5 comments about Fred Hammond Christmas: Just Remember.

1. Man I used to play holes in my Donald Lawrence Christmas CD. That was until I purchased this CD....MAN! Fred is a bad man! I remember I played this CD everyday after I purchased it. Even after Christmas! I'm talking like 6-7 months after Christmas(although not everyday), especially "He Is The Reason". This CD is sure to bless your soul and remind you of the true reason for the season. "His Name Is Jesus" is a wonderful beginning to this project. It's another song that can be played year round. My favorites are "Go Tell It On The Mountain", "Just Remember", "Christmas Everyday", and "He Is The Reason". I love these songs. These are the best songs on this album. When you listen to this album, you'll know why. Some of these songs sound like he wrote them for Commissioned, especially "We Sing Glory". "God Has Been So Good" is sort of a laid-back groove and it's great traveling music. All the songs on this album are great and when you listen, you'll find yourself continuously hitting the repeat button. If you're looking for some great Christmas music-whether you want to groove or just think about the birth of Jesus- this album will not disappoint. Be Blessed



2. Fred Hammond's Christimas CD is inspiring. "He is the reason" really let's everyone know why we celebrate Christmas. It is a soulfull jubilee that hits the mark. Merry Christmas!



3. I have bought this album 3 times!!! ( it always seems to come up missing) It is fantastic! a blessing to the musical ears that are tired of the same ol' Christmas songs we always hear, these songs have substance, and meaning and of course the are Word based and word laced! I listen to it all year it continually blesses me, but hey what can you expect from fred who I have affectionately titled "THE GREAT ONE" God Bless ten thousand stars!!!!!!!!!!!



4. I truly loved listening to this cd. I'm into praise dancing and listening to the song "A Strange Way To Save The World" just moved me beyond words. I mean my hands and feet took off. May blessings continue for brother Hammond.



5. Fred Hammond has always taken simple Bible text's and put them into beautiful inspiring and spritually uplifting music, which is what I love about his CD's. Once again Fred Hammond has done it with this Christmas CD starting with "Go Gabriel", you can't help but wish you were one of the Angels in Heaven listening to God's command! Then "He is the Reason" puts the season in perspective with a deep stirring awakening in your chest that makes you just want to sing along out loud & just as strong in your car, on the train or walking to work. You can't help but be moved! I highly recommend this one to be added to your collection.
   
   It's January 15th and I'm still listening to it in the car on my 2hr drive to work.
   
   Loren

5 comments about Good News.

1. What a fabulous Christmas album this is! No, you won't be twirling around the living room, stuffing candy canes into stockings, but you will find yourself reflecting on all things spiritual about the season. My personal favorite is "Brightest and Best", a rather obscure hymn brought to life here with simple percussion, octave harmonies, and the lush voice of Mattea. And the little white gal from West Virginia pulls off the spiritual, "Somebody Talkin' 'Bout Jesus" nicely. Not a weak track on the album.



2. This CD is one of the best I have ever listened to for Christian music.



3. Original Christmas songs that don't necessarily have to be put away after Christmas. Spiritually uplifting. Sounds a little country.



4. Most of Kathy Mattea's recordings are really good, but "Good News" is supurb. The selections are presented in just the right order to make this CD "easy listening". The song titles are both traditional and new. The traditional ones are "fresh" sounding and enjoyable. The new ones are really different and gives you a new perspective to enjoy your religious beliefs.



5. ...it is the best album of any genre -- period. Each track has a gravity and sincerity to it that is unique, particularly in today's musical climate. There is also a theological depth to some of the songs that, again, is altogether unique, especially in a world where songs that are (ostensibly at least) about the birth of the Son of God treat the occasion with anything but the reverence it/He deserves. (Pay particular attention to tracks 1, 3, and 10 in this regard.) I gave it five stars. I'd give it twice that if I could. Give it a listen. It puts Christ squarely at the center of Christmas, where He belongs.

No comments about Praise Baby Collection: Joy to the World.

5 comments about Christmas, Love and You.

1. I didn't buy this for me but I knew my mother would like it. She loves good R&B music like Luther Vandross and anything on the smooth jazz stations. It was perfect for her tastes. She put it on in her car and was happy.
   
