1. It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year 5/5 - I have always thought that this Christmas song summed up the season perfectly! I really like BarlowGirl's version as well. It has an old classic feel and Alyssa Barlow's voice suits the song perfectly. Overall a great tune that I hope to be listening to this holiday season.
2. Carol of the Bells/ Sing We Now of Christmas 6/5 - I think that this is one of my favorites on the album! It startes without music just Alyssa's voice which sounds just breautiful. It then adds music as the song goes till it comes to the climax where the music slows more for the addition of "Sing We Now of Christmas." Overall its one of the most beautiful arrangements of the song I have ever heard.
3. I'll Be Home For Christmas 3/5 - I've always loved "I'll Be Home For Christmas" as a song, it has such a Christmas spirit attacted to it. I don't think that this is the best version of the song though. I think the arrangement is the problem. Its predictable and It has some annoying trumpets in it, they just seem out of place. It could be that i've never been a huge fan of Lauren Barlow's voice; its great on rock songs its just that Alyssa does slow song so so much better. Overall its a great tune just I like oher versions of the song better. (Jaci Velasquez has a REALLY good version).
4. Hallelujah (Light Has Come) 6/5 - The only original song on the album. Alyssa sings this one to my relief. It is a slow song which I think will become a Christmas classic. Definatly my favorite on the whole album; you just have to hear it to understand.
5. O Little Town Of Bethlehem 4/5 - Another one which Lauren sings but this time the arrangement fits her voice better! Its a more upbeat version than any that I own. It has a very joyful feel as well which I think adds to it!
6. What Child Is This? 3/5 - Everyone sees this as a big deal in the BarlowGirl world because it is the first song in which Becca Barlow has sang all the lead vocals. Her voice reminds me of Amy Grant; its more like Laruen's than Alyssa's. That is not really the problem with this song, though I am not sure how I feel about how she sounds, the problem with this song is the jazzy arrangement. I am not a big Jazz fan and it seems like they over jazzed it. I might enjoy this one when christmas comes around but I don't know. I have heard better versions of the song.
7. Panis Angelicus 5/5 - This song is amazing! Alyssa shows off the impressive range of her voice which she had once hoped would carry her to broadway. It is a really amazing song! Great vocals! Great Arrangement! It is a string bassed arrangement which is totally the type of thing I go for. It also has some embellishment from some lovely harps. Definatly a favorite.
8. Angelic Proclamation 5/5 - I don't think I've given one low score to an Alyssa song. This one is a compliation song which contaions "Hark the Hearld Angels Sing," and "O Come All Ye Faithful." needless to say those are some of my most favorite Christmas songs! I posted earlier about "Hark the Hearld Angels Sing." These are two songs that capture the Christmas spirit and are beautifully worshipful. I will be listening to this song! I WILL! If I ever buy the album.
9. Go Tell it On The Mountain 3/5 - I have never been a big fan of this song. I don't know why; maybe it was just because the song just seemed to bouncy. I do like this arrangemnet much better than any other I have ever heard but the trumpets and the chorus are just to much for it to ever be a favorite. It also has "Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee" in the mix of the song. That part of the song is beautiful yet the chorus and the trumpets are still there.
10. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel 5/5 - I have heard legendary versions of this song. Jaci Velasquez did a huantingly beautiful version of the song and Bethany Dillon did a folksy beautiful version of it. I was excited about BarlowGirl doing this song and I think they did well. Laruen sings it which an amazingly beautiful string and piano arrangement. Considering how hard I have been on the songs Lauren sings I was shocked to really like this one. Overall the arrangement might have been better suited to Alyssa but it still won me over.
11. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas 6/5 - A great album closer. The arrangemnt is fresh and simply beautiful. Alyssas voice shines on it. I think that it is the perfect ending!
Overall 4/5 stars on the album. There were a few shaky arrangements but it is still going to be one of my favorite Christmas albums in the years to come! I hope to buy a copy soon or get one for Christmas or something, I jsut have to find a way to enjoy it when Christmas rolls around!
-Smi
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