Join this acoustic/alternative worship community as they celebrate the nativity! Jars of Clay, Caedmon's Call, Third Day, and other top bands sing "Silent Night," "Do You Hear What I Hear?" "Child of Love," "Manger Throne," "O Holy Night," and more.
Average Rating: 4 out of 5 stars(4 out of 5 stars)
8 of 8 Reviews Showing:
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Marcia Danchise (Manteo, NC), November 13, 2002
Wow, I've read the other reviews so I feel compelled to give one of my own. I believe the City on a Hill Christmas CD is wonderful. If you're wanting "traditional" Christmas songs then I suggest you purchase a Chipmunks, or Johnny Mathis, etc CD. This effort is consistent with past City on a Hill efforts - that is worship! I'll agree it's not for everyone but it is pure worship of Christ at this season of His birth. If you crave original worship and/or cutting edge artists unique sounds then you'll love the original songs on this collection as well as those more familar tunes done in more contemporary style. Do not judge the entire collection until you've listened to it several times - you'll be sure to have some lasting favorites!
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Steven Dougherty (Brighton, MA), October 30, 2002
This product is bad repeat of a better project by the same producers called Noel. I like hearing christmas songs with the raw acoustic rock sound. I believe that essence was better captured on the album Noel. This one is not bad, but like so many Christmas albums it has a lot of the same songs. I give them credit for trying to introduce new songs while paying tribute to the classics. The title track is my least favorite. It's not a bad album, but I wouldn't tell anybody that they need to have it.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Cynthia Smith (Nashville TN), October 12, 2002
Okay, give the "City on a Hill" folks a break! What's wrong with them singing Christmas tunes to celebrate Jesus' birth? Maybe we need to learn some new songs. All of the artists are very talented and I think this CD would make a great addition to anyone's Christmas music collection.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Matt Morrison (Plano, TX), October 10, 2002
The members of City on a Hill have awesome talent. The past two CDs were great but I can't really say that their gift is Christmas music. That abstract acoustic sound doesn't fit all too well with the traditional Christmas carols. I'd give them a 3.5 for the originality but they may want to stick with alternative praise.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Dave Fretz (Oakville, ON. Canada), September 30, 2002
I too have completely enjoyed the City on a Hill series and that does include this project as well. This is not what you would call "Traditional Christmas Music" however for those who have really enjoyed the modern/contemporary Praise and Worship movement, you are sure to enjoy this. It is always nice and most often refreshing to hear something different and if you feel that way then this is for you. I think it is safe to say that that was not what Jim Perry was looking for ;).
0.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jim Perry (New Albany, Indiana), September 26, 2002
This is, hands down, the worst Christmas album I have ever heard.
The first track is one verse of "I heard the bells on Christmas Day." But it's not a vocal performance of any kind, it's a Glockenspiel solo! (That instrument in an orchestra that sounds like bells. Some might call it "chimes.") When a glockenspiel rings out, it loses it's tonality and sounds out of tune. This was a BAD choice of opener.
Then, the silly title track is just a parade of popular artists, the song does virtually nothing for me.
This is simply an attempt to capitalize on the popularity of the "City on a Hill" name. This is not a compilation of new recordings of your favorite Christmas tunes. Most of them are unheard of originals, which isn't bad by itself, but none of them sound like something you'd play in the background during your Christmas party. Few of these songs "sound" like Christmas.
The one song that makes me smile is "O Holy Night," performed by Michael Tait and Leigh Nash. It would have been superb if only sung by Michael, but it is reduced to "okay." Leigh Nash is wonderful, but she does NOT have a voice for Christmas songs.
"City on a Hill" is better left to alternative rock compilations. Not the bludgeoning of Christmas favorites, and the Christmas spirit.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by ryanbaker (Arlington, Texas), September 14, 2002
Dude! The first two City on a Hill CDs were absolutely amazing. This CD sounds great as well! I can't wait for this to come out!
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Drew (Wichita, Kansas), August 12, 2002
I loved the past 2 City On A Hill projects! This one is going to be great. Out of Eden? On City On A Hill? WoW! This sounds great!
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