Customer Reviews

Michael Ball Christmas

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I'm picky about Christmas music, and although it is also true that I am a Michael Ball fan... I can't say enough good about this CD and every song on it. I won't say more about the specific songs because that has been done, and done well, by those other reviewers who preceeded me. However: do you love beautiful music? Are you touched by a pristine tenor voice, one with a slightly tremulous vibrato, and one who can sing with passion and conviction as well as beauty? Do you look deeper than the Chipmunks or the Barking Dogs' "Jingle Bells" when it comes to the beauty of the Christmas season? Hey, treat yourself. This CD just might be the best thing you can buy for yourself, this year and next. Possibly forever! (By the way, I do like the Barking Dogs, in their place.) Michael Ball's Christmas will take you to another, a HIGHER place. Enjoy!

Listening to Christmas songs sung by such a golden voice is truly an artistic enjoyment.
The album is a mix of the traditional Christmas songs and some new materials, including one of Michael's own work "Light a Candle", a song that is well written and beautifully sung. I wish I could describe the feelings when I listened to " O Holy Night". This version will instantly fill you with awe. Michael's soaring voice, the choir, and the orchestra make this song of great religious feeling. Listening to Michael singing "Fall on your knees, O hear the angle voices......" makes me want to fall on my knees and cry. "Ave Maria" by Bach/Gounod, is another song that will call forth in you the holy spirit. Classical as it is, this song is always sung by classical tenors. Michael Ball, with his God-blessed natural voice, delivers the song breathtakingly. "When A Child Is Born" is one of those songs, which I love so much, that I'd really like to hear Michael to sing. I have to say this is the most exquisite and touching rendition I have ever heard. Another joy is to listen to "As Long As There Is Christmas", a duet sung by the two greatest musical stars, Elaine Paige and Michael Ball. It is a real treat to listen to them singing in perfect harmony.
This album might not be your only Christmas album, but it would be a very special one.

Whrether you are an old fan, or you're just getting to know Michael Ball, this album is not to be missed. You're sure to enjoy every track, from the uplifting "From a Distance", to old classics like the powerful "O Holy Night" or "Silent Night", to Joni Mitchell's "River", to Michael's own composition which is sure to become a favorite, "Light a Candle". This cd also features a stunning duet with Elaine Paige, "As Long As There's Christmas" which makes it a must-have for any Elaine Paige fan. For years Michael has been Britian's best-kept secret, but now Americans can learn to love him as much as the British do. Buy it now, and you'll enjoy it for all the Christmases to come!

Hip-O Records presents a very special Chrstmas album by the very talented Michael Ball..."Christmas", so warm and rich with a commanding voice of inspiration.

Where to begin...there are many stand outs and highlights - "AS LONG AS THERE'S CHRISTMAS"(Portman/Black) featuring this touching duet with Elaine Paige, voices blend and a performance from Heaven..."A WINTER'S TALE" (Batt/Rioc) lyrics take the front-seat on this beautiful ballad..."AVE MARIA" (Gounod) beautiful tones and tender feelings make this inspirational classic, Michael's own, hits each note "right on", almost operatic..."RIVER" (Joni Mitchell) shows his versatility on this one.

But this selection is the ultimate - "WHEN A CHILD IS BORN" (Zacar/Bembo/Day), somehow I knew this was Michael's kind of song, never sounded better as he belts this one out, and the message, well listen and you'll see what I mean.

Hip-O and Mr. Ball have given us our Christmas present early, so sit back and enjoy...and too ALL a goodnight!

Total Time: 46:22 on 12 Tracks...Hip-O Records 153710...(2000)

This CD would make anyone happy and give it 5 stars. I got my in the UK and I listen to it all year round. I brought it because I love "Oh Holy Night", my favorite is "The River" and "Light a Candle" which was written by Michael Ball. "Silent Night" is done well with Brian Kennedy. The CD is so enjoyable. Every song has special meaning. I am a serioius Michael Ball fan. When I play his CD someone always ask "who is that?".

Michael Ball has done it again! Thank heavens he is finally becoming known in the US. This will be the best Christmas CD you buy this season! His gorgeous voice just kisses your ears with these beautiful Christmas songs! My favorites are "O Holy Night", "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", "River" and the duet with Elaine Paige, "As Long as There's Christmas."

I quickly tire of the Christmas music played everywhere during the holiday season, but this CD is different. I bought it last night and have listened to it all the way through four times! And not just because I'm a serious Michael Ball fan. It has a tremendous range of music from "Ave Maria" and "O Holy Night" to the lighter "Driving Home for Christmas" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Joni Mitchell's "River," "From a Distance," and "A Winter's Tale" are unusual and fresh Christmas choices. Tears came to my eyes over "When a Child is Born." I haven't been able to pick a favorite track because they are all so good. It's gorgeous! You'll love it!

Each year I have been fortunate to come across a Christmas CD that just seems to grab me, and the year I bought this, Michael took top honors. He had songs in there I had never heard before and will admit I didn't latch on to right away either. But of the new material, the song "Happy New Year" is quickly turning into one of my all-time favorites. The words are pretty self-explanatory and cover a range of emotions we tend to go through during the holiday period. His version of "River" is also very good, but he definitely did not disappoint with his rendition of "O Holy Night". The arrangements go from simple ("Silent Night") to grandiose ("O Holy Night") and everywhere in between. If you enjoy Michael's style of singing or enjoy listening to new music that are not as traditional as the regular Christmas songs, then there is no doubt you will enjoy this CD now and for years to come.

This compendium of Christmas favorites is a spectular holiday treat, particularly with the inclusion of a highly upbeated version of Chris Rhea's "Drivin' Home for Christmas." There's no question that Michael Ball's voice is phenomenal, and his mellifluous presentation often causes those not familiar with his reputation to pause when hearing him sing and comment on his obvious talent. You will find yourself "looping" this disk over all other holiday versions. After owning it for two years, I play it even in the off-season, that's how good Ball's performance is.

I agree with everything other reviewers have said, but I must say that I am quite disappointed with the first line of Ave Maria, where Michael fails to roll his "r" and swallows his "a". Oddly, he remembers to use the "proper" accent for the rest of the song, thus saving it. Otherwise, the rest of this CD is beautiful -- Michael at his usual best, and orchestrations which stir the heart.