Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Michael Ball, Blane, Ralph
Driving Home for Christmas - Michael Ball, Rea, Chris
O Holy Night - Michael Ball, Adam, Adolphe
From a Distance - Michael Ball, Gold, Julie
A Winter's Tale - Michael Ball, Batt, Mike
As Long as There's Christmas - Michael Ball, Black, Don [Lyricis
Ave Maria - Michael Ball, Schubert, Franz [Vi
River - Michael Ball, Mitchell, Joni
Happy New Year - Michael Ball, Andersson, Benny
Light a Candle - Michael Ball, Ball, Michael [1]
When a Child Is Born - Michael Ball, Bembo, Dario
Silent Night - Michael Ball, Gruber, Franz
The West End's favorite tenor, Michael Ball, fills his first Christmas album with a number of unusual selections to go with the standard fare ("Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Silent Night" with Irish vocalist Br... more »ian Kennedy). For example, you may not associate "From a Distance" with the holiday, and the "Ave Maria" here is the Bach-Gounod version, not Schubert's. Other notable selections on this 46-minute album include Joni Mitchell's "River," ABBA's "Happy New Year," Ball and Kennedy's "Light a Candle," and "As Long as There's Christmas," a duet with the West End's favorite diva, Elaine Paige. --David Horiuchi« less
The West End's favorite tenor, Michael Ball, fills his first Christmas album with a number of unusual selections to go with the standard fare ("Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Silent Night" with Irish vocalist Brian Kennedy). For example, you may not associate "From a Distance" with the holiday, and the "Ave Maria" here is the Bach-Gounod version, not Schubert's. Other notable selections on this 46-minute album include Joni Mitchell's "River," ABBA's "Happy New Year," Ball and Kennedy's "Light a Candle," and "As Long as There's Christmas," a duet with the West End's favorite diva, Elaine Paige. --David Horiuchi
Shannon Ryland | Edmonds, WA United States | 11/02/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm picky about Christmas music, and although it is also true that I am a Michael Ball fan... I can't say enough good about this CD and every song on it. I won't say more about the specific songs because that has been done, and done well, by those other reviewers who preceeded me. However: do you love beautiful music? Are you touched by a pristine tenor voice, one with a slightly tremulous vibrato, and one who can sing with passion and conviction as well as beauty? Do you look deeper than the Chipmunks or the Barking Dogs' "Jingle Bells" when it comes to the beauty of the Christmas season? Hey, treat yourself. This CD just might be the best thing you can buy for yourself, this year and next. Possibly forever! (By the way, I do like the Barking Dogs, in their place.) Michael Ball's Christmas will take you to another, a HIGHER place. Enjoy!"
A special Christmas album
Z. Yang | Hockessin, DE USA | 12/22/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Listening to Christmas songs sung by such a golden voice is truly an artistic enjoyment.
The album is a mix of the traditional Christmas songs and some new materials, including one of Michael's own work "Light a Candle", a song that is well written and beautifully sung. I wish I could describe the feelings when I listened to " O Holy Night". This version will instantly fill you with awe. Michael's soaring voice, the choir, and the orchestra make this song of great religious feeling. Listening to Michael singing "Fall on your knees, O hear the angle voices......" makes me want to fall on my knees and cry. "Ave Maria" by Bach/Gounod, is another song that will call forth in you the holy spirit. Classical as it is, this song is always sung by classical tenors. Michael Ball, with his God-blessed natural voice, delivers the song breathtakingly. "When A Child Is Born" is one of those songs, which I love so much, that I'd really like to hear Michael to sing. I have to say this is the most exquisite and touching rendition I have ever heard. Another joy is to listen to "As Long As There Is Christmas", a duet sung by the two greatest musical stars, Elaine Paige and Michael Ball. It is a real treat to listen to them singing in perfect harmony.
This album might not be your only Christmas album, but it would be a very special one."
Enjoy Christmas with the golden-voiced singer
courtmjjj | Littleton, CO USA | 10/25/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Whrether you are an old fan, or you're just getting to know Michael Ball, this album is not to be missed. You're sure to enjoy every track, from the uplifting "From a Distance", to old classics like the powerful "O Holy Night" or "Silent Night", to Joni Mitchell's "River", to Michael's own composition which is sure to become a favorite, "Light a Candle". This cd also features a stunning duet with Elaine Paige, "As Long As There's Christmas" which makes it a must-have for any Elaine Paige fan. For years Michael has been Britian's best-kept secret, but now Americans can learn to love him as much as the British do. Buy it now, and you'll enjoy it for all the Christmases to come!"
"beautiful tones and tender feelings"
J. Lovins | Missouri-USA | 10/25/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hip-O Records presents a very special Chrstmas album by the very talented Michael Ball..."Christmas", so warm and rich with a commanding voice of inspiration. Where to begin...there are many stand outs and highlights - "AS LONG AS THERE'S CHRISTMAS"(Portman/Black) featuring this touching duet with Elaine Paige, voices blend and a performance from Heaven..."A WINTER'S TALE" (Batt/Rioc) lyrics take the front-seat on this beautiful ballad..."AVE MARIA" (Gounod) beautiful tones and tender feelings make this inspirational classic, Michael's own, hits each note "right on", almost operatic..."RIVER" (Joni Mitchell) shows his versatility on this one.But this selection is the ultimate - "WHEN A CHILD IS BORN" (Zacar/Bembo/Day), somehow I knew this was Michael's kind of song, never sounded better as he belts this one out, and the message, well listen and you'll see what I mean.Hip-O and Mr. Ball have given us our Christmas present early, so sit back and enjoy...and too ALL a goodnight!Total Time: 46:22 on 12 Tracks...Hip-O Records 153710...(2000)"
All year round
Gisela Suski | Omaha, NE United States | 10/30/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD would make anyone happy and give it 5 stars. I got my in the UK and I listen to it all year round. I brought it because I love "Oh Holy Night", my favorite is "The River" and "Light a Candle" which was written by Michael Ball. "Silent Night" is done well with Brian Kennedy. The CD is so enjoyable. Every song has special meaning. I am a serioius Michael Ball fan. When I play his CD someone always ask "who is that?"."