[.ca] A Christmas Album

From Amazon.com:
Amy Grant's first Christmas album is not only one of the best recordings of her career, it's easily one of the best contemporary Christmas collections available. Grant's Christian beliefs have been incorporated into her music for years, and maybe it's the artistic translation of the depth of her faith that makes these songs so inspiring. "Emmanuel" and "Angels We Have Heard on High" have Grant's vocals soaring, especially on the sustained chorus of the latter. Her country roots show nicely in "Tennessee Christmas," while "Sleigh Ride" is as fun as it is romantic. "Heirlooms" is particularly poignant--maybe not to the point of "hand me a tissue," but it's powerful all the same. A must for fans, and a good holiday addition for those looking for a Christmas record that comes without the cobwebs. --Steve Gdula

amy grant:
This is the best Christmas album EVER! it instanty puts u in the Christmas Spirit! I LOVE AMY GRANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A moment of magic in Grant's career:
I have enjoyed this album since its arrival in 1983. It seems to capture a highlight in Grant's career--excellent song choices, and a point where her voice was in many ways at its peak. There are a few moments, let's be frank, where Grant's untrained vocal range is stretched to its limits by this challenging material ("Love Has Come," "Angels We Have Heard on High," and "Christmas Hymn") . Still, her voice from this time has a clarity and earnestness that carries the album with great energy, and even more, great fun that creeps into even the most solemn songs. The "yoo-hoo!" on "Sleigh Ride," while arguably a bit goofy and over the top, always brings a smile to my face. And I love the power of the "Emmanuel" and "Little Town" medley, as well as the innocent torchiness that she displays on "Chestnuts." Finally, the orchestrations and instrumentation are just right. Great blending of new and traditional material, a great performance by Amy, and a little magic make this album a wonderful holiday perennial. I believe it is still the best of her three Christmas collections! I have owned the LP and the cassette, and now I plan to get the CD as well. And that by itself speaks volumes to how much I have enjoyed "A Christmas Album."

A masterpiece from a wonderful singer:
There are some famous oldies here - Hark the herald angels sing, Sleigh ride, The Christmas song and Angels we have heard on high - all of which Amy sings superbly in the traditional style. Little town is actually O little town of Bethlehem given a completely different tune and arrangement. I'm not totally convinced by it but it's nice to hear an old classic done differently. The outstanding new song is, of course, Tennessee Christmas, which was written by Amy and has since been covered by Alabama, Steve Wariner, Lee Greenwood, B J Thomas, Bill Gaither and Porter Wagoner among others. Other notable songs here are Emmanuel, Christmas hymn, Love has come and Heirlooms. This is an album that gets better with each listen and it's a classic.

• Tennessee Christmas
• Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
• Preiset Dem König! (Praise the King)
• Emmanuel
• Little Town
• Christmas Hymn
• Love Has Come
• Sleigh Ride
• Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)
• Heirlooms
• Mighty Fortress Is Our God/Angels We Have Heard On High