Steven Curtis Chapman and Christmas just seem to go together for me now. His honest passion for putting the Word to song was custom made for the celebration of Christ's birth. All I Really Want... is his second collection of holiday songs offering some old and some new, however this time there is a campaign for adoption awareness. The Chapmans are huge advocates for adoption as they have added to their family twice with daughters from China.
The CD opens with the Chapmans' oldest adopted daughter Shaohannah, tenderly and innocently reciting the Christmas story. Beautiful in its simplicity, it is the perfect way to begin the season. The title track is about an orphan wanting a family for Christmas lovingly put in a letter to Santa. This song happens to be my favorite. "Angels from the Realms of Glory" is a traditional hymn in title only as Chapman adds his own touch and makes the tune his. Other traditional holiday favorites include "I Heard the Bells," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "Silver Bells." What makes this a standout classic CD are Chapman's original songs. "The Night Before Christmas" takes a novel approach, painting the folks of Bethlehem's routine lives, juxtaposed by the magnificent miracle quietly going on the outskirts of town. Guest artist Vince Gill adds some new spice to "Christmas is all in the Heart." Their harmonies are absolute and fitting. The CD ends with a sweet and funny "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." This song features the Father and daughter that began the CD.
If you're looking for a new tradition for Christmas, this CD is the one. Honest, touching, and enough warmth to heat the house. Chapman's heart is certainly in the right place as his acoustic infused music ushers in the true spirit of the season.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Brian A. SmithChristian music's version of the Eagles returns with a Christmas album. Chapman is a marketer's dream: he's southern enough for the country fans, loud enough for all but metal fans, pop enough for the adult contemporary crowd, and he actually practices the issues he preaches, having adopted three Chinese orphans, and heading a foundation that addresses the need of widows and orphans. All I Really…The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Joe MontagueSteven Curtis Chapman's All I Really Want For Christmas boasts four original tunes by the singer / songwriter and stylized arrangements on several traditional tunes. In recent years Chapman has gone from being a good entertainer to being a superb songwriter. "All I Really Want," the title track, is an example of that excellence in songwriting and serves as a reminder that so many children in our…Similar sounding releases
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