I generally avoid most Christmas albums from pop and rock stars. They tackle the same songs repeatedly (if you ever listen to an all Christmas radio station, see how many versions of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" you can hear over the course of a day--I once reached a count of 19). Their attempts to create new Christmas classics bomb. Most of these albums are collecting dust in discount bins of retailers across the world and deservingly so.
Seeing this album by Christopher Cross on sale for less than $5, I figured I would roll the dice and I'm glad I did. While I have not really kept tabs on him since his stellar debut more than 30 years ago, his early stuff remains excellent. Cross has clearly matured as a singer since then and the Christmas songs he performs are nowhere near as upbeat as I expected. Instead, he offers reflective takes on some standards and new songs. Cross' version of "Christmas Time is Here" (yes, the song from the Charlie Brown cartoon) is excellent. He offers a haunting take on "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and a wistful spin on, wait for it, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." A brief a capella variation of "Silent Night" shows Cross remains a masterful vocalist. The newer material is simply not as memorable but is not bad by any means. The accompanying music is solid and lets Cross' vocals shine.
Despite my fondness for two of Cross' early albums, I was expecting this CD to be a disaster. Instead, it's a gentle and reflective album that I cheerfully recommend. Even when Cross tackles songs that have been done to death, he is able to offer a distinct spin on them and keep the listener's interest. This is an overlooked gem of a Christmas album at a great price.
As I write this review (December 1, 2012) sitting here in Portland, ME, we are getting our First snow of the Season, and I am listening to this beautiful album from Christopher Cross. It's just lovely, as my heading here tells you, but I find it especially more wonderful that with it we get to get re-acquainted with Christopher's warm easy style and truly beautiful voice. I was shopping last week in our local Big Box store (you know the one, they are everywhere) for seasonal ornaments, etc., I ran upon this album in one of those big displays for under $5....I mean, how could anyone who remembers Cross in his "heyday" even not consider taking a chance on this item?
What a pleasant surprise (although, really, knowing this artist's previous recordings from all those years ago, I would think that no surprise is "no surprise at all") and how excellent this set of songs are by him. Nothing "hot and rocking" here, and that, truly, is very fitting for the music that we listen to for such a short time at this season. Lovely delivery from Cross (as always) in his notably beautiful voice, still soft, gentle and sweet as it was ALL those years ago!
Opening with a very lovely a capella "Silent Night" and closing with "Oh Come, O Come, Emmanuel" bookending 10 beautiful seasonal songs, three of which are written by Cross himself. Light orchestrations in a gentle, flowing, pace, this album will become a favorite, I guarantee it. The other seven selections are beautiful old standards, proven by years of recordings by a great many artists and never-tiring-to-our-ears no matter how many times we have heard them, always warming our hearts at this time of the year. The best part is that Christopher delivers them up in his own style and at his own pace, seemingly making them "brand new" to our ears...truly a special Holiday Season entry for one's listening enjoyment.
As I decorate my home (taking a break to write this review for your edification in making a decision to perhaps purchase a copy) I have been listening to Seasonal Music albums, and have played this one through for a third time...it is that remarkable. Cross' rendition of "Oh Come, O Come, Emmanuel" is certainly the most lovely recording of it I have ever heard, and it is SO worth acquiring this album even just for this song alone.
It's the First of December, 24 more days until Christmas; not much time to listen before then, don't wait, get a copy of this beautiful album and enjoy it!
~operabruin
I enjoy the music and perhaps will shop for more of his work. I was not familiar with Chris prior to this purchase.
Nice to have Christopher Cross in addition to my other stellar artists in my Christmas collection. If you are into Christmas music like I am, you'll want it too!
Great voice and great arrangements!! A worthy addition to my Christmas collection. Hope he makes another one before much longer.
