Customer Reviews

Joy to the World

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

 

 

This CD is uplifting and enjoyable. The songs from "Home Alone" are a rare treat that made the purchase extremely worthwhile.

For fans of John Williams and fans of Christmas music, and of course, the frequent overlap, this JOY TO THE WORLD album is almost a necessity. I look forward each year to playing this one.

It boasts a reading of "Twas The Night Before Christmas" by Robin Williams, which is on the same memorable scale as Perry Como's. My personal favorite track is "The March of the Toys" from BABES IN TOYLAND. And also, almost an added bonus, is the inclusion of lesser-known carols beautifully compiled in an equally beautifully titled medley: The Christmas Bouquet. This track includes little-known and seldom-played carols like "We'll Dress the House," "The Star Carol," "Nigh Bethlehem," and "Jesu Parvule."

My only complaint is that my favorite Christmas Carol, "O Holy Night," is only a mere footnote in a medley instead of being whole and complete. "O Holy Night" sounds majestic when played well by an orchestra (and who could make it sound better than John Williams?). I didn't mind the inclusion of a few of the HOME ALONE tracks, after all they are very enjoyable pieces. But if we have those in their entirety then surely they could have given us "O Holy Night" in its entirety as well.

Oh well, enough complaining from me. This is a great Christmas CD, and I can't believe it's being sold for such a low price ($7.00 as of my typing this). Buy it, and you won't regret it.

This Christmas collection by John Williams and the Boston Pops for Sony is a forgotten gem. It includes many Pops favorites such as Leroy Anderson's "A Christmas Festival" with choral arrangement, "Sleigh Ride" and "White Christmas" (again with vocals." It also has an arrangement of Alfred Burt's Christmas music as well as a medley of contemporary Christmas music. The true jewel in this recording is Williams' "Somewhere In My Memory" from HOME ALONE. Though this album is not as strong as the Christmas recording Williams' and the Pops did for Philips, it is still an enjoyable album.

Enjoyed it! Stayed in my CD player for the entire season this year. Great gift idea.

I bought this one about 9 years ago mostly because the "Home Alone" songs and it is still one of my favorites. The arrangements are true John Williams style, captivating as always. My nephew who lives with me, grew up with this album and is now 14 still LOVES IT. He swears it's not Christmas without it. I guess I think the same way. I let a relative borrow it and was sorry when I did because I immediately missed it playing at my house. (I made her burn a copy right away.) I love the idea of original songs included with the traditional Christmas tunes to become instant classics. I wouldn't decorate my home without this CD playing in the background.