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This is absolutely one of the most wonderful holiday CD's of all time. I have played it over and over again during the holidays and feel such peace and joy. Please buy it to experience the same charisma that only Barbra Streisand can induce.
I had to listen to this album a couple of times before it really settled in with me, but I have to say that I actually prefer it now to her first Christmas album from the 1960's, and that's saying quite a lot. Each song is beautifully and emotionally sung, and the arrangements are stunning. The only two songs that I thought were somewhat weak were the final 2 cuts, Closer and One God. Neither song resonates with me, so I usually skip them.I highly recommend this album as a wonderful alternative to the usual holiday music fare.
but I also agree with the boring aspect of this album mentioned by another, though Barbra's actual SINGING can never be ''boring''. I would want an ALL spiritual album from her as well because those songs are also beautiful, but for when the time is appropriate to listen to it, and separately. It's just because I have to have everything she does, and it's nice when sitting and relaxing during Christmas or with someone special at a quiet time. This [and the other one] is not what I play when wanting to feel good and in a great Christmas mood. Christmas is everyone's holiday and my favorite OF the year, and favorite TIME of year, and if our greatest female singer of all time can't leave her stamp on it, then we're really in trouble on this planet [we are anyway].Now, my only beef is that I want Christmas to be upbeat. Shirley said this is NOT for a party [back to that in a moment].Ok, look, there is nothing bad to be said about Barbra, she's magnificent and I have EVERYTHING she's done.all her films first on tape, then updated with DVD's then all her albums on records, then tapes, now CD's [please stop inventing new formats, I'm going broke].
I, like Barbra. am Jewish [not religious] and even come from Flatbush Brooklyn [went to Midwood, not Erasmus though close], so I take offense at a comment of someone really resenting a Jew making a Christmas album. I ABSOLUTELY agree with L.SHIRLEY but read so many reviews since that I forgot what she said LOL. Lighten UP. Wanting Christmas from her, I just grabbed one, and now years later playing it again on Christmas, am SO disappointed because it isn't upbeat with the traditional FUN songs, so ordered the other one tonight, although it too has a couple with the religious bent so I guess we're out of luck and my search brought no better results, and I guess these are the only two. Of course this is beautiful [nothing she does isn't the best there is], but my complaint is for the producers of albums not catering to different MOODS, and not separating the song genre's on different whole albums, not just for holiday albums, but all of them. lol I gave it 5 stars because other than all of the above, the album and 'she' is magnificent for what it is.
I make MANY of my own CD's with all Mathis' upbeat songs and slow ones, separately [the greatest MALE vocal quality and range that ever lived] and also Sinatra in his ring a ding ding mode songs so I don't understand why the music industry can't comply with that and do the same. Oh, yes. Barbra. I want all happy, funny songs on an album for a party or just getting into a great mood [as Shirley implied] and another when feeling dreamy and alone or with someone. When I'm in a great mood and getting dressed for a party or having one, of COURSE I want all the fast, happy, cheerful Christmas [and other] songs ONLY playing and not intercepted with slow depressing ones.I bought this CD long ago and just hadn't gotten around to her "A Christmas Album" yet. let's hear about Rudolf's nose, jingle bell rock, toyland, winter wonderland, marshmallow world, needing a little christmas, letting it snow, santa coming to town, beginning to look a lot like Christmas, it being the 'most wonderful time of the year, and so MANY more. a mixture of moods.
And AVE MARIA, CLOSER, and ONE GOD add the spiritual feel and reverence for this time of year that are important to all of us. The songs are varied, and the imagery is fabulous. This is a must-have for any Streisand fan AND/OR those who love Christmas and winter. Masterfully-written songs and lush orchestration make this a signature Barbra recording. Barbra wraps her beautiful vocals around I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, CHRISTMAS MEM'RIES, and CHRISTMAS LULLABYE and the tears start to flow; she handles IT MUST HAVE BEEN THE MISTLETOE with ease, and I love the Barbra Mandrell original. Then, there are the visions of snow and bare trees and vast sky as she sings I REMEMBER and SNOWBOUND. Give yourself a gift this Christmas. This is one present you will enjoy "unwrapping" the entire season.
In October of 2001, Barbra Streisand released her thirty-ninth album entitled, CHRISTMAS MEMORIES. There is only one God and that God is God, Himself. CHRISTMAS MEMORIES is the Holiday album for everyone: Children of all ages, Teens, Adults, Senior Citizens. This Christmas album lives up to the reputation of Barbra's first Holiday album and it really puts me into that Christmas mood.I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS As much as I love Barbra's rendition, Frank Sinatra's rendition, although I am not Frank fan, is so much better and more Christmas-E. Pick up a copy of Barbra's second Christmas album. I love his rendition.A CHRISTMAS LOVE SONG A great song with a the strong Holiday spirit.WHAT ARE YOU DOING NEW YEAR'S EVE. This would actually be Barbra Streisand's second Holiday album, since THE CHRISTMAS ALBUM in 1967. Beautiful song.
Well, I'll be with my family in Haddonfield, NJ, where my father's Beatles' band will be playing from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm (NJ-Philly time), an hour away from the year of 2006.I REMEMBER Great.SNOWBOUND Great.IT MUST HAVE BEEN THE MISTLETOE Beautiful.CHRISTMAS LULLABY This is another Christmas Spirit filled song.CHRISTMAS MEM'RIES The album's title track, but with a slightly different spelling. Great song.GROWN-UP CHRISTMAS LIST Both Barbra Streisand & Amy Grant have their own renditions of this song and both of them are simply beautiful.AVE MARIA Great.CLOSER Beautiful.ONE GOD This song title is very true. This album is very pleasing and it will most certainly put you into the Holiday Spirit. Oh, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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