"They say when you put out a Christmas Album that is good, you can make your mark on the music industry for years to come. Air Supply had already accomplished much in the music industry, and "The Christmas Album" helps solidify their standing in the industry. As far as Christmas albums go, this is a very good one that offers a modern pop angle on popular Christmas songs. In addition, this album is boosted by two new Christmas songs written by Graham Russell and performed by Air Supply.There are 10 songs on this album. In addition to the 2 new Air Supply songs, there are 8 traditional Christmas favorites. The 8 songs are "White Chrismas", "The First Noel", "The Little Drummer Boy", "Silent Night", "The Christmas Song", "Sleigh Ride", "Winter Wonderland", and "O'Come All Ye Faithful". This is sort of a mixed blessing on this album. From one standpoint you will get to hear Air Supply perform a Christmas favorite without damaging the integrity of the song. The other standpoint is "not these songs again!". Although Graham Russell and Russell Hitchock do a tremendous job at performing these songs, it is disappointing that they didn't pick some songs that aren't quite as mainstream as these. Regardless, these songs are perfect for Graham and Russell's voices. The other nice thing is that their performances on this album are really suitable for almost any occasion. I wouldn't hesitate to pop this CD on Christmas Eve or even Christmas Morning while opening presents.The two best songs on the album are "Sleigh Ride" and "Winter Wonderland". Both songs make use of both Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock's vocals trading off. I always think Air Supply is at its best when both Graham and Russell are doing vocals in a song. In both songs, each contains a nice chorus of background vocals and some nice musical effects to really create a Christmas mood. The duo also performs "White Christmas" and I think that even Bing Crosby would be proud of the job that Russell Hitchcock does on vocals. On "White Christmas" it has a 1940s type of feel to it still. In "The Little Drummer Boy" Graham Russell does a great job at lead vocals for the whole song while Russell Hitchcock take the role of background vocals (it is always good to see Graham Russell on lead vocals).The two new songs are really good and could easily stand on their own as "Christmas Classics". The "Eyes of a Child" follows a classic Air Supply vocal pattern - Graham Russell starting off on lead vocals, Russell Hitchcock coming in with vocals on the chorus, then a (slight) crescendo toward the end. Russell Hitchcock takes the lead vocals on "Love is All" and really gets a chance to showcase those incredible vocals. "Love is All" has a more classic Air Supply crescendo (larger) toward the end of the song.The liner notes in the CD are good. Full credits are given to the studio musicians. The lyrics to the new songs are also included. There are a few pictures of Graham and Russell with some children. It is also worth knowing that Graham and Russell are co-producers on this album along with Michael Lloyd and I think the personal touch on the production gives this album a boost.In a nutshell, this is a good Air Supply album and this is a good Christmas album. You'll only play it during the month of December and you might get tired of it by Christmas eve, but by next December you will want to pop it into your CD player again."
Spell binding vocal harmonies score BIG with The Xmas Album.
Neal C. Reynolds | 11/28/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The spell binding and romantic vocal harmonies of Air Supply, one of the biggest duets of all time, scores BIG in this rendition of holiday classics. Russell Hitchcock and Graham Rusell perform at the top of their game giving both fans and non-fans of Air Supply a journey through tales of faith (O Come All Ye Faithfull) and love (Love Is All) in this carefully produced album. It also features Christmas Classics such as "The Christmas Song" (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire) and "White Christmas" as well as new songs such as "Love Is All" where Russell Hitchcock's performance is brilliant to say the least. If you are going to buy just one Christmas Album this Holiday Season make sure it is Air Supply's The Christmas Album (1987)."
More than just christmas
A. Nadeau | arizona | 02/01/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Each Christmas I hear the song "Eyes of a child" and can't quite see why it is a christmas song only and not played more on the lite rock radio stations. I am getting married this year and each of us is bringing one child into our new family. I found this song to be perfect for the ceremony as we give gifts to the girls and acknowledge all of us uniting in family. If you know of anyone doing something very special where children are involved, recommend this song."
Good
A. Nadeau | 08/04/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I liked this album. The music is really relaxing. Also enjoyed the 2 songs written by Graham Russell."