- Audio CD (1 Jun 1995)
- Number of Discs: 1
- Format: Import
- Label: Universal
- ASIN: B000009V0M
- Other Editions: Audio CD | Audio Cassette | MP3 Download
- Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 109,808 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I suppose the Roches (Maggie, Suzzy and Terre) count as folk-rock singers, though really they defy musical classification. As I write this, I am not familiar with any of their other music, but this album clearly indicates that I am missing out on a lot.
Their lovely, clear, soprano voices combine to make brilliant harmonies to such great effect that they don’t actually need any musical backing. I would have been quite happy if they had recorded the whole album a Capella, but they wisely decided to mix things up by using a variety of instruments on some of the tracks.
Distinctive arrangements of old standards are another feature of this album – not everywhere, but on selected tracks. So the first time you play this you will never know quite what to expect but most of the arrangements are not too far removed from the standard.
Another aspect of this album that I particularly like is the choice of songs. Most of the really obvious ones have been omitted, although their harmonies are so magical that I’d happily listen to any Christmas song they choose to record.
The less obvious songs to be found here include Good King Wenceslas (the best version I’ve yet heard of this under-recorded song) and The holly and the ivy, both very popular in Britain but apparently less so in America. Also included are such wonderful songs as Angels we have heard on high, For unto us a child is born, Here we come a carolling and the opening track, Break forth o bounteous heavenly light. Two originals, Christmas passing through and Star of wonder, are also excellent.
Of the really obvious songs, their version of Away in a manger is truly inspired – it is one of the songs they sing without backing. I don’t know why, but that song often seems to bring out the best in America’s finest singers.
I agree to some extent with what others say about their slightly silly version of Frosty the snowman – but hey, it’s a Christmas album – loosen up. There are also a few other tracks where the song arrangements will upset some people.
This is the kind of Christmas album you either love or hate, but I suspect that most of you will love it, providing you enjoy great harmony singing and don’t need a driving rhythm section. On this album, the sisters’ voices are what make this album distinctive.
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
The Roches give the Christmas Carols genre a whole new twist - their vocal arrrangements lend interest to what can be [to the non-christmas-o-phile] an overfamiliar set of songs. Recommended, if you can find it.
19 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
OK, so I bought this CD based on hearing the track Good King Wenceslas on the Terry Wogan show on BBC Radio Two and the three Roche sisters really can sing and harmonise. The arrangements on some of the tracks is refreshingly diffent. others however, are not so good, seeing as this will only get an outing over the Christmas period it truly is a welcome alternative to traditional renditions.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
We Three Kings from The Roches
I heard Good King Wenceslas from The Roches on Terry Wogan on Radio 2 and was so impressed I bought the CD. I was not disapointed and this is now my favourite Christmas CD. Read more
Published on 31 Jan 2010 by Mr. J. W. Wiltshire
A Good Festive Listen
I have listened to the album several times over Christmas and it will be added to my regular Festive favourites,especially the Radio 2 gem, Good King Wenceslaslas. Read more
Published on 22 Jan 2010 by R. J. Whiting
We Three Kings
Simply fabulous. Lot's of classic Christmas songs sung beautifully plus one or two quirky gems. I couldn't praise it highly enough.
Published on 6 Jan 2010 by Mike
Yule Love It
The Roches are one of the best vocal acts in the world, and here they take a bunch of hoary old carols and hymns, mix them with a couple of original compositions, and produce the... Read more
Published on 30 Dec 2007 by AK 1957-05
Simply the best ever Christmas album
I was turned onto this record by Terry Wogan playing a couple of tracks over the years and I'm so pleased Amazon are making this brilliant Christmas record available again. Read more
Published on 9 Dec 2007 by Mr. N. J. Partridge
Not your ususal Christmas album
I love this album. Anything that is a bit different, medieval, folk, classical, Victorian Christmas songs I've tried the lot and this album is one of my favourites. Read more
Published on 5 Dec 2007 by J. Stephen Solar
we three kings
This CD offers traditional and modern Christmas music with a distinctive up-beat sound and excellent word clarity which is a rare treat. Read more
Published on 22 Dec 2002
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