I finally listened to the album in full this morning.
I’ve been waiting for the international release of the album, and finally pre-ordered the CD when it showed up on Amazon US. However, in the US, apparently the physical CD isn’t being released until Dec. 13, even though the digital version became available yesterday. I decided I couldn’t wait anymore, so I bought the digital version, even though it means I’ll be buying the album twice. So here is my review.
I was initially a little skeptical about a third Christmas album, although of course I was excited about a new album regardless. I was a bit concerned that it would be too similar to the other two, and that it would rely too heavily on previous recordings and arrangements. I was more hopeful after looking at the set list and seeing quite a few pieces which hadn’t been previously recorded, or otherwise hadn’t been recorded since Angel Voices.
After listening to it, I’m very impressed overall. It’s definitely my favorite of their three Christmas albums. I have a lot of non-Libera Christmas albums as well, so I appreciate that this album has some unique arrangements that aren’t like anything I’ve heard elsewhere (e.g., Ding Dong, I Saw Three Ships, Noel Nouvelet), as well as a wide variety of songs that you might not normally find on the same album. There might be another album somewhere where you can find Poor Little Jesus and The Angel Gabriel on the same album, but if so, I’m definitely not aware of it.
The whole album is well done, but my top three songs are definitely Noel Nouvelet, Poor Little Jesus, and O Little Town of Bethlehem.
In Dulci Jubilo
I like this version the best out of their three versions; I think it sounds more enthusiastic and the harmonies are clearer.
Walking in the Air
Luca’s solo is fantastic. I like how they kept the solo aspect of the song, but also involved the rest of the choir.
Ding Dong Merrily On High
I was a little skeptical about this song (at least before hearing the samples) because most choral versions that I’ve heard tend to be fairly slow, so I really appreciate the upbeat tempo. Although the arrangement might take a little getting used to, I like that it’s very unique and it really shows off Libera’s abilities. They sing it at a pretty impressive tempo given the complexity of the piece.
In the Bleak Midwinter
This is beautiful, and I love Dominik’s solo.
Noel Nouvelet
This is one of my favorites from the album. I love how the harmonies and instrumentation change throughout the piece, and none of the verses are quite the same.
Once In Royal David’s City
This isn’t a particular favorite of mine, especially since Libera also recorded it on both of their previous Christmas albums, but I still appreciate hearing new soloists at the beginning.
I Saw Three Ships
I really like this piece as well. Kind of like Noel Nouvelet, the song keeps moving from one part to the next, and I like that it's a more upbeat arrangement.
What Child Is This
I preferred the intro from the Christmas in Ireland recording; the guitar added a really nice touch. This is still a nice version, though, and I like the additional high notes during the final verse.
Sing Lullaby (The Infant King)
I wasn’t familiar with this piece before, but I’m really enjoying it. The lyrics about the passion and resurrection are an interesting contrast with the gentle lullaby sound. I also love Dominik’s solo.
Carol of the Bells
This fits in well with the rest of the album and I think it was a good choice to include it on the album, even though the recording is not new.
Wexford Carol
I’m glad to have this song on the set list even though it’s been recorded before, since it’s not a very common carol and it has a very interesting melody. I do appreciate that this is a new recording. Tadgh’s solo gives the song a slightly different character, I think.
O Little Town of Bethlehem
I was quite surprised (and thrilled) to find out that Libera was recording the American tune of this carol. I grew up with this tune and I’ve always loved it, but I wouldn't have expected Libera to record it. I was a little surprised to hear that some people really don’t like this one, but I guess the world would be boring if everyone had the same opinions about everything.
For my part, I’m thoroughly enjoying it.
Oliver sounds amazing on the solo – it’s definitely my favorite solo on the album. He has a lovely voice and it's very well suited to the song. They also nailed all the harmonies. The song sounds just like it’s supposed to, with just enough Libera touch to make it special.
The Angel Gabriel
I like the arrangement on this piece. With the solos and harmonies, it’s more interesting and less repetitive than the standard arrangement I’ve heard. Victor did a nice job with the solos on this one.
Poor Little Jesus
This one is fantastic – definitely a standout song. I love how Libera can take a piece from a very different style and absolutely nail it. And Luca’s solo is very moving.
I have to say, though - while I agree with everyone else who loves Poor Little Jesus, it does seem strange to me that this piece is universally praised, while O Little Town seems to be receiving some mixed reviews. I would have expected that my American ears would like both pieces, but I’m a little surprised that they’re received so differently by everyone else. But I do think it's a good thing that this song is so well received. They definitely did a great job on it.
Gaudete
I’m not sure we needed another recording of Gaudete, but I'm happy to hear a solo by Samuel-Francis. Plus, with 16 new recordings on the album in total, I can’t really complain too much.
Silent Night
I love this version of Silent Night. Even though I really like the instrumentation on most of the album, it’s nice to have a break from it with a well-arranged a cappella piece like this. And even though Libera has recorded Silent Night before, the new arrangement makes it feel almost like a brand new piece.
Do You Hear What I Hear?
I was looking forward to this piece and it did turn out pretty well, although I didn’t feel like the arrangement was particularly unique. I’ve heard similar harmonies and instrumentation elsewhere. I think it would have been better if the entire first verse was a solo, and perhaps if some more unique harmonies were added to some of the verses. Nevertheless, I’m happy they included it on the album and they did sing it well, and I really like the climactic final verse.
(sounded like Daniel or Dominik on the CD) Others may remember.
