Like filiarheni I will add my impressions as well so as not to be outdone
The TLDR summary: This promises to be an amazing album with unique and traditional arrangements mixed together. In particular, I am intrigued by the newer songs "Ding Dong", "Noël Nouvelet", "In the Bleak Midwinter", "I Saw Three Ships", "Sing Lullaby", "O Little Town of Bethlehem", "Poor Little Jesus", and "Do You Hear".
In Dulci Jubilo - Seems like it's the same arrangement as before. That's not a criticism as I love Libera's version of this song.
Walking in the Air - I like it! Sounds more or less like the classic arrangement as done by others but with the choir on backup.
Ding Dong - WHOA! This is very much
not the
traditional arrangement I was expecting. I need to hear the whole song before making a final judgement but the fast pace, the new rhythm added by the instruments, and the new arrangement may make this song a great upbeat go-to for me once I overcome the novelty. Whether I end up loving this song on a personal level remains to be seen, but the new arrangement is brilliant.
In the Bleak Midwinter - The traditional arrangement (more or less) of this song with Libera's signature polish and flourishes. Beautiful!
Noël Nouvelet - Much more powerful than I expected. I want more more more.
Once in Royal David's City - The same arrangement as before but this well-known and beloved choral classic for Christmas time is perfectly performed by Libera every time.
I Saw Three Ships - Another WOW! No words, just want more.
What Child is This - Same arrangement as before but maybe with slightly different instrumentation it sounds to me - or maybe that's just me because the last version was a live version rather than a studio version. I liked this song a lot on the Ireland album and now we get a studio version. No complaints here!
Sing Lullaby - This is a song which peaked my curiosity once I saw it on the upcoming tracklist and it seems to be similar (different key?) to
this version but with much better instrumentation and I am deeply moved by it in a way that I was not by the other version. The instrumentation, the gentle chords, the harmony of this song as done by Libera is just so beautiful. It will be difficult to wait until release time.
Carol of the Bells - Same as before. Best arrangement of this song I know of. Why mess with the classics? I once again remind everyone that
their music video of this song is their most popular video on YouTube with over 8 million views.
Wexford Carol - One of my top 10 Libera songs ever! Same arrangement as prior recordings. But to me that is perfectly fine.
O Little Town of Bethlehem - I have heard this song in passing many times over the year such as on the radio at Christmas time, but this arrangement is the first that made me want more. Touches the heart and stirs the soul. More please!
Angel Gabriel - Similar to the
traditional version but sweeter somehow. I would need the whole song to evaluate further but it sounds promising.
Poor Little Jesus - Stunningly beautiful!
Gaudete - A song they've been singing for ages from even before they were Libera (I heard one small change with the instrumental pause) but it's a great song.
Silent Night - Good song and seems to be the same as what they did before. Can't mess with the classics.
Do You Hear - Unreal! This song has a soaring quality I never expected. For a traditionally gentle song this was a shock to the ears! But it was not a bad one.