Home For Christmas

This album may be getting old in years, it sure has lost none of its quiet power over time. It's a perfect collection of songs that ranges from the well-known favourites, to the christian-inspired hymns. In a way, it's a perfect representative of Amy's career, which has long crossed the distance between slick pop and contemporary Christian music.

As with many Amy Grant albums, "Home for Christmas" is definitely a grower; Amy's low-key but expressive vocals never attempt to belt out, and the production is subtle and efficient, thus you may need a few listenings to get into its magic. But when you do, you'll earn yourself a handful of highlights. "Breath of heaven" and "Grown-up Christmas list", two lovely ballads that I was not familiar with, are easily the most moving songs of the album, with a passionate vocal performance from Amy; "Rocking around the Christmas tree" is one of the best versions of that classic; "Winter wonderland" is relaxed and cozy, living up to its storyline; and "Have yourself a merry little Christmas" and "I'll be home for Christmas" are performed with palpable emotion. My personal favourites are her cover of Carly Simon's "The night before Christmas" (an obscure track that nonetheless sounds as vintage as any seasonal song included here, and which was originally recorded by Carly Simon herself on the soundtrack of "This is my life"); and the grand orchestral, sweeping version of "It's the most wonderful time of the year", so beautiful and well-arranged that it's simply irresistible.

You'll guess from this review that the album is conventional and that it doesn't even attempt to reinvent the genre. But who needs to reinvent such a timeless selection of songs ? This album is a must-have for any fan of good old-fashioned Christmas music, and its charms will not simply fade away after one or two listenings.

This CD does everything well - the big orchestral arrangements that are fun and swingy, the hauntingly beautiful religious songs she wrote, the softer acoustic numbers. She doesn't make any bad choices here and there's maximum style with minimal schmaltz. I'd never purchased any of her music before but consider this in my top 10 of Christmas CD's, which is saying a lot because I've collected a ton of Christmas music over the years.

This has to be one of the most incredible Christmas cd's I've ever owned. I've replaced it a couple of times and I'm so confident it's a universally appealing compilation I've given it as gifts to many people I love.
"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" is so charming and sweet but not saccharin.
"It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" sounds as if she is as jubilant about Christmas as anyone could be.
"Joy To The World/For Unto Us A Child Is Born" is a resounding buoyant combination.
"Breath Of Heaven (Mary's Song)" is a song I look forward to every year because it captures the meaning of Christmas on a very personal level, the birth of a child.
"O Come All Ye Faithful" is a great classic.
"Grown-up Christmas List" is probably my favorite modern Christmas song. The first time I heard this I was so touched. The sentimantality is incredibly moving and also captures Christmas.
"Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" is still a fun and upbeat to hear, just don't carry egg nog while listening - you'll spill it.
"Winter Wonderland", "I'll Be Home For Christmas" are classics she sings with fresh and joyous appeal.
"The Night Before Christmas" even in the middle this is a great track.
"Emmanuel, God With Us", "Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring (Instrumental)" are both goosebump-producing-musical "abundanza".

If you really want a Christmas cd that "gets" the respect and wonderment of Christmas and yet has fun with the secular party element of the season this is THE cd for you.