Michael H. (Music-Man) from LA VERNE, CA Reviewed on 9/4/2008...
MWS' first Christmas album with orchestra and choir. A departure from traditional carols, Michael composed new expressions of timeless truth. His "All is Well" is worth the price of admission!
CD Reviews
Classic Christmas Recording
Mark Baker | Santa Clarita, CA United States | 12/04/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD was a real departure for Michael W. Smith. Released right after his i2(eye) CD, it was a complete style change - from 80's pop/rock to a choral sound. I must admit at first I was really disappointed, but the CD has grown on me until it's become one of my favorites.This CD sounds more like a choral album then an artist driven solo project. In fact, Michael doesn't even have all the solos. The music is full orchestra for a Christmas pageant feel. There are very few traditional carols on here, except in instrumental form. As a result, it takes several listens before it sounds remotely Christmassy. However, there are some powerful lyrics in the new songs that remind me of the wonder of the first Christmas. And "Gloria" is a fun rendition of the classic "Angels We Have Heard on High" that I have heard performed many times by choirs since this came out.Definitely buy this CD, but give it some time before you make up your mind about it. I'm certainly glad I did because I look forward to hearing it every Christmas."
This man is so diversely and Divinely talented...
Mary Anne Good (maryanne@acehardwar | Denver, CO | 10/26/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As I sat on a train bound for Illinois in November of 1989, I couldn't wait to listen and see what MWS would do on a Christmas Album. At first I was so surprised at what I found, but after listening to it over a dozen times while on that train trip, I realized that this was some of the best Christmas music I had ever heard. I couldn't stop listening. It captures your heart and transports you to another time and place, of Christmas' past. It infact does sound like an awesome movie soundtrack, and I remember him saying back when this was released that he wanted to compose movie soundtracks. This was maybe his first shot at it. Due to the overwhelming quality of music on this CD, MWS may be under using his unbelievable talent and I beg of someone to offer him the opportunity. I also wish Michael would do more recordings like this. You will enjoy this masterpiece, and not just at Christmastime! Be prepared to have a wonderful experience listening to this, some of his very best work!"
Phenomenal.
Mary Anne Good (maryanne@acehardwar | 10/22/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a very good album overall, but one song, "All Is Well" absolutely blows the lid off and lands this CD a solid 5 stars rather than the 4 (also quite good) that it would have gotten from me without this song. This is one of the most incredible compositions I've ever heard -- it spectacularly combines a boys' choir with a chorus of men, starting with a lone solo young boy singing clearly. The song crescendoes into a brilliant climax and I get chill bumps every time. "No Eye Had Seen," the duet with Amy Grant, is also fantastic. If I had to choose only four Christmas CDs, this would likely be one of them, the others being Amy Grant's "A Christmas Album," Sandi Patti's "The Gift Goes On" and Steven Curtis Chapman's "The Music of Christmas" (which is jaw-droppingly good)."
Smitty's Best
Stephen Reginald | Chicago, IL United States | 11/30/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This will probably be the highwater mark in Michael W. Smith's career because this is truly a magical Christmas album. The music, the lyrics, even Smith's modest vocals all work to make this one of my all-time favorite Christmas CDs. Standouts from the album include "Christ The Messiah," "No Eye Had Seen," and the simple yet incredibly beautiful "All Is Well." That last piece is worth the price of the CD. Smith, who in my opinion, is a better musician than a vocalist, really has created his masterwork here. The production is lush and the tone is absolutely perfect. A modern Christmas classic that you will never tire of."
Marvelous!
Lynn Conner Lutz | Mechanicsville, VA | 12/15/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Gloria is an absolute masterpiece. I enjoyed all the songs but Gloria is my favorite! Michael has done a wonderful arrangement on the old classic Christmas song. I saw MWS in concert Dec. 3 at MCI Center in Washington DC & this song was performed magnificently! It gave me chills. We need to hear more!"