Search - Downhere :: How Many Kings

Fantastic

1HotMama | Northern California | 11/21/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't ever listen to "new" Christmas music. It all seems so cheesy. And remakes of classics always seem so... copycatted. This album, though, has both and they are not only well done but well-thought-out. The title track, How Many Kings, is so honest and musically talented. I love this CD and it's been playing in my cd player for a while... I can't imagine being sick of it by CHristmas.



Good King Wenceslas is my favorite!"

Modern Christmas Collection to Get

Mark Baker | Santa Clarita, CA United States | 10/08/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I hadn't given much thought to what kind of Christmas CD downhere might produce, but I got excited when I found out that release was on the way. My faith was rewarded with a great disc.



It's really no surprise that downhere included the two songs from the group CD "Bethlehem Skyline" from a few years back. While "Glory to God" is a fine song, it has never grabbed me. The same can't be said of their modern Christmas classic, "How Many Kings." It opens and closes the disc. If somehow you've missed it, it marvels in the facts of Christmas, God becoming man. The first version is the one we've been enjoying for a few years now, but the second one is a complete reimagining. They emphasis strings and the harmonies, making it sound very different.



Other new songs include the reminder that Christmas is about how God has changed our hearts in "Christmas in Our Hearts" and "Gift Carol" is about God's gift of Jesus to us. I especially love that second one.



The rest of the tracks may be traditional songs, but they certainly aren't familiar. True, they play it mostly safe with songs such as "Silent Night" and "Angels from the Realms of Glory," but the true delights are the others. "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" has been turned into a rock anthem, and Marc and Jason's vocals compliment each other so well here. "What Child is This?" is brought to life by more great harmonies and just some acoustic guitar.



And then there are the moments that are just plain fun. "Five Golden Rings" never fails to make me laugh as it passes by (quite quickly since it is just 11 seconds). "Good King Wenceslas" is a funky version that makes this little recorded version stand out (I'm still trying to decide if I like it or not). And they do all the verses for "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" in four part harmony with drums and trombone accompanying them.



Some people might not gravitate to this disc right away, but if you give it enough time, I think you'll enjoy it. Downhere's many fans will certainly love it. I know this will give me another reason to look forward to December every year."