   The brother's voice is so smooth and mellow. I have his "Moods" CD and, oh, yes! Will = smooth. His voice reminds me of warm chocolate. Smooth, rich and dark. You know what I'm talking about.



2. I thoroughly enjoyed Will Downing's Christmas CD entitled, "Christmas, Love and You." It was a very romantic CD and it certainly lived up to my expectations of what a Christmas CD should be. It also lived up to the sultry soul sound for which Will Downing is well-known. I would highly recommend this CD to anyone who wants to get into the Christmas holiday spirit, especially with their sweetheart!



3. Being a true fan for a long time, I am not surprised that he delivered his "A Game" with this CD. He provides a variety of tracks designed for couples sharing the holiday together and understanding the reason for the season. The perfect gentleman and perfect CD for the perfect holiday- it cannot get any better! The only thing missing is Denzel Washington! (joke)



4. While i have to admit that i haven't been a long time Will Downing fan, i can say that he is smooth with his music and this CD is no different. I just sampled it on Amazon and it was outstanding to say the least. My favorite song is Christmas, Love and You, but they all sound good to me. I was justlooking online for some new Christmas music for this year and i recommend it to any and everyone cause i am gonna buy it for sure!



5. Will Downing is so sexy and, Christmas is no different. I love his personality, stage presence, and most of all his sexy voice! This is a good one!

5 comments about The Best of Aaron Neville - The Christmas Collection: 20th Century Masters.

1. I bought this as a gift and the person who received it, loves it. Great value.



2. Great sounds - played it thru out the holiday season. Can't wait for next year so I can play it again. I have several of Aaron's CDs & love them all.



3. This is the best Christmas CD ever. Aaron Nevelle's beautiful voice makes all the classics seem fresh. Next year, I'm buying these CDs for friends.



4. I love this collection of Christmas songs by Aaron Neville. He is one of my favorite singers and his rendition of Ava Maria is beautiful.



5. What can I say.....two of my alltime favorites, Christmas music and Aaron Neville. His amazing voice and unique arrangements are always a treat. "Please Come Home for Christmas" and "Louisiana Christmas Day" are "Such a Night" are favorites. Rev up your Christmas spirit with Aaron's amazing voice! I'm treating myself to his other Christmas CD next year.....the heck with waiting for Santa!!

3 comments about Windham Hill Christmas II.

1. It is very difficult to find good classical Christmas music,
   but this CD is lovely! Perfect to relax to after a hectic day of Christmas shopping!



2. As a professional musician myself, I truly appreciate this CD. The instrumentalists are all top notch and the arrangements are innovative as well as creative. I love the way the artists take an old familiar Christmas carol and give it new life with a brand new interpretation.
   In addition it is music I can listen to as background music and it doesn't take over. Whenever I play it while other people are around, I am asked what it is. Actually, I gave this CD to all of my musician friends for Christmas! Add it to your musical library. It's a must!



3. This is my 5th Christmas cd from Windham Hill. While not my favorite of the five, it still fits the Windham Hill sound and I recommend it for a quiet "Night before Christmas".

5 comments about Disney's Christmas Lullaby Album.

1. I already have the Disney Lullaby Album(NOT to be confused with the Disney BABY Lullaby Album!) which I always thought of as THE perfect one, but this one is just as great!! Take it from someone who has been in the child care field for almost 23 years. I have tried them all, and found that this CD, plus the regular Disney Lullaby Album, are THE BEST on the market today! I know for a fact that any tired baby or child will immediatly calm down and fall asleep when this album is played, much much faster than with any other music. I even find if the day is a little on the stress-filled side, putting this on while feeding or playing with them becomes a nice and smooth experience! Trust me on this one, Disney's Christmas Lullaby Album is well worth the cost; for the nice music, and the peace it instills in the children, and you!



2. It's so soothing! I could listen to it all day. And I have 50 other Christmas cd's -- mostly instrumental! I listen to it in the kitchen when I'm working in there, and I listen to it on the computer when I'm working here! I borrowed if from our library, and now it's on my Christmas wish list! I will be buying it for myself if I don't get it as a gift! I would give it 8 stars if I could!



