A majority of the album is spent with carols and hymns, giving the album a very traditional feel. From "Silent Night" to "Away in A Manger," and "The First Noel" to "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," the listener is treated to the songs I remember hearing at those candlelight services. My favorite carol, "What Child is This?" is a highpoint of the album, with a vocal line that is full, deep, and rich.
Two instrumental pieces round out the album's highlights. The first, "Carol of the Bells," is a passionate guitar and bass duet. You might think by that description the song would have a rock flavor but, while it uses more up-to-date instrumentation, it still very true to the original arrangement and traditional sound. The second, "Deck the Halls (With Boughs of Longboards)," is just what you might expect from someone who calls southern California home. A hybrid mix of the classic song and a beach tune, you can hear seagulls calling out before the drums and guitar carry you into this fun little track.
Selling over 19 million records, including 17 Top 40 hits, Springfield career has spanned three decades with no signs of stopping. He continues to tour and will be releasing a new studio album in the spring of 2008. When not recording or performing his music live, he portrays the character of Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital and took on a second role (Eli Love) for a story arc this past summer.
Christmas With You is available for purchase November 6 at all the traditional outlets, and will be enjoyed by anyone who loves spiritual and traditional holiday music. News, tour information, and message boards can be found at the artist's website or his official myspace profile.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
OK...GH, Rick Springfoeld...I think it all makes sense now. Nice review Connie. I guess your just a down home girl after all.
-Glen
2 - Candi
Very nice review, Connie. I have this CD, too, and your comments are spot-on. As a Rick Springfield fan, I have to say, I wasn't wild about the idea of a Christmas CD - but now I'm sold. The man did a very nice job with some of my all-time favorite material ever written. It's fresh, and at the same time very traditional and reverent.
I should never have had any doubts. :^)
3 - Connie Phillips
Thanks, Glen! Down home hu? I think that's the first time anyone has used those words to describe me.
I'm looking forward to see you you and everyone else in Vegas tomorrow, and you can see if that image still applies.
4 - Connie Phillips
Candi, Thanks for you comments. Doing a album of holiday songs can be a tricky thing for an artist to take on. Most people already have a connection and preconception about the music. Springfield's honors that and is one I will truly enjoy and play often through the holidays.
5 - Terry
Thank you for a wonderful review for a wonderful cd! I too was a little hesitant to see this cd made. So many Holiday cds come out cheesy. Rick Springfield did a great job on this one.
6 - luann
Connie, What a very nice review.I haven't got the cd yet,but I will have it as part of the collection of Rick's Albums,and cd's I have. Thank you so much! It is nice to read a critic being nice to him,since in the past he has gotten "slammed" by them.
7 - Sabrina Maria Messenger
This three decade long fan and USMC vet thanks you for taking the tiime to do such an excellent review!
You might be interested in knowing that there is now a VIDEO of the song "Christmas With You." A very beautiful and tastfully done tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Proceeds from the song "Christmas With You" go to help the families of the fallen troops via American Gold Star Mothers. You can see the video at Rick's website www.rickspringfield.com
8 - Connie Phillips
Thank you for the comment Sabrina. I am aware of the beautifully filmed video and will be publishing a article about it in the next day or so.
9 - Just
I haven't been up to anything , not that it matters. Basically nothing seems important, but I guess it doesn't bother me. Not much on my mind to speak of. Today was a loss, but maybe tomorrow.
10 - lauri j
Lovely review for a lovely traditional sounding, pleasing, "warm fuzzy" Christmas album. I love it - play it over and over and over. Highlights are "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" and "Do You Hear What I Hear" (fabulous rendition) and the title song "Christmas With You" just couldn't be better. Way to go on this cd Rick Springfield. Mutli talented rock star to be sure. Happy holiday!
11 - Donna
That was a great review! I just recieved this CD yesterday and I was floored! It just totally blew me away! He did keep it very traditional, with just a few contemporary twists, it is nothing like I have ever heard. I enjoyed it immensely and after it played through, all I could say was WOW! It is a very powerful CD.