Search - Dionne Warwick :: My Favorite Time of the Year

Smooth As Silk

James Fenos | Columbus, OH United States | 10/28/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Originally released on an Independant label, Dionne's Christmas album is not to be missed. It was originally released in 2004 and for some bizarre reason wasn't re-released until now. The album cover is a reshoot, the previous cover featured a smiling Dionne facing forward and the photo was "framed" by gold trim. Dionne's voice is deep and sultry, the arrangements vary from smooth jazz to lush strings to contemporary and given the singular theme of Christmas the various styles aren't abrupt. Gladys Knight and BeBe Winans make welcome appearances and both duet partners sound as if they really enjoyed themselves, they don't sound like they are making just another Christmas recording. This cd for me will continue to be a part of my Holiday celebrating and kudos to WEA/Rhino for re-releasing it."

Spectacular!

M. Cavacini | Philadelphia, Pa. United States | 11/18/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dionne Warwick is one of the greatest female vocalist of all time. This Christmas CD is living proof that a singer can age with dignity and grace. Her voice has matured in the past ten years for the better. While her range may not be what it once was, she still hits notes that most twenty year old singers can't. I prefer her voice this way. It is warm and full of emotion. Her delivery on these songs comes across as soulful and melodic. Here is a track by track breakdown:



1.) THE CHRISTMAS SONG - Dionne sings this song beautifully to a slow and relaxing tempo. It's the perfect way to kick back after a long day at work.

2.) WHITE CHRISTMAS - This song has a jazz influence to it. It features the wonderful sax work of Mr. Dave Koz. It too is a nice slow groove that is perfect to play while warming up with your special someone during the holiday season.

3.) SILENT NIGHT - This song is absolutely fantastic! I have always disliked this song, but Dionne's recording is the greatest version I have ever heard. It is just her voice and a piano. It is so well done that I am sure Mahalia Jackson smiled down from heaven when Dionne recorded it. Exceptional!

4.) JOY TO THE WORLD - Here is a hand clapping soulful number. Every time I hear this version, I picture Dionne singing with a full church choir backing her up. Pure fun!

5.) IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR - This a perfectly upbeat version of a wonderful song made famous by Johnny Mathis. Dionne nails it and does so with a genuine sincerity that only she can deliver.

6.) I BELIEVE IN CHRISTMAS - This is a duet with BeBe Winans. This original song is an infectious R&B number you'll have stuck in your head, long after listening to it.

7.) MY FAVORITE THINGS - This classic song is a nice mid-tempo number that Dionne sings very nicely. She has a way of phrasing her words and bending notes that is totally unique.

8.) SILVER BELLS - Dionne use to sing this song for Pope John Paul II every year at the Vatican. It was his favorite Christmas song and after listening to this version you'll know why. Simply the best!

9.) O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL - Just like Silent Night, this song is another gospel inspired classic. I have always loved this song and Dionne delivers with big powerful vocals.

10.) WINTER WONDERLAND - This version is a jazzy take on a holiday classic. I think it is fun and it makes an old song interesting again.

11.) I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS - A slow and sexy vocal on a beautifully sad song. Dionne once again does a splendid job of executing an emotional vocal.

12.) HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS - This is a fabulous duet with Dionne's long time friend Gladys Knight. They always sound great together. You can tell they love singing together and they harmonize beautifully.

13.) HAPPY HOLIDAY - A very relaxed version of this holiday standard. The CD starts the same way it begain, smooth and sexy.



As you can tell I love Dionne and this CD. If you decide to add it to your holiday collection you will be forever grateful. It is a holiday masterpiece sung by one of the greatest female vocalist ever."

A masterpiece of historic proportion.

Hudson G TANNIS | LAURELTON, NEW YORK United States | 05/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the context of great vocal artistry,musical arrangement and production this album is a phenominal piece of work.As an audiophile,my taste for music is very sensitive to quality particularly in the area of sound quality.This disc exceeded my expectation and in my opinion is probably among the greatest holliday album ever made.In this regard,my respect is due to the absolutely amazing artist Dionne Warwick who has establish a new benchmark for holliday albums.A must buy for any serious fan but an absolute collectors item for the sensitive audiophile...highly recommended."