3. This is a wonderful CD. I wasn't sure what to expect. I like Disney but wasn't sure what they were promoting here. Was Mickey going to talk?
   None of that. All classical music in a very easy and soothing style. We have had a stressful past summer and fall due to 3 moves and adding a baby to the family.
   All in 6 months. My now 2.5 year old one held up well but at night was just basically losing it. I finally digged this CD out and now when it is bedtime she lays there and listens calmly or talks softly and just is much more relaxed.
   She now asks for the music after her bath and knowing that she is getting something educational as well as something that interests her makes me happy.I could listen to it all day long and frankly we are still listening to it after Christmas and most likley for a while longer.
   It is perfect and draws you in right away.
   I am not a musician but enjoy good music. This will not bore you but keep you in a happy spot, soothed and relaxed feeling.
   Well worth the afford and money.
   I may buy another one for my baby .
   Enjoy this CD, all year round.



4. I bought this for son's bedtime 4 years ago and had no idea how much I would enjoy it! I am a musician and generally just tolerate most music marketed for kids. These Fred Molin CDs were quite the pleasant surprise. The arrangements are relaxing and very high quality. Not cheesy or too new-agey. Many real acoustic instrument performances, not all synthesized BS.
   
   I look forward to getting this out around Thanksgiving as a break from the Disney Lullaby I and II CDs we put in year-round (these are also great). For what it's worth, there's nothing really "Disney" about the CD, must just be the label or producer.



5. I bought this CD for a change. I like to play lullabys for my daughter's naps and it gets tiring listening to the same songs over and over. This CD was a pleasant change and does bring out the holiday spirit

5 comments about Because It's Christmas.

1. I originally purchased this CD when it was first released in 1990. It was love at first listen and almost immediately become my favorite Christmas CD. It was always the first CD that I played when we decorated our Christmas tree. Imagine my dissapointment last week when I couldn't find it! After going to two stores last Saturday night ( neither had it!) I was lucky enough to find it on Sunday. Christmas was saved!!Great CD that I highly recommend!!



2. 
   This is a beautiful Christmas album. You are asking which of the 2 Barry Christmas albums you should buy? Now, you know I'm gonna say BOTH! I LOVE Barry music. The other (Christmas Love) album is more peppy. This one is the softer Christmas music that you might play later at night while you're waiting for Santa to come. These are just beautiful heart-melting versions of Christmas songs, many classics, and rearranged and tweeked by the Manilow master. The versions leave you feeling so very peaceful and full of those special feelings of the season.
   
   Favorites, such as "The Christmas Song" (Chestnuts roasting by the open fire.. ..), "Silent Night," "The First Noel" and "White Christmas" are done so beautifully well by Barry. They are just awesome, in my opinion, as is the whole CD. (I keep almost typing the word "record." I guess I'm telling my age again.) There is something about "When the Meadow Was Bloomin'" that I can feel inside my heart. "For Unto Us a Child is Born/Because It's Christmas (For all the Children)," to me, is what the season is all about. My hat goes off to Barry for including it (if I wore a hat, that is.) "Baby, It's Cold Outside" is a cute duet with K.T. Oslin. Oh, I could just go on and on and on and on about these fantastic arrangements.
   
   I had purchased this album earlier this year, listened to it a couple of times, and put it away. When I pulled it out the other day, I got hooked on its beauty all over again. It is not only Barry's singing, but a compilation of the vibration of his beautiful voice and the gorgeous accompanying musical arrangements. He really sings with his heart and it vibrates all the way through to his soul, and back out to his audience.
   
   This CD would be great anytime, but ideal to sit with in front of a fireplace, at 11:30 p.m., on Christmas Eve, with a glass of wine and someone special--then listen into midnight and beyond--into Christmas Day.
   
   And, once again, I am happy to see that an International Star is not afraid to sing the word "Christmas."
   
