Michael W. Smith

Item: Christmastime
Author: Stacey Lee Feldman

Christmastime

(1998)

Reviewed by Stacey Lee Feldman

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Label Reunion RecordsThe LighthouseUnsorted 1998

adult contemporary ccm classical

On a chilly autumn afternoon when the forecasters called for snow flurries but didn't get any, I listened to my first Christmas music of the year - and boy, was that a wonderful experience! Of course, you usually don't expect anything less when the music is penned and orchestrated by Michael W. Smith. Christmastime is his second seasonal album, and while it doesn't top the epic, sweeping, powerful Christmas of 1989, it comes pretty close. Adding this CD to your collection would likely be one of the best gifts you could give yourself for the holidays.

Unlike Christmas, this album takes a breather now and then from the huge orchestral compositions which make you feel like you're inside a movie score. Two tracks are frolicking, big-band, jazz tunes, both of which were composed by other writers. "Kay Thompson's Jingle Bells" and "Christmas Waltz" (a duet with Sandi Patty) sound like Manhattan Transfer invaded the studio while recording was going on. While this style isn't something I like, those who do like it should find these enjoyable. Both tunes are old favorites of Smith's, so he included them for the fun they bring to this otherwise serious and sentimental album.

Songs penned by Chris Rice ("Welcome To Our World") and Joanna Carlson (the title track), plus a remake of the 60s Petula Clark song "The Happiest Christmas," are well arranged, turning each into songs which sound as if written by and for Michael W. Smith alone. Also in the mix is "Hope Of Israel," a haunting instrumental Smith wrote on his way back from a trip to Israel.

The American Boy Choir joins Smith on "Carols Sing" and "Sing We Now Of Christmas," the latter being a part of a medley with "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and Smith's own classic "Emmanuel." Except for the dark and lovely second carol, this medley is nearly identical to "Reve Du Noel," which appeared on Word's 1990 compilation Our Christmas. This may bring about a little déjá vu for listeners familiar with that project.

And of course, what's a Christmas album without traditionals? On Christmastime they're each splendid creations of orchestra, piano, and a little extra something special, making each a moving experience for the listener. "O Christmas Tree" features the unmistakable guitar work of Phil Keaggy, rendered in simple, folky beauty. The "Away In A Manger/Child In The Manger" medley features Smith's nine-year-old daughter Anna singing the traditional carol and Smith himself leading the choir on the second part. The album closes with another medley, which wraps everything up in a crazy, amazing crescendo that Smith calls "a big extravaganza." Employing the Celtic folk influence he seems to be into these days, he turns "I Saw Three Ships/Joy To The World" into an Irish party complete with whistles, Uillean pipes, and bagpipes with full orchestra and Eric Darken's percussion.

Producer Brown Bannister has channeled Michael W. Smith's talent into yet another wonderful and endearing holiday classic. Christmastime would be great background music at a party, or a great listen all by yourself with only the Christmas tree lights and a cup of hot chocolate for company. Anyone needing to spice up the stale carol collection should check out this disc. And any Smitty fan, or anyone who loved Christmas, should particularly find this enjoyable.