Customer Reviews

It's a Wonderful Christmas

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Michael W. Smith has released two previous Christmas CDs, and they are staples of my December. This new release will be taking an honored place beside them in my December rotation.

This release is a combination of his two previous releases. It mixes the choral feeling of the first one with the pop of the second one. And, as something new, he mixes in lots of instrumental pieces. 5 of the 11 songs are fully instrumental. But the orchestra sounds wonderful.

What is truly amazing is that this release sounds Christmassy from start to finish from the very first listen. Only one track, "What Child is This" is a traditional piece. Michael wrote or co-wrote everything else. Yet everything feels like an old familiar friend.

Some of the instrumental tracks sound like the soundtrack to a movie. And one feels like a missing piece from the Nutcracker.

Of the other songs, most focus on the birth of Christ. They are wonderful choir pieces. "Christmas Day" focuses on our modern Christmas celebration, and it brings a smile to my face as I think about all the traditions. Finally, the disc closes with "All Year Long," a quiet song that wishes us the happiness of Christmas the rest of the year.

This is a great release. Buy it and enjoy it for Christmases to come.

It's A Wonderful Christmas WOW!! Well worth the wait. It has been almost 10 years since Michael W. Smith released "Christmas time". Michael's previous releases "Christmas" (in 1989) and "Christmastime" (in 1998) are standard Christmas music during Tree decorating and present wrapping at my home.

Both his previous releases are in my opinion are modern masterpieces. His new release does not disappoint. This release is a more epic,classical work with four amazing choirs, among them a 100-voice choir and also a 16-member London boy's choir directed by John Tobin, and a 67-piece orchestra at London's Abbey Road studios.


John Williams is one of Michael's hero's and it really comes though. The album has a "John Williams" feel interwoven in the tracks. In preparing for his new Christmas collection, he wanted to create an album with the lush arrangements and powerful orchestral sounds that he heard listening to his favorite Christmas records as a child. I have to agree, as I listen to this cd I am reminded of many Christmas memories and Imagery of the Christmas season.

Michael a master of blending and reinventing music to bring something new. I also appreciate the way he gives Christmas music profound reverence and respect. Tops most Christmas releases because of Michael's passion for music,giving it that Christmas feeling and epic sound. Michael has captured the Christmas spirit in this one!

The Album features 11 songs with nine original tracks.

"Christmas Day" featuring a duet with American Idol's Mandisa is amazing!
"What Child Is This" absolutely Beautiful!!
"All Year Long" another fantastic track!!

Wondering about "Audrey's Gift"? It is a song that he wrote at the last minute for his Granddaughter right before the album was released.
This Christmas release is one of the best in recent memory. It's a Wonderful Christmas is a must-have addition to any Christmas music buyer's collection. Curl up in front of the fireplace with this CD playing!

This may be the best 2007 Christmas release. 9 of the 10 songs on this CD are brand new and I suspect we'll be hearing a lot of these for the next few years. The songs with vocals have a great choral feel. The five instrumentals are beautifully orchestrated. Overall, this is a wonderfully listenable CD--even if you love the classic Christmas songs, these new ones feel as comfortable as my favorite slippers.

I found this album by accident. I went to Stars on Ice and one of the
skaters used Song for the King. I thought it was such a beautiful piece
of music I searched on Amazon and found this cd. After listening to the
samples, I knew I had to add it to my Christmas cd collection even if
it was several weeks after the holiday.
I will enjoy this music for many years to come.

There is nothing not to love about Michael W. Smith's "It's a Wonderful Christmas." You should be aware that Smitty does not sing on every track; some tracks are instrumental. You also hear a lot of choir. But don't let that stop you from getting this worshipful, splendid CD. With the exception of "What Child is This," all the pieces are original compositions by Michael W. Smith and company. His duet with American Idol's Mandisa is lovely.
I know I'll be listening to this CD for many, many Christmases to come.

This is quite possibly the best Christmas album I've ever heard. Smitty hasn't been doing his best work of late, but this album is simply awesome. Not many old classics here, but the instrumental pieces are the sparkling gems. This is music that everyone in the family will love, and putting this album on makes it feel like Christmas in our home like no other. It always goes on when we wrap presents as a family, or when we're decorating the tree. It's usually playing on Christmas morning, too. :) He even does a great job of writing original Christmas pieces, something not many others do. I'd definitely recommend you buying this in its entirety. You WON'T be disappointed.

"IT'S A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS" CD is...well...it's a wonderful Christmas CD.
11 powerful songs all written by Michael W. Smith, with one exception; which is a traditional carol arranged by MWS. And I really liked this arrangement with him at piano and teamed with Skip Cleavinger on the pennywhistle giving it a Celtic flavor.
A second song, #6 "A Highland Carol", also had the pennywhistle AND HIGHLAND BAGPIPES, that makes that song 'out of this world' when the volume is cranked.

This CD set is Orchestra, Choirs, and vocalists. Some solos, 5 instrumentals, and vocal groups. Everything needed for a worshipful, big sound but reverend feel of Christmas. It's delightful. Like spiced cranberry cider, hot, in the mug. By candlelight.

Did I mention the bagpipes and pennywhistle?
Not new at this review time--but then the music is timeless. You'll play it often, and for years to come. Cheap enough for stocking stuffing.

This is a must buy for everyone! Mr. Smith celebrates the season of Christmas with the music on this CD, but carefully reminds us of the true meaning of the season. I played this CD so often, I am going to purchase another for this Christmas season to make sure I have a good copy on hand! The one I have in my collection now is looking a little worn! Lol.

Buy this CD for the upcoming holiday season! You won't regret it.

Michael W Smith is the best! Love this CD, lots of instrumentals, and traditional Christmas music as well.

This is a great CD. Michael W. Smith has a style that is interesting and entertaining. It is a pleasurable listen. His life and music have been bringing glory to God for many years. His sometimes subtle, somtimes passionate, sometimes pointed, and encouraging way of telling people about Jesus Christ has always been admired by me as well as many of my friends. May God continue to bless his family and his music as he faithfully serves in the Kingdom of God.