   As a side note, I did so NOT want to do the NordicTrack last night, but I am on an exercise and diet "mission". So, I plopped this CD in, earphones on, closed my eyes, and walked into heaven. Before I realized it, the album ended and I did almost 45 minutes. Not only that, but I felt so peaceful; I could have taken on just about anything at that point. (Now I ask you, who feels peaceful after 45 minutes on an elliptical walker/bike without a seat?) Then I took a shower and slept like a baby with Barry's music playing in my heart all night long.
   
   Buy this bee-yoo-tee-full CD. You won't be disappointed. Total running time is approximately 42 ½ minutes.
   
   Record! Record! RECORD!!! There! I said it! Does anybody remember what a RECORD was? It was a round black disk that played music--in the old days--Like B.C.-- No, not a frisby!



3. By this point in his career he had two distinct music personalities: the soft & sappy and the blue & jazzy. His blue & jazzy numbers, particularly "I guess there ain't no Santa Claus" and his rendition of "Baby It's Cold Outside" are untouchable, 5-star classics. The other side, represented by "Christmas is for the children" is cringe-inducing.
   
   Now it's 2006 and I have not heard his last Christmas outing, but I have one question. What the Holy Heck did he do to his face???????????
   
   -Mark



4. This was an ok CD for me but I have better ones recorded earlier in his career. I am a great fan but I also like to be honest...



5. this is one of my favorite Christmas CD's ever, interesting arrangements, a few unconventional songs and all beautifully sung. I listen to this CD throught the enter holiday season. Not to be missed

5 comments about Christmas with the California Raisins.

1. I've had this CD forever and I can tell you that this is hands-down the the most widely liked Christmas album I own. There's always someone who says "I love this! Who is this?" They can barely believe it when I say it's the California Raisins.



2. I'm 19 yrs. old and I still love this album, my parents got the cassette of this back in the early 90's, and we have listened to it ever since, too bad you cannot buy the CD anymore. I currently own a copy of the CD, I had to download all the songs, but at least I have the album, so if you ever get a chance to buy this, please do, it will not dissapoint!!!



3. I am 27 and every year I look forward to hearing this CD. I listened to it growing up and now my children will grow up to it. It's fun to dance to and puts you in a good mood. It's a little dorky but it's still a classic.



4. I'm 21 now, I've keep this tape since I was like six yeaers old, and I have to say Christmas wouldn't be the same without it. Man it's sad how happy it makes me. It's really for all ages and I can't want to share it with a family of my own someday!! Merry Christmas!!!!



5. Back in the 1980's when the California Raisin Growers' Association commissioned the folks at Claymation to come up with an animated commercial for use on television, little did they know it would blossom into a commercial hit.
   
   In short order Ross Vannelli, brother of Gino and also producer for Earth, Wind & Fire and Howard Hewett, brought a studio group together consisting of drummer and lead vocalist Buddy Miles and vocalists Alfie Silas and Niki Haris, and in early 1988 their rendition of I Heard It Through The Grapevine had cracked into the Billboard Pop Hot 100, finishing at # 84 on Priority 9719, an L.A. label formed in 1985 by Bryan Turner, Mark Cerami and Steve Drath, all formerly with K-Tel.
   
   Although that would be their only charted single, Priority then released the album Christmas With The California Raisins later that year on Priority 7923, and it scored at # 27 on album charts, offering up some standard Christmas tunes along with two, It's Christmas Time Again and Happy Christmas, that you don't get to hear too often.
   
   It's my understanding that Priority still functions as part of EMI, dealing mainly with Hip-Hop, so it would be nice to see this re-released this year to not only bring the delights of The California Raisins to a whole new generation, but also to bring those used prices down to earth!

3 comments about Ki Ho'alu Christmas: Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar.

1. This is a beautiful collection of holiday music artfully performed and creatively arranged. I find myself playing it throughout the year! You won't be disappointed, in fact, you'll love it.



2. I have this and the 2000 Hawaiian Slack Key Christmas cut. Both are fabulous but if you had to choose one, I'd favor the 1996 cut for the sweet, mellow sound... the old style.



3. I love slack key and the condition of this CD is awesome. The timely manner in which I was notified of its pending delivery and the delivery itself was very satisfactory. Thank you Amazon and all those who are a part of this family!
   
   Mahalo,
   
   Jeanne