Christmastime
Michael W. Smith
Christmastime, the 1998 holiday release on which Michael W. Smith plays chemist and combines elements not previously forged together, is a study in contrast. His inclusion of three medleys of classic holiday tunes works more than it doesn’t. But the addition of Christmas show tunes like “The Happiest Christmas,” Kay Thompson’s “Jingle Bells,” and “Christmas Waltz” makes little sense. One has to be a crooner to pull these off and Smitty is many things but a crooner. The release’s finest moments come in more contemporary style with the Chris Rice-penned “Welcome to Our World,” Smitty’s title track, and the Phil Keaggy-enriched instrumental “O Christmas Tree.” Of the medleys, “Sing We Now of Christmas/O Come O Come Emmanuel ” showcases Smitty’s sensible arrangements as well as his now-famous “Emmanuel” chorus.
- The Happiest Christmas
- Kay Thompson's Jingle Bells
- Christmastime
- Welcome To Our World
- Hope Of Israel
- Medley: Sing We Now Of Christmas/O Come O Come Emmanuel/Emmanuel
- O Christmas Tree
- Christmas Waltz
- We Three Kings
- Medley: Away In A Manger/Child In The Manger
- Carols Sing
- Medley: I Saw Three Ships/Joy To The World