Holiday discs 2013: Johnny Reid's A Christmas Gift to You
Johnny Reid
A Christmas Gift to You
The arrangements are impeccable on tracks like “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”, which starts out with sawing classical strings, and then adds what sounds like a 100-strong children’s choir to the mix. Too bad that Canuck-via-Scotland country singer Johnny Reid’s bourbon-cured vocals are delivered in a pained fashion that brings to mind fellow over-emoters like Bruce Springsteen and Eddie Vedder. If you’re going to tackle “O Holy Night”, at least have the taste not to sound like a man struggling to pass a three-foot Scots pine.
Comments
16 Comments
Judi
Dec 18, 2013 at 8:04pm
What were you smoking when you listened to this CD? Johnny Reid has produced a seasonal masterpiece. His vocals are impeccable, and the musical arrangements, produced by Bob Ezrin, makes Christmas music reach the hearts and souls of everyone who hears it. You are most definitely in the minority..as all other reviews I've read have had nothing but praise for Johnny and this album.
Leesa
Dec 18, 2013 at 8:36pm
Your kidding right? Apparently you haven't attended this amazing concert!! Sold out shows. Puts everyone in the spirit of Christmas:) everyone is entitled to their own opinion on what you think is good however a quick trip to dr's to get hearing checked is suggested! Merry Christmas to you!
Nicole
Dec 19, 2013 at 3:27am
Were you listening to the same CD that I was? I don't think so.
Sharron
Dec 19, 2013 at 3:49am
Really Mike? REALLY???? Everyone is entitled to their opinion of Johnny and his music but I think you need to give his CDs...ALL OF THEM....a second listen.He's been making CDs since 1997 and he just keeps getting better!!I'm so glad the rest of his reviews were SO positive!!
DC
Dec 19, 2013 at 3:56am
Makes me wonder what kind of music you prefer??? As Judi said, this album is a seasonal masterpiece! It's gotten nothing but rave reviews since it's release, with a number of sold out shows across the country. You are entitled to your opinion, of course........even if it is wrong!!!
Cassandra
Dec 19, 2013 at 6:09am
If you are going to attack an artist singing you have to know the artist and ALL of his music before you can make such a statement about just one song.I would have to listen to a lot of the music they sing before making such a statement
Lee
Dec 19, 2013 at 6:24am
Reviewer must not have played the right CD.... That is all!!!
Carolyn
Dec 19, 2013 at 10:38am
First thing you said wrong ( of many BTW ) was "Holiday" disc... It's a "CHRISTMAS" disc. I can't disagree with you more about this album. This is by far the BEST Christmas album I have heard since I was a child when artist actually recorded Christmas album and not fallen for the "politically correct" trap that the industry wants artists to do these days. It's so refreshing to hear these songs being sung like they should, with Spirituality and belief!! I do believe you are in the minority of your review, I respect it but certainly don't agree. I'm not going to wish you happy holidays but will wish you a very Merry Christmas ;)
BTW Judi... love your line " what were you smoking" LOL
Nicole
Dec 19, 2013 at 4:12pm
I'd have to ask the "Mayor" but I'm pretty sure Johnny Reid - A Christmas Gift to You has gone platinum already! Just sayin'!!
Dot Lecky
Dec 19, 2013 at 5:17pm
Just watched Christmas Gift To You.Will be going out to look for CD tomorrow. Most wonderful renditions. I also really enjoyed the background on each song. Absolutely best Christmas show I have seen.Well done Johnny!