Customer Reviews

Not So Silent Night

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am a fan of REO Speedwagon, but I was skeptical of a Christmas album from Kevin and Co. I would say they pulled it off, but of course they did.. we're talking about talented veterans and it's not like it's their first rodeo, if their first Christmas album. It's upbeat and and fun without being over-the-top, in your face Christmas cheer. A touch of rocking gospel thrown in made even me wanna do back flips. The very nature of the album doesn't make it a must have, but Christmas music fans (aren't we all though for at least a month or two every year?) and REO Speedwagon fans especially will enjoy. Merry listening!

I wasn't sure what to expect when I got this CD. I have been a fan of REO since I was just a kid and they remain my favorite band. I was a little disappointed on my first listen to this album because the title implied that it was going to be more of a rock album. But, it is a Christmas album with rock band instrumentation. I would have liked a bit more guitar screaming on this album, especially given the title.

That said, it is a good Christmas album and I like it more each time I listen to it. I especially like that they chose a few songs you don't typically hear, specifically "Children Go Where I Send Thee" which may be my favorite on the album. Bruce Hall does a good job on "Blue Christmas" and the cover of "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" is good. "Deck the Halls", "Silent Night" and "Little Drummer Boy" are quite good, too. "Angels We Have Heard on High (Gloria)" does well with the traditional REO harmonies and instrumentation.

If you are looking for a rock album, this is not it. If you are looking for a Christmas album, then this is a good one to add to your collection. It is a fun album with good music, good harmonies and a good mix of traditional and somewhat-less-traditional tunes.

After listening to this collection three times and counting, I have one question for the band. Fellas, what took you so long?
I have been an REO fan from the beginning, and a Christmas music fan even longer. This collection will appeal to you whether you are one or both. There is a nice selection of both spiritual and secular songs, all done with dignity and class. The arrangements are true to the original melodies, but stamped with the unmistakable rock and roll sound of REO from way back. The spiritual "Children Go Where I Send Thee" is not historically one of my favorites, but this rendition had me ready to shout "Hallelujah!" as it blared through my ipod on the train to work this morning. The band's rendidition of "Blue Christmas" has them channeling their inner Alan Jackson, and they pull it off beautifully. One of my all time favorites, "Little Drummer Boy" hasn't sounded so good since Joan Jett did it many years ago. There is not a clunker in the bunch. Definitely a keeper.
This CD will have you looking forward to the holidays to dust it off and put you in the spirit. Buy it now and rock on through the New Year, my friends.

WOW! That is the 1st word that comes to mind when I first hit play on REO Speedwagon's New CD "Not So Silent Night". Lead Singer Kevin Cronin's vocals are crystal clear and continually proves that he can sing with the best of them. If you are an REO Speedwagon Fan, then this CD needs to be in your collection. If you are a Christmas Music Fan, then this CD needs to be in your collection. The cd starts right out with a short but sweet version of "The First Noel". Then, in REO style, the CD kicks in with a rockin' version of "Winter Wonderland". Then, one of the jewels of the cd, is "Silent Night". When you first start listening to that song, you know you are listening to an REO Speedwagon CD. It has that familiar REO sound, even though it is a Christmas Song/CD, REO Speedwagon made the cd their own, REO style. Another hidden jem is "Blue Christmas", a song you wouldn't expect from REO. Cronin hands the mic over to REO's Bassist Bruce Hall, and he does a country version of the classic, more in the style of Elvis, deep vocals, and a nice steel guitar sound. It is really relaxing and easy to listen to. REO also does their rendition of John and Yoko Lennon's "Happy Xmas(War Is Over) and what a rendition it is. They aren't taken anything away from the Lennon classic, as it is a tribute to Lennon and and in the Christmas spirit, all proceeds from that song are going to the John Lennon Foundation. REO also does the classics "Little Drummer Boy" where drummer Bryan Hitt shows off his drumming style as Lead Guitarist Dave Amato gets to show off his chops. Keyboardist Neal Doughty has several leads and solos showing off his new grand piano. There are also some not-so-traditional songs like,"God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen", "The White Snows of Winter", "Angels We Have Heard on High(Gloria)", "I'll Be Home For Christmas" with the two latter sounding like classic REO Speedwagon power ballads. "Children Go Where I Send Thee", "Deck The Halls", show that REO can still rock out even though it is a Christmas CD, and they close the cd with a fitting rendition of "Joy To The World". Overall, this CD gets 5 Stars for proving that classic rock artists from the 1970's and 1980's can still produce high quality material. You can tell that this cd was not "rushed" to get it done. REO took their time because they are putting their stamp on it and they are well known for working on songs until they are just right, they do not say "Oh, That is Good Enough". No, they get the songs done. This cd is proof of that, the songs are polished and rich and luxorious. This CD should be in any collection not matter what genre!

So REO broke out with a Christmas CD? I was skeptical at first. Being a fan of early REO and not so much of the 80's REO, I wasn't sure what to expect. I took a chance and am I glad I did.REO has taken a handful of Chritmas tunes and rocks them. Any fan of REO will enjoy this collection of songs. The best part is the whole family will enjoy them. They rock out the songs but not to the point where anyone would think it's to much or not recognize them. This is a CD I recommend for the whole family to listen to while you decorate the tree. Merry Christmas.

This truly has something for everyone and can I just say how "shocked" I was at the price?? What a bargain!!! Going to buy it for everyone on my Christmas list. My favorite songs are: Deck the Halls (to say it rocks is an understatement!), Silent Night (Power Ballad, REO style!), Children Go Where I Send Thee (unbelievable, never knew I liked that song!) and Blue Christmas (the band went COUNTRY!)

I came across the REO Christmas album as I was looking for something else. I had always enjoyed REO's music so I thought I would give it a try. Their arrangements were really different from the run of the mill rock group Christmas albums. Most of the included songs were done very well and the one that Kevin C. wrote about is there a Santa Clause really hit close to home and looking back on my own youth. I'd say to buy it if you like their music style.

This is an outstanding Christmas CD with an excellent selection of fresh sounding holiday music. Their renditions of "Little Drummer Boy", "White Snows of Winter" and "Children Go Where I Send Thee" stand out for me. Very enjoyable and has been an excellent addition to my holiday music collection.

I have a good sized Christmas album collection, and this is a new favorite. It's candy to the ears! The arrangements are creative and original, finely crafted, skillfully executed, and simply exude excitement and joy. They fit the songs perfectly, yet add a magic all their own. If you enjoy rock music, you can't go wrong with this one.

I own about 700 Christmas albums. And I also write and produce music... some of it Christmas music. So I like to think that makes me an expert at what works and doesn't work when a group approaches the production of a Christmas album. REO nails it! They've managed to reinvent most of these songs with very creative arrangements... taking familiar choruses to catchy new places they've never been before. These are Christmas songs you've always known and loved... except now you'll just love 'em more.