Pros: Fantastic vocal and harmonies; original selection of Christmas songs.
Cons: None to note. Don't pass it by for anti-Country music biases...
The Bottom Line: A must for all Christmas collections, this CD is a new "classic" which you should find yourself enjoying throughout the year. Good flavor you want to taste again and again.
lisandrea's Full Review: Good News by Kathy Mattea
This is one of my favorite CD's for all times of the year, and especially at Christmas. The songs lead to an understanding of the purpose and origination of Christmas, with the most beautiful rendition of "Mary, Did You Know" that's been recorded by anyone.
The graphics on the CD cover compliment the content beautifully, with statuesque images of angels, heralding the arrival of Christ.
Since I got this CD as a gift several years ago it has gotten more play than almost any CD in my collection other than Kate Busby (Irish).
I can see this entire CD being played out as a Christmas pageant, ending with grandeur in the hopeful song, "Good News."
While Kathy Mattea fits into the country category in general, I think this CD is a perfect crossover album. Because it is Christmas, it is a great introduction to Kathy Mattea for anyone who might ordinarily pass by her genre.
"There's A New Kid In Town" is probably my least favorite, and most disconnected song on the collection. It's a nonchalant discussion between those looking for the babe in the manger, and a casual resident of Bethlehem who heard about a "new kid" being born, but cannot imagine that he'd be the Savior. It's just not as lovely as the rest of this CD.
There is a nice mix of Gospel on this album as well, with "Somebody Talkin' About Jesus" hitting perfectly in the middle of the song selection.
If nothing else I recommend buying this CD (& giving it as a gift) for the lullaby feeling of the whole selection. With a candle-lit Christmas Eve meal, the lighting of the final advent candle and the expectation of Christmas Day, it's a perfect play, and you might find yourself dancing around the living room in celebration.
One final note: Kenny Rogers' "The Gift," unfortunately, repeats many of these songs, and frankly, just doesn't do them justice as Kathy Mattea's versions.
Song List:
What A Wonderful Beginning
There's a New Kid In Town
Brightest and Best
Mary, Did You Know?
The Star
Emmanuel
Somebody Talkin' About Jesus
Nothing But A Child
Christ Child's Lullabye
Good News
Experience the soothing, soaring vocals of Kathy Mattea on this warm collection of Christmas classics and new favorites, including \Mary, Did You Know...More at Christianbook.com
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