Avalon - Joy

From the opening moments of the electronically influenced "Joy (to the World)," it's clear that Avalon has set out to offer a production that stands out among Christmas albums. This assessment is sealed with the next song, "The Angel's Medley." It begins with a standard "First Noël" solemnity, and climaxes into a funk-disco rendition of "Hark the Herald Angles Sing," in which one can imagine the four members of this quartet sporting their flashiest silk duds. But that is not to say that Joy: A Christmas Collection doesn't have its standard Christmas trappings. Accompanied by the London Session Orchestra, this record comes complete with all of the harps, bells, and strings-simulated snow flurries that anyone could want. With the added fireside glow and up-front energy of Avalon's dazzling vocal expertise, this disc is sure to cause anyone to break out the hot chocolate, roast some chestnuts, and bust some good dance moves around the Christmas tree. --Israel Button Amazon.com

A very good album!

Avalon has always had a way to sing with energy and harmony, and this album will continue those things. Some of the best songs from here are:

We Are The Reason
This is simply the best rendition I've heard. Nothing else can be said.

Don't save it all for Christmas day
This is too the best rendition I've heard. I prefer this to Celine's original version. You must hear it yourself to feel the energy from this group.

Winter wonderland
For heave jazz lovers, this track is AMAZING! It's crazy, it's fun, it's just WOW! If only they can make songs with big band style once in a while, that'd be great!

Angels medley
This is quite good but it can't compete with those 3 songs above. April 11, 2008

Probably one of the Best Christmas albums EVER!

I have been an Avalon fan since their A Maze of Grace album. This Christmas album was made at what I believe was the peak of their career and is absolutely fabulous!

1. Joy (to the World): Avalon sucks you right into the Christmas mood with a new take on an old hymn, Joy to the World. The message is awesome, it is upbeat and utilizes each members talents fantastically. Great way to start the album! 10/10

2. Angels Medley: At first with the slow, melodic entry of "The First Noel", you might think it was just another classic Christmas song sung in the traditional manner. No way. Avalon quickly segues from the traditional "First Noel" to a very upbeat Angels we have heard on high and continues the high energy rhythms started in Joy. Excellent way to continue an album! 10/10

3. Don't Save It All for Christmas Day: Avalon slows down to reflect on the hectic season, and Jody takes the lead in this Celine Dion remake. And boy, does he do a fabulous job with it. Expect to be awed by this one. 9.5/10

4. Jesus Born on This Day: Another excellent song. This time, Janna takes the reigns in remaking this Mariah Carey song. Good choice too, since Janna has the powerful vocals to pull off this delightful song. 10/10

5. Winter Wonderland: Avalon takes the classic and ramps it up with a new pop beat. They do a great job with it, it's a lot of fun, but not my favorite song on this album. 8/10

6. Light a Candle: Another slow song, but absolutely fabulous! Cheri takes over in this one, a perfect voice for this powerful song. 10/10

7. Good News: Another slow song, but I think this was the weakest link in this album. I felt it was too long and didn't quite maintain the spirit established in the previous songs. Great vocals nonetheless. 6/10

8. The Christmas Song: Good remake and great vocals from Janna, but again not my favorite song. 8/10

9. Manger Medley: Avalon at this point seems to have run out of steam and relies on some weaker, more forgettable material. Away in the Manger marks this one. Not bad, but not remarkable either. 8/10

10. We Are the Reason: And just to go out on a great note, Michael Passons (Avalon is completely lost without him in my opinion) holds nothing back in this completely heartfelt song. Man! This is great stuff! 10/10

Overall, this is an awesome disk and needs to be in your collection. Chrismtas doesn't start until Avalon Joy is in the CD player! January 13, 2008

Fantastic Christmas Album

What a wonderful Christmas treat this album is! I have had it since it was released, being a huge Avalon fan, and it always tops my most played holiday cd's. I challenge anyone to listen to this and not have your foot tapping and singing along, particularly on the Angels Medley! It takes classics and gives them a new spin without leaving you feeling cheated at all, while adding some new ones like Don't Save it all for Christmas Day and Light A Candle (my fav I think, it's hard since they're all great!) Truely a worship experience full of fun songs and heart touching ballads that are really what the season is all about, it's just a nice blend of songs with Avalon's personal touch. If you're looking for a fun new sound that stays true to the message of Christmas, give this one a try, you won't be sorry! November 29, 2007

Wonderful

I enjoy the listening to Avalon. I had the cd, and it got misplace so I had to replace it. I listen that CD all year round.
Thanks January 9, 2007

Joy , By Avalon.

This album is wonderful if you like a little pop with your Christmas.
Their voices are wonderful together. The album is very smiler to Boney M Christmas album if you like Boney M Christmas album you will love this one. Their is only 10 songs on the album their could be more but may be on their next Christmas album. They are one of the best pop music artists today. I would highly recommend this album to any one who is looking for a Christmas album to add to their collection.

Sincerely, Jason or Peter Pielak. January 8, 2007

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