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Just enough of a country feel to add to an eclectic Christmas music collection. I love the songs on this album, and her voice is perfect for them.
The product also arrived in a prompt and well packaged fashion. Great vocals and instrumentation.
Country artists back in the 60's and 70's tended to have the most stable fan bases and,mind you,I cut my teeth in radio at country stations-though I would have preferred to be playing pop and rock. You cannot help but be moved to welcome the King of Glory into the world and into your heart. I prefer "Good News" to "Joy"-but "JOy" is a worthy recording, too. After reading the other reviews, I didn't think another was necessary-but I have had to share my thoughts anyway. If you are looking to add one good holiday recording to your library and do not have "Good News" -your collection is not complete-and you are missing a truly heart-warming Christmas experience. Listen to the lyrics and the wonderful arrangements that permeate this recording. And-by the way-if you go to Kathy's official site, get the Good News Live concert DVD if it is still available-a live concert of the best of both Christmas projects that is a great family holiday experience.
Kathy has created a veritable genre defying gem of a Christmas album-and in an era of "Praise and Worship" recordings it is astonishing. If you like "Good News" you will need to find a copy of "Joy for Christmas Day". In a time when Christian artists Christmas offerings have become more secular and commercial, here's a gem of rustic beauty that is as close to a Nativity Worship Project that you will find. Focusing on the Nativity, Kathy brings the awe and wonder of the season into sharp focus. And anyone who purchases this recording for that one song will be blessed many times over.
Before Christmas albums became so commonplace, I believe you saw a lot of country artists give homage to the Christmas Season, mostly of a sacred persuasion, via a seasonal recording for fans. I admit I am prejudiced-but I prefer Kathy's "Mary Did You Know" to anyone's interp. Put on the recording, light the tree-or candles- and push aside the cares of the day. Johnny Cash,Elvis Presley, and Amy Grant's Christmas recordings affected me the most-until this one. Not a prolific writer, but a great interpreter of song, Kathy's voice and her humilty and faith shine through on this Christmas Classic.
Beautiful voice, beautiful message, beautiful Christmas (as well as any other season) music. I must admit, I have this in cassette and just couldn't pass up the opportunity to get in on CD.
As I look at the CD cover online, I can almost see Kathy's autograph to me. "Mary did you know," for sure. But I had also heard Robin and Linda Williams sing "Brightest and Best," and Nothing But a Child," so I knew I'd love this album. I bought a signed copy of this CD at a Kathy Mattea Concert back in October, when she came to the Jefferson Center in Roanoke. Thanks, Kathy. I really enjoyed listening to this CD during the Holiday season this year. We actually got to meet and talk to Kathy after the show. I already knew afew of these songs.
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