November 21, 2005 - All I Really Want For Christmas

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All I Really Want For Christmas
2005 Sparrow Records
Reviewed by Lowell Hansen
November 21, 2005

Christmas - just to say the word brings visions of the past. For me, a child growing up and thinking that Christmas was never going to come, that I’d never get to open those bright colored presents under my tree. Christmas is my most favorite time of the year, so I welcome the privilege to review a Christmas CD. Steven Curtis Chapman’s latest project is All I Really Want For Christmas. I absolutely loved the whole CD. Some old traditional but updated music as well as some new stuff makes it a hit.

Steven Curtis Chapman is an artist we have known and loved for years. Personally, I have not been a fan until now. He has a great voice, and I suspect that he could sing just about any style of music. Steven has 47 Dove awards, four Grammys, an American Music Award, two certified platinum and seven gold albums, nine million total albums sold and 41 number one radio hits. WOW! What a list! At the urging of their daughter Emily, Steven and his wife Mary recently adopted 3 little girls from China. They have also started an organization that helps Christians with adoption called Shaohannah’s Hope.

The CD begins with Shaoey reading the Christmas story from Luke 2:7-14. It’s followed by “Angels From The Realms Of Glory.” Steven has written new music for these aged lyrics. Very contemporary sounding.

“I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day” has always been a favorite of mine. Steven has rearranged this old traditional song and made it sound a little more updated. I sometimes like the older songs when they are arranged to sound like the 21^st century instead of the 17^th.

“All I Really Want For Christmas” is the title song. The lyrics moved and touched my heart. A young boy had nothing, but would rather have the love of a mom or dad instead of toys or tangible presents.

All I really want for Christmas is someone to tuck me in
A shoulder to cry on if I lose, shoulders to ride on if I win
There’s so much to ask for but there’s just one thing I need

“The Miracle Of Christmas” was written by Steven Curtis Chapman. It starts out soft and tells about the birth of Jesus. The chorus comes in strong with guitars and drums. The lyrics are invitational – “bring your past, the joy, the sorrow, all your hope to find tomorrow, God is near.”

The old African-American Spiritual “Go Tell It On The Mountain” is done black-gospel-style. You will enjoy it if you like that sort of thing. It is one of my favorites on the album. It could easily be adapted to your church choir for the season.

“Christmas Is All In The Heart” is another one written by Steven. A couple that doesn’t have much in the way of decorations or presents, kids excited about opening their presents, now it’s me taking pictures of the kids on this joyous holiday. It’s not how many presents you have or where you are, but, whatever the situation, Christmas is all in the heart.

“Silver Bells”--I love this song. Then again, I love most all Christmas songs, but this one causes you to imagine the typical scene of the Christmas season.

Steven Curtis Chapman knew we couldn’t get through another Christmas holiday season without “Winter Wonderland,” another great Christmas favorite.

“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” is done with a bit of a modern flair. Still in a minor key, it’s very easy listening. It must be his voice that makes it seem to glide down your ear canal.

“It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” and “Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem” are two more favorite Christmas tunes that we hold near and dear to our hearts. Chapman has rearranged these old Christmas songs just a little. The result is music to my ears. No pun intended.

“The Night Before Christmas” was also written by Chapman. If you buy this CD for this song only, you will have spent your money well. This is a tremendous, poignant song that I’d love to sing at my church this year during the Christmas program. Probably won’t get to, but what an awesome song!

And hope, hope long awaited
The hope of the ages
Would break with the dawn
And the song that all of creation was anticipating
Would start with a baby’s first cry

Steven Curtis Chapman’s All I Really Want For Christmas would be a great CD to add to your music library. You won’t be disappointed in any of these songs and certainly not in the artist either.

ninetyandnine.com

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Lowell Hansen, a resident of the great northwest, saw the sunshine today. It’s a fading light up in the sky this time of year that warms the soul, mind, and body.