The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)
There's Still My Joy
We Three Kings Of Orient Are
25th Of Last December
As Long As There's Christmas
Because This Child Was Born
When There's Love
Little Drummer Boy
Oh Come All Ye Faithful
If you want your choice for a holiday album to feature some fine, straight-ahead singing from one of contemporary music's most enduring vocalists, then Roberta Flack's 1997 set is an obvious pick. Flack brings her usual ma... more »sterful musicianship to the nine selections here, which include the timeless "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)" and "O Come All Ye Faithful," a fitting closer for the album. Her reading of the traditional "We Three Kings of Orient Are" is a particular standout, a prime example of why Flack doesn't need current hit records to demonstrate her skills as a lyrical interpreter. She revisits her 1977 R&B charted single, the beautiful "25th of Last December," which sounds as good as ever, and joins sometime duet partner Peabo Bryson in a fine vocal blend on "As Long as There's Christmas." Finally, a superb reading of "Little Drummer Boy," which Flack opens a capella, is worth the price of the album alone. --David Nathan« less
If you want your choice for a holiday album to feature some fine, straight-ahead singing from one of contemporary music's most enduring vocalists, then Roberta Flack's 1997 set is an obvious pick. Flack brings her usual masterful musicianship to the nine selections here, which include the timeless "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)" and "O Come All Ye Faithful," a fitting closer for the album. Her reading of the traditional "We Three Kings of Orient Are" is a particular standout, a prime example of why Flack doesn't need current hit records to demonstrate her skills as a lyrical interpreter. She revisits her 1977 R&B charted single, the beautiful "25th of Last December," which sounds as good as ever, and joins sometime duet partner Peabo Bryson in a fine vocal blend on "As Long as There's Christmas." Finally, a superb reading of "Little Drummer Boy," which Flack opens a capella, is worth the price of the album alone. --David Nathan
"If you want some mellow, soulful and tasteful Christmas music with no frills and a fine voice, this is the way to go. Roberta Flack is a class act and this set of songs features some beautiful interpretations, particularly "Little Drummer Boy," "The Christmas Song" and "We Three Kings."
The Melissa Manchester song "There's Still My Joy" is lovely and Flack's original "25th of Last December" is melancholy set to music. As far as pop music Christmas albums go, this ranks in my top three, with Nat King Cole and Johnny Mathis the other two. Highly recommended-especially if you are ready to bash your radio in after hearing "Grandma Got Ran Over By A Reindeer" or other such gimmicky Christmas songs one time too many-this will be your respite-there is no 'gimmick'here-just lovely holiday music, sung by one of popular music's best voices."
Laid-back, Soulful Christmas
Richard J. Roberts | Indianapolis, IN USA | 11/03/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Every cut on this CD is imbued with deep, soulful energy. "When There's Love" and "25th of Last December" have a lovely syncopated beat. "Because This Child Was Born" is given the full choir-and-orchestra treatment. A duet with Peobo Bryson, "As Long as There's Christmas," is lush and spirited. Ms. Flack's take on that perennial chestnut "The Christmas Song" is particularly personal. Yes, the tempos on this album are on the slow side, as other listeners have noted. But there are times in the busy holiday season when we need to sloooowww down. This CD is a perfect antidote for holiday stress."
Feels Good
Suzanne | San Francisco, CA | 08/23/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is filled with the spirit of the holidays and all of the good things that make me look forward to this time of year. It ranges from joyful to melancholy with the depth and soulfulness that Roberta delivers everytime.
I remain one of her greatest fans and this cd is a clear example why I consider her one of the greatest vocalists of our time."
Beautiful
kingdiva | Flemingsburg, Ky USA | 12/09/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is beautiful that's all I have to say. It could be better but the voice is good enough. If certain reviewers thinks it's so bad than why keep the name am place where they are from blank?! Just asking."
Roberta Flack sings Christmas
Capital CIty Z | Atlanta, GA | 07/13/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I heard a cut from this CD one cold winter night in December. I searched the stores until I found it. I have always loved her music and I always. Oh Come all ye Faithful is my favorite."