Customer Reviews

Very Special Christmas

5 star:		(48)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This ol' rock 'n' roller enjoyed this album on cassette tape until the darn thing self-destructed this past Christmas season. So I got the CD right away, and it was like hearing them for the first time all over again. My personal favorite is Bob Seger's version of The Little Drummer Boy. He does his usual awesome best on this reverent song and doesn't hurt it one little bit. All the tracks are good. I'm no fan of Run DMC, but I can even listen to this one without thinking "rap-#@**!!" That's just me. Overall, I rate this CD five stars. I listen to Christmas music off and on throughout the year and a little more often in mid-spring when it's much more likely that Jesus was born. Hint: NO shepherds are outdoors with their flocks at night during the winter in Israel. It's about the same as trying that in Arkansas. Anyhoo, I enjoy the thing whenever the mood gets me. I highly recommend it.

What can I say? I grew up listening to the old guard's Christmas albums (Perry Como, Andy Williams, etc.). A VERY SPECIAL CHRISTMAS was probably the first "contemporary" Christmas album I'd heard. While I still prefer the retro artists singing my Christmas music, there are some noteworthy efforts on this CD.

I always like to hear the Pointer Sisters sing the opening song, "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town." That's a great one out of the gate because the Pointers sound so excited about Christmas, sounding almost childlike with glee.

Though I'm not much of a Whitney Houston fan, one of my favorite songs on this CD is Houston's soulful version of "Do You Hear What I Hear?" I could have done without Run-DMC's "Christmas in Hollis," but I welcome it on the CD because it helps round out the flavor of the music--from Bruce Springsteen's gritty "Merry Christmas Baby" to Sting's ethereal "Gabriel's Message."

But it is Alison Moyet's haunting rendition of "The Coventry Carol" that makes this CD worth listening to. I had pulled the CD out to listen to on a Christmas road trip several years ago, and when I heard that song--WOW! I like Loreena McKennitt's version (on her CD, A WINTER GARDEN) much better, but it was Moyet's version that got me interested in listening to Christmas music that's off the beaten path.

I recommend this CD to those who want their Christmas with an Eighties touch. I would even recommend it to traditionalists who want a change every once in a while.

This was the first of the Very Special Christmas albums, and it's still the best. There are some great performances here, but I have to make special mention of Eurythmics, who turn in the best version of "Winter Wonderland" I have ever heard. Run-D.M.C. contribute the only original song here, "Christmas in Hollis", and it's a terrific one. I also love the songs by the Pointer Sisters, Bruce Springsteen, the Pretenders, John Cougar Mellencamp, U2 and Madonna. The only weak performance here is by Bon Jovi, but they can't all be great. This album would make a fine addition to anyone's Christmas music library.

The Very Special Christmas series of CDs is awesome...great music for a good cause (The Special Olympics). I've now got all of them and play them pretty much year round, just to get a lift from my favorite rock musicians.

This particular CD has a wide variety of songs, lots of diversity.

Hard to believe that 16 years have gone by since this compilation was first released (1987). It is the first in what is now a five-volume series and perhaps the best of them all. Many of these recording artists featured on this record, I am not particularly a fan of. But they sure sound great doing Christmas music! My only real beef with this album is that there are no original Christmas songs here. All of these songs are covers of well-known and mostly over-recorded Christmas classics. But by and large, they are very well done and in most cases, they are given a new and refreshing twist.

The set kicks off with a frenetic version of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" by the Pointer Sisters with a Clarence Clemens like saxophone break in the middle, injecting some new life into this tired classic. This is followed by the Eurythmics eclectic version of "Winter Wonderland" that sounds just as fresh today as it did then. Then we have Whitney Houston, pre-Bobby Brown, doing a powerful version of "Do You Hear What I Hear." Whitney was hottest female vocalist on the planet back in 1987 and this recording reveals her at the top of her game, before her long and sad slide downward.

Speaking of Clarence Clemens, we have Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band up next doing a live version of "Merry Christmas Baby." And the hits keep coming. The Pretenders (Chrissie Hynde) with an awesome version of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" and then John Mellencamp (still known as John Cougar back in those days) belting out a rocking version of "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus."

But the best of this album is still to come! Sting's otherworldly "Gabriel's Message" is just perfect for the holiday season. He ought to get his own Christmas album someday. Then we have the late Run-D.M.C. doing the now classic "Christmas In Hollis." I'm not a fan of rap but how can you not like a song with lyrics like this: "It's Christmas time in Hollis Queens. Mom's cooking chicken and collard greens!" This is then followed by U2's killer version of Darlene Love's "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" and The Edge takes Phil Spector's wall of sound one step further. U2 is another artist that ought to do their own Christmas album.

The album's only misfire comes on the next track with Madonna singing Eartha Kitt's "Santa Baby" in her nauseating little-girl voice (in fairness, I didn't like the original much either). But that is followed by Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band doing a very decent version of "Little Drummer Boy." The next two tracks I don't care for very much, Bryan Adams doesn't do anything new and exciting with "Run Rudolph Run" and Bon Jovi sounds tired with their live version of "Back Door Santa," complete with the obligatory guitar solo and lame callouts to the audience to "put their hands together" and such. I understand that newer versions of this album substitutes this song with "I Wish Everyday Could Be Like Christmas" but I still have my original 1987 copy.

Then we have what is quite probably the best song on the entire album. Alison Moyet's "The Coventry Carol" which I must play twenty times every Christmas and never get sick of. I have no idea who Alison Moyet is other than this one song but it's a great one and worth the price of this album alone. This collection finally comes to a close with Stevie Nick's stellar version of "Silent Night" - another standout track on what is in my opinion the best Christmas compilation album of the 1980s, at least of those that feature contemporary, well-known recording artists.

