Vince Gill's first Christmas album, the 1993 Let There Be Peace On Earth, is one of only nine country albums to be certified platinum. Breath Of Heaven is his second Christmas project; however, it certainly won't become the tenth country album to go platinum. That's simply because this isn't a country album. Sure, since he's a country artist, some people are going to label this country, but they couldn't be more wrong. I wouldn't be surprised if this goes platinum, though - just not as country.
When I saw the cover, and spotted the subtitle "A Christmas Collection With Patrick Williams And His Orchestra," I was not quite sure what to expect. I thought that it would probably be a big production with a powerful vocal struggling to be heard over a jumble of instruments. Well, Breath Of Heaven couldn't be much further from that. Instead, this is a very low-key, sit around the fireplace, sort of album. Several tracks are simply Gill singing casually with a gentle melody guiding the way. Mixed in are some subtle choral backgrounds, and a bit of "doo-wop" in "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow," but the album definitely highlights Gill's vocals.
The title track is a rework of the popular Amy Grant song "Breath Of Heaven (Mary's Song)" from her Home For Christmas album. Gill does an adequate job on the song; however, it forces him to sing near the top of his vocal range, and I just don't care for it. I enjoyed more the songs where he was more relaxed, singing a little lower.
Most of the songs are very well-known Christmas carols. This is an album that you should easily be able to slip into the office stereo, use at a Christmas party, or just relax with at home.
Similar sounding releases
2002Joni MitchellTravelogue
2005Mary HaskellInspired: Standards-Good For the Soul
1998Michael W. SmithChristmastime
2004Sandi PattyHymns of Faith...Songs of Inspiration
1992Amy GrantHome for Christmas
1994David T. ClydesdaleThe Sound of Christmas
