk (my favorite genre), and full of longing for God.