When it comes to a talent the caliber of Randy Travis, it makes no difference when you hear new music from him. Be it September or December. Country, gospel or seasonal. The music is always excellent. And always a gift from an exceptional talent.
I have long awaited for Randy to give us a second Christmas album. Now he has.
As much as I loved his "Ole Time Christmas", this one "Songs Of The Season" is a true joy to listen to. The production is masterful. The interlude on "Angels We Have Heard On High" is the most beautiful arrangement I have ever heard.
Who says Randy can't sing with an orchastra backup? Or sing anything other than traditional country?. Listen to him sing "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christams". Or the beautiful "Oh Holy Night"
Every religious selection (of vocals) on this beautiful offering has been arranged by Randy. He does some amazing vocal gymnastics on several of these songs. His styling is what helps set him apart from most artists of today.
Once again Randy has given to his fans an album they will treasure and enjoy hearing over and over, from season to season.
Two songs are slated to be released as singles. One to Christian radio. The other to mainstream radio.
To Christian radio goes, "Labor Of Love". It is a beautifully written song, telling the story of the night of Jesus's birth.It reveals the anguish of both Mary and Joseph (as well as the joy and the promise)that his birth brings to the world. Randy gives just the right touch of anguish and smypathy to both charcters in his delivery. To provide the emotional impact the writer intended.
"Nothin's Gonna Get me Down ( at Christmas time) is the one going to mainstream radio.
It is a cute song of how the weather, and the havoc it oft times creates can can put a damper on ones Christmas spirit.
However, if the stations receive a complete copy of "Songs Of The Season" I wouldn't be surprised to hear them play "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas". Or anyone of the other non religious offerings from it. Randy proves that he can deliver a pop song or two or three ( on this album) with the best of them.
If you want an album that will truly enhance your Christmas spirit. This season and for many to come. Don't psss up picking up a copy of "Songs Of The Season" by one of the greatest vocalists among today's artists. You will be glad you did.
I am very pleased with my perchase. I love Randy Travis and have a Christmas album that he previously released, and I love it. I was a little worried this might have a few new songs and filler from the last CD, but I was all new and add to my great Christmas season.
I can just guess what is going to happen: People will put this CD on and then...suddenly, complete strangers will turn and say "who is that amazing voice singing those well known tunes". New fans will be created. Randy makes any song sound fresh and new. It's long been known that Randy has such a powerful and flexible baritone that he could sing the phonebook and it would be hit material. These songs are of course already traditional seasonal songs, it's just that Randy does them better than most. The production is simple, good instruments mixed with crisp vocals. 5 stars.
I look for more than good sounds in Christmas music. It also has to have a spiritual quality to it which can only be borne from The Spirit. Brother Randy is alive spiritually and now his exciting masculine voice comes to life in a very special way. I enjoyed this just after Christmas and it was very good. I'm looking forward to enjoying it even more next season. I will be playing this from the Thanksgiving to New Years. Every song is good not just some of them. I ordered my CD early to make sure I had it on time for the next season because copies were running out. Thank God I got one!
I have become quite a Randy Travis fan lately and this is a wonderful album. I think I have about worn it out. It is in the CD as I type. Labor of Love has become my favorite song for the season...
