Everything Christmas (Overture) - This song covers parts of several of the songs that are played throughout the rest of the CD. Maybe that’s why it’s called an “overture.” ;) There are several songs that are not played later, such as “The First Noel,” some unidentifiable song that says “Joy, joy, unspeakable joy,” several times, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” and some others. To be clear, this is an instrumental, although it does have a choir in a couple places. 5 stars
There’s No Place Like Home For the Holidays/I’ll Be Home For Christmas: My biggest problem with this song is that the verse of “There’s No Place Like Home For the Holidays” says: “Gee, the traffic is terrific.” You say, so what? Why is that a problem? Well, I know a lot of people don’t really know this, but “gee” as well as “gosh” and “golly,” is a substitute for “Jesus.” And the Bible says not to take the name of the Lord in vain. Obviously, Gerald Wolfe probably wasn’t thinking about this, for many people now use these interjections frequently. Maybe using these substitutes are not as bad as saying “Jesus” or “God,” but they still should not be used.
The music has an old feel to it, like something you’d hear in an old Christmas movie, or in the early 1900‘s. This is the result of back-up singers, and it sounds neat. 5 stars (without the slang)
Sleigh Ride - What would Christmas be without hearing “Sleigh Ride”? Ah, I love it. Jazzy piano coordinates with orchestra and sleigh bells. The only downer is the kids singing. We don’t even hear Greater Vision. 4 stars (My rating probably would have boosted if the group had sung and the kids didn’t)
O Holy Night - While “O Holy Night” is significantly slower-paced than the last two songs, it still maintains the predominant Christmas feel. Big orchestration at the end, classic Christmas. Even though I don’t care for the actual song, I have to give it a high rating, for Greater Vision did a great job. The Christmas flavor and the big orchestration and choir at the end was really good. 4.5 stars
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Chris Allman gets a solo here which I don’t think was a smart move. I’m not criticizing his ability to sing, but there’s nothing like the rich harmony of a group. Thankfully a choir helps throughout most of the song, but it’s still not the same as lead, tenor, and baritone, blending together for a classic Christmas melody. 3 stars (higher if the whole group had sang)
I Heard the Bells - If I’m not mistaken, Chris was the only group member that actually sang the words of this song. The other guys may have harmonized and hummed the tune, but it was mainly Chris and the choir. Perhaps because he was newer to the group when this album was produced? 2 stars
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - The music almost has a jungle sound to it! I know that might sound kind of weird for a Christmas album, but the beat of the drums, and the flutes give me that impression. And finally, the whole group sings together again, starting out in unison, and progressing into harmonization. The orchestration gets heavier and much more frequent as the song advances. 3.5 stars
Do You Hear What I Hear - The intro sounds very majestic and royal, something straight out of a movie about, like, Rome or something. I don’t really care for this song. It just doesn’t do a lot for me. But Greater Vision has improved some weaker songs (IMO) with good soundtracks. Whoever produced this project did an excellent job. 3.5 stars
A Cradle In Bethlehem - This is probably the weakest song on the project musically and lyrically, IMO, with perhaps the exception of “Grace Has a Face (Hope Has Hands)” which I have not heard. I guess this is just not my style, as well as that it’s not classic, and it’s pretty simple. (musically at least) If you like lighter stuff, this is for you.
Comments:
This is a definite must-hear Christmas album. It has a few things that could be improved, but mostly, it’s great! The music is phenomenal. If you’re looking for good, quality, Christian, Christmas albums, get Everything Christmas.
CD Rating: 5 stars
Song Selection: 4 stars
Favorite Songs: “There’s No Place Like Home…,” “Everything Christmas (Overture),” “O Holy Night,” and others
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