From Amazon.com
At Last -A decent Christmas Album!
Album Rating: (5 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: This is a fine album . Every track is worth listening to, and some are truly magical.Ths is a mix of traditional Christmas songs in beautiful arrangements, alongside some less well known but very fine Country Christmas tunes.Christmas alb ums simply dont get any better.
Sweet Emmy Lou...
Album Rating: (4 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: She has such a pretty voice. Maybe just a tad too "country" for me.
An Angelic Voice
Album Rating: (5 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: As many other fans of Ms. Harris and Christmas music will attest to, it just wouldn't be Christmas without Emmylou. The sweetest voice this side of heaven, Emmylou Harris' "Light of the Stable" is so personel that it feels as if she's singing just for you. I cannot choose just one favorite amongst these tracks. Each one is an acoustical gem, from the bluegrassy "Christmas Time's A-Comin'" to "Silent Night." I must say, though, that the title track, with the most beautiful 'Hallejula's' I've ever heard, stands out just a bit above the rest.
I have been listening to this album every Christmas since it was first released and never tire of it. And I must say I love the addition and rendition of "Cherry Tree Carol" - a particular favorite of mine for years (although the other two additions are only fair - Warner and Rhino could have done a bit better, I'm sure, than these two numbers).
Buy this, and maybe a Robin Petrie Christmas CD or two (seriously - check her out... - Emmylou's and Robin's cd's sound great together!) and what a fine Christmas Eve you will have!
If it ain't broke...
Album Rating: (3 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: I really wish Emmylou had just gone and put together a whole brand new Christmas album and not tried to improve a perfect one. For me, the original issue is a 5-star classic: arrangements and sequence. I added this new one to my collection becuz I collect, no other reason.
Born is the King of Israel
Album Rating: (5 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: This Christmas country classic has been enhanced by the addition of three tracks. Everything Emmylou touches turns to gold. She brings the same elegance and authenticity to Christmas that she always has to the varied genres her career encompassed.
The hopeful and uptempo Christmas Time's A Coming opens the album, the familiar Away In A Manger with its beautiful mandolin is straightforward but touching, whilst Angel Eyes is a sad slow ballad. Her voice really soars on The First Noel, while Little Drummer Boy gets a sensitive, graceful treatment. Perhaps it's childhood nostalgia, but her renditions of The First Noel and Star Of Bethlehem really stirred my soul.
Most of her best work has always been infused with a spiritual quality, and this is perfectly showcased on her deeply moving version of Silent Night. I was tempted to give this album only four stars since the albums Stumble Into Grace, Red Dirt Girl and Wrecking Ball have spoilt me. But I can't!
Light Of The Stable is a brilliant album that perfectly captures the moods of Christmas, with lovely instrumentation and vocals. The best of the new tracks are Cherry Tree Carol and the moving Man Is An Island, composed by the Canadian folk legends Kate and Anna McGarrigle. Once again, Emmylou provides the perfect soundtrack to Christmas. Born is the King of Israel!
Purchases
1 Christmas Time's A Coming
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