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3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A very modern Christmas album, 3 Feb 2005
Beginning with a very brief (and barely recognizable) cover of Joy to the world, Carl Marsh's complex and dramatic orchestral arrangements are the distinctive feature of this album. This orchestra is not lush - it rocks. The beautiful harmonies of the four ladies (Denise, Shelley, Heather and Terry) are sometimes near to being drowned out by the orchestra, yet somehow they never are.Their harmonies combine with the orchestra to best effect on the old classics, which sound fresh and vibrant in such a setting. However many versions you've heard of Angels we have heard on high, Let it snow let it snow let it snow, Sleigh ride, Carol of the bells, What child is this, O holy night, O come O come Emmanuel, Santa Claus is coming to town, Jingle bells and Coventry carol, Point of Grace and their orchestra are different, even where (as on O holy night), the orchestra is restrained - this merely heightens the effect of the orchestra on the other tracks. There are five original songs, all of which are magnificent, for which lyrics are provided in the accompanying booklet. One other song, How great our joy, was new to me when I bought this. I haven't heard it anywhere else but it's a great song. If you are looking for a traditional Christmas album, look elsewhere - but if you are looking for something modern and distinctive, this may interest you.
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