All I Really Want for Christmas

Steven Curtis Chapman

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 27, 2005)
• Original Release Date: September 27, 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sparrow
• ASIN: B000B19AU4
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #5,528 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

You don’t expect a Christmas record to become a campaign for adoption but in Steven Curtis Chapman’s able hands, he manages to weave the joy of answered prayers for family and kids with songs from the season of the child born in a Bethlehem stable two centuries ago. With three adopted Asian kids--and a foundation to help others fund their own adoptions--Chapman finds plenty to celebrate and give thanks for and he does so in "All I Really Want" (told from a child's desire to belong to a loving family). It's the perfect subject for a song at Christmas, flanked by many familiar standards, a cameo from Vince Gill and 14 tracks all (including gospel readings and greetings from Chapman and one of his new daughters). The Christian music star has put the Word into action in his own life and it's that spirit that colors this special Christmas package. Give it to someone who's waiting to adopt one of the millions of children looking for a home this season. Speaking from experience, it will make the trial of waiting a lot easier. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Strong Second Holiday CD, October 3, 2005

By	Mark Baker (Santa Clarita, CA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Ten years ago, Steven Curtis Chapman released his first Christmas CD. Over that decade, it's become required listening for me every year. Now he's back with a second holiday project, and it's just as great as the first.

Things have changed for Mr. Chapman over the last decade. His involvement in and heart for adoption is front and center on this disc. The disc opens with Shaohannah, his oldest adopted daughter, reading the Christmas story from Luke. The final track is the two of them singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." While at first I thought these might be cheesy, I really like it.

The title track is also about adoption. It's an orphan's letter to Santa asking for a family for Christmas. Its melancholy theme is uplifted by a very catchy tune. I find myself singing it after hearing it.

Two years ago, Steven released a Christmas CD with Hallmark. The good news for those who didn't get that CD is that the seven new songs are on this CD. The bad news for us die-hard fans who got that CD is that the seven new songs are on this CD. This makes the Hallmark CD pretty much obsolete, which I think I prefer over all. Now I can listen to two distinct CD's and get all his Christmas music without any repeats.

The CD does boast a nice selection of traditional songs. "Angels from the Realms of Glory" gets a new Steven melody and sounds like it fits in with his catalogue better then the traditional carol. Steven lets his bluegrass background show through more on his Christmas CD's. It makes for some original arrangements on such tracks as "I Heard the Bells," "Go Tell it On the Mountain," "Silver Bells," and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." Still, they aren't so different they aren't recognizable the first time through.

In addition to the title track, there are three other original songs on this disc. One is a new version of "Christmas is all in the Heart," this time a duet with Vince Gill. "The Miracle of Christmas" not only reflects on the original miracle, God became man, but the fact that He still comes to those who call Him. "The Night Before Christmas" places the ordinary daily lives of the residence of Bethlehem against the extraordinary events taking place in a stable. Both are outstanding songs and I wish there were more like them here.

Stylistically, this disc is a great follow up to "The Music of Christmas." In many ways, it's a continuation.

While not quite as strong as his first Christmas CD, it is still a wonderful disc in it's own right. It would be a perfect choice for Christmas Eve by a roaring fire. So grab some eggnog and enjoy.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ANOTHER CLASSIC CHRISTMAS ALBUM FROM SCC! , December 27, 2005

By	Steven Hancock (Winston Salem, NC United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Steven Curtis Chapman's 1995 album "The Music of Christmas" was so fantastic, that no subsequent album could possibly come close to capturing it's power. But the latest Christmas album from Mr. Chapman, "All I Really Want for Christmas," has proven that assumption wrong. Once again, Chapman has created an album that will surely become a classic holiday collection. The standout songs are "All I Really Want," "The Miracle of Christmas," his new rendition of "Christmas is All in the Heart" featuring Vince Gill on background vocals, and his awesome arrangements of "Angels from the Realms of Glory" and "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day."
Whether you're a fan of Steven Curtis Chapman, or just enjoy great Christmas music, then "All I Really Want for Christmas" is an album that belongs in your collection!
Grade: A+

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A JOYOUS NOEL, December 10, 2005

By	Michael Butts (Martinsburg, WV USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Christian superstar Chapman gives us his second Christmas collection and it's as impressive as his wonderful THE MUSIC OF CHRISTMAS. While one may find the inclusion of his adopted daughter's reading of the birth of Christ a little manipulative, one also can't help but admire the Chapmans for their adoption of three children, and his heartfelt "ALL I REALLY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS" certainly brings the orphan's point of view into a clear focus. The collection however soars with Chapman's sincere vocals: a beautifully understated rendition of O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHELEHEM is one of the best of this venerated carol; his reworking of CHRISTMAS IS ALL IN THE HEART with Vince Gill is nicely done, too. Another Chapman written standout is THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, a song saluting the real night and not the Clement Moore poem. Some may think Chapman "sells out" in including the secular tunes SILVER BELLS and WINTER WONDERLAND, but to be real and honest, even Christians can rejoice in the non-religious side of this holy season, too. BELLS is quietly charming and WINTER expectedly upbeat. He also does an uplifting version of GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN and a uniquely tasteful GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN. Over the years, Chapman has rightfully earned the praise and honor among both Christian and popular music fans, and this marvelous collection of Christmas tunes is a welcome addition to my Christmas CDs. Merry Christmas, Steven.