cd review

Okay, aurry kinda talked me into writing a quick review on the EP, "All Is Well". So, CAS mass ordered the EPs for us here in Singapore. I collected my copy from this afternoon, rushed home to listen to it. My brother went with me to get it and when he saw it, he was like, "Huh?! Only 4 songs?!" But, never mind, moving on. Geez. Love the cover photo. Like someone said, it's worth buying just for the cover alone. I'm smiling, just looking at the picture. Love it also that there's lyrics included this time. :D

First song, "All is Well". I have to admit that I was a bit apprehensive about this song whose concert versions I heard thus far left me cringing. But, this one completely blew me away. Showcasing Clay's huge range, it creates an image of a Christmas eve long ago with angels and wise men. To quote myself, "A night of magic and miracles. A night where, in the far off past, a child was born who would be saviour of the world". Prayerful and touching beginning to the song culminating in a powerful and joyous proclamation of the Christmas message.

Next, "Christmas Waltz". Well, nothing spectacular. The thing is practically a clone of the last Joyful Noise Tour version. That's all I can say about it. It was nice, but it was a little unmemorable. I'm really wondering why this song is included. It doesn't really seem to fit into the theme that the other three set.

"O Come Emmanuel". This is another one of those that I was apprehensive about (hearing him sing it at the JNT). But like AIW, I was wrong. This rendition is so smooth and heartfelt. It's more prayerful and reflective rather than overbearing and showy. I'm glad of this, cos this is such a beautiful song. The glory notes are strong without being too overwhelming. That's really good cos as much as we love to hear Clay in all his glory, too much isn't very nice either.

"My Grown-Up Christmas List". Lots of high expectations for this song. Vocally, this song lives up to expectations. But…I think the accompaniment could be a bit better. The guitar sounds disjointed to me. To me, it could sound better with a stronger piano. But then again, this is obviously the effect they wanted to create, so I'm not going to argue with them. Just noticed, the guitar did a very cute ending. (either that or my mind's playing tricks on me again) But, beautiful song to end the set.

So, conclusion, the EP is very well done and songs chosen are quite fitting to the message it wishes to send, about the joy and hope of Christmas that transcend from ancient times to the present and into the future. Overall, although it is a bit on the high price side (for me), most of Clay's fans, whether die-hard or casual, will enjoy listening to this beautiful collection. So, on my all purpose scale, I give it 3 out of 5 stars.