Disco de Jewel: “Joy: A Holiday Collection”

Jewel presents a Christmas CD that is both traditional and at the same time new, and is pure magic to listen to.

The first half of the CD is traditional songs, both sacred and secular, performed in a mostly traditional fashion. The beauty of this section is that the arrangements are minimalist and unique, making them seem fresh even if we've listened to other people do them every year of our lives. I especially like the guitar on "O Holy Night." And, as you'd expect, Jewel's voice shines on every song.

The second half gets into more uncharted territory, but it's still great stuff. She does two almost a cappella duets with her mother on "Rudolph" and "I Wonder as I Wander." The first one is great fun. My only complaint with the second is that they repeat the first verse three times instead of doing the other two verses.

We also get some original songs in the second half. My favorite is "Face of Love," which again features a duet with her mom. It talks about a life changed because of seeing the baby Jesus. "Life Uncommon" (featured in a melody) and "Hands" both encourage us to spread the joy all year round. I wasn't aware at first listen that "Gloria" was original. Written in Latin, it sounds like some classical music you'd hear this time of year.

I didn't get this CD until last year, but it felt like Christmas right away. If you've enjoyed Jewel's other music, even marginally, get it. You'll enjoy it for years to come.

This CD from Jewel has to be the best Christmas album I've ever heard. Her voice is astonishing, and is showcased here in a wide range of styles- from mellow, to operatic (as in her renditions of Ave Maria and Gloria). Her range is also incredible. I love her new re-make of Hands, and it reflects the tremendous growth as an artist, that she has gone through since her first album. I still get goosebumps every time I listen to this CD, even after 30 times or so. Indeed, she has the voice of a Christmas angel.

This CD must be close to the best, if not the best, recent addition to my growing collection of Christmas CDs. Jewel's voice has a unique vibrancy which suits it pervectly for traditional Christmas carols. Her renditions of "O Holy Night", "Silent Night", "O' Little Town of Bethlehem", and "Ave Maria" are the best examples. On the other hand, she conveys a relaxed and swinging style on "Winter Wonderland" and "Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer. Her inner spirituality is feelingly expressed in her own originals, "The Face of Love", and "Hands". I hardly consider this a CD to use as background at a party. It's too beautiful to waste on a group not really listening to it. Instead, I recommend it for personal enjoyment and to share with special friends of like mind.

Not being a Jewel fan, I was really surprised to find this Christmas album to be quite good and inspiring. An unusual mix (for a modern album) of holiday songs, I was struck at the simplicity of most of the arrangements and the fullness of Jewels voice on familiar carols like "Joy To The World" and "I Wonder As I Wander." Jewel makes us believe these are tunes that she is well acquainted with; nothing seems forced or untrue. The only "light" numbers on the album are "Winter Wonderland" and a unique arrangement of "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer." As Christmas music goes, this is above average fare from a very popular artist. It's become part of my steady Christmas music rotation.

I bought this the day it came out. I'm not Jewel's biggest fan. But I am a big fan. I'll buy her CD on release day before listening to it. That constitutes "big fan" I guess. Jewel first of all has, in this reviewer's humble opinion, one of the most gorgeous, achingly beautiful voices in music today; and I'm talking about every genre. She never ceases to delight and amaze me with her God-given gift. Secondly, Jewel's songwriting is truly special. Listening to Spirit, is like listening to musical poetry. It's such a nice change from the usual stuff we listen to. I was excited to hear that Jewel would be recording a holiday album. Christmas is my favorite time of year, and I love Christmas music. Once again, she has failed to disappoint me. This is honestly one of the most beautiful Christmas albums that I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. It's stunning and top-notch on all fronts. It's very traditional with understated, simple, elegant arrangements. Rather than try to overpower the power of the Christmas carol, she just sings it. What a novel idea for a Christmas album, huh? Joy To The World, O Holy Night, and Silent Night are all stunning. She brings a light country feel to Winter Wonderland. She has made O Little Town of Bethlehem one of my favorite Christmas carols showing it in a light that I had never quite seen it in before. Ave Maria is just, well, you have to hear it. It's so beautiful. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing is lovely. Rudolph, sung with mom Nedra Carroll, is a delight. Face of Love is really nice and becoming a favorite of mine for Jewel. The medley is quite nice, and I love the gospel touches. I Wonder as I Wander is a gem. Gloria is a must-hear. Finally, the Christmas, symphonic version of Hands is a really nice and special twist to a truly great song. If you love beautiful music, Christmas music, Jewel, or any combination of the three, I strongly urge you to purchase this album. It is truly noteworthy, and deserved of a special place next to your CD player this and every other Christmas. It's a perfect accompaniment for tree-trimming or a Christmas party or a nice, quiet evening at home with family and friends on Christmas Eve. A must-have.