This may not be what you'd want to play at grandma's house while sitting in front of the Christmas tree. Well, maybe if grandma isn't there. While it does contain several stirringly stunning ballads, there are rock moments that are equally as enticing - Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Bryan Adams offer solid takes on traditional or non-traditional Christmas material. The record is purely an 80's moment, but it's one of the very few 80's moments that will stand the test of time, and already has, considering the album's ongoing popularity.

Chrissie Hynde and The Pretenders shine with "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", Whitney Houston absolutely glorifies "Do You Hear What I Hear?", and even Stevie Nicks, who as we now know was in the depths of detox at the time, succeeds with her hauntingly tender and somewhat tired take on "Silent Night".

Especially if you grew up in the 80's, this is the ultimate Christmas album to own. Even if you passed through the decade as an older-and-wiser adult, there are still various moments that should appeal to your tastes.

Even I, who wore diapers through most of the decade, can attest to the memory-sparking warmth of this collection of songs. I must recommend that you buy it.

The very first time I heard this cd, I fell in love with it. That was Christmas 1989 and still everytime I put it on, I have a great time. Hearing this varied group of artists all together doing their own renditions of classic carols is a terrific treat! From the etherial "Silent Night" by Stevie Nicks to the rocking "Merry Christmas Baby" by Bruce Springsteen and the jokey "Santa Baby" by Madonna, this cd never fails to suprise and delight! What's really suprising is that out of the entire collection only one song, "Christmas in Hollis" sounds dated. No matter though, dated or not, most of these songs have become staples on radio at Christmas time. This is by FAR the best of the 'Very Special Christmas' series and no home that celebrates the holiday should be without it!

Who cannot like this Christmas albumn? A Very Special Christmas is one of the best Christmas CDs still available today. It's got different types of music, from Rock 'N' Roll, to Rap, Gospel, and even easy listening. It's great.

The Pointer Sisters start the CD off on the right foot with an awesome version of Santa Claus is Coming To Town.

The Eurythmics put off a nice touch to Winter Wonderland. Very down to earth and enjoyable.

Whitney Houston by far has the best song on the CD with her version of "Do You Hear What I Hear" Her powerful voice will have you listening to this track over and over again. Again, I think the best song on the CD.

Bruce Springsteen sings "Merry Christmas Baby" with a great tune. Although I like the song, I probably don't play it as often as I should

The Pretenders set off a great hit with "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" It's another down to earth tune which has you really sitting back and enjoying the holiday. A classic.

John Cougar sings "I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" A good version, the kids add a special touch to this song.

Sting performs "Gabriel's Message" and does flawless.

Run-D.M.C bolts out "Christmas in Hollis". I'm not a big rap fan, but if you love Rap, you'll love this song.

U2 does a great job with "Baby, please come home."

Madonna sings "Santa Baby" A Betty-Boop like voice makes this one a classic and enjoyable.

Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band nail out "The Little Drummer Boy" as an instant hit. Great background, great song.

"Run, Rudolph Run" is a live version from Bryan Adams. Another solid track, but not one of my favorites.

"Back Door Santa; I wish Everyday could be like Christmas" by Jon Bon Jovi sneaks is as a close fifth compared to Houston, Pointer Sisters, Pretenders, and Seger. A lot of people don't like this song, but it is a great piece if you just listen to it.

"The Coventry Carol" by Alison Moyet is a nice touch and peaceful song. If you just listen, you'll see what I'm talking about.

Stevie Nicks sings Silent Night, and it's one of the best versions out there. Very touching, powerful and explosive. Great job.

Obviously, I'm a big fan of the CD, but with artists like Whitney Houston, The Pointer Sister, Pretenders, Bob Seger, Stevie Nicks, The Eurythmics, The "Boss" Springsteen and Jovi, you really can't much better. But personally, I bought the album for Houston's "Do You Hear What I Hear" and she didn't let me down.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS & MERRY CHRISTMAS.

BTW - If you are down throughout the year, some of these songs including Do You Hear What I Hear can bring you spirit back up. I have the CD in my car all year.

Most of these songs were specially recorded for this charity album and some of the performances are outstanding. It's hard to pick out highlights when there are so many great performances, but here are a few.

I love Madonna's cover of the Eartha Kitt classic, Santa baby. Do you hear what I hear was recorded early in Whitney Houston's career when I enjoyed her music. Santa Claus is coming to town is performed with great enthusiasm by the Pointer sisters.

Christmas (Baby please come home) is a superb cover of Phil Spector's classic song from his famous sixties Christmas album, on which it was performed by Darlene Love.

Although I've heard more different versions of Silent night than of any other song (Christmas or otherwise), I can say that the version included here by ex-Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks is among the best, if not the best, that I've heard.

Indeed, there's only one track that I'm not keen on. I've never been a rap fan so Christmas in Hollis by Run D M C does not appeal to me, but I can live with it.

Back in the late 80's, when this came out, I bought the album. Yes, I was still listening to albums while everyone else was buying compact discs. It is a well worn album at that. I love this album!! It has awesome renditions of classics and a few more modern Christmas carols, gotta love RUNDMC's rap. It has some of my all time favorite artists like Stevie Nicks, John Mellencamp, U2, and Madonna. It is a very 80's group of artists.

This is a record that will put you in great Christmas spirit.
The c.d. has found a permanent home in my car now, and it's a c.d. worth buying for some great rocking' Christmas Carols.
This is a highly recommended album!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!