Tiber River Review: Noel

Since Advent began this past Sunday, my house has been a buzz with all sorts of seasonal sounds and activities.  Among those sounds is the beautiful music from The Priests.  Their new Christmas CD, Noel, is a collection of fifteen traditional Christmas carols.

Not having been familiar with The Priests and any of their previous music, I was totally blown away by how beautifully done this collection of music is.  I honestly was not expecting this CD to become my new favorite set of Christmas music when I popped in my laptop for a listen.  Since the first time I have played this album, I have listened to it countless times.  My only complaint about this album is I wish there was more.  The Priests are truly gifted vocalists and their voices are nothing short of captivating.

The fifteen songs on this album are: Ding Dong Merrily on High, The First Nowell, Sussex Carol, Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth, The Holly and the Ivy, Away in a Manger, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, In the Bleak Midwinter, In Dulci Jubilo, Joy to the World, Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, What Child Is This?, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, and Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth featuring Shane MacGowan.  I'm very familiar with nearly all of these songs, and I think many of the songs on this album are the best renditions I have ever heard of them.  The songs on this album are sure to get you into the holiday spirit.

One thing that I particularly enjoyed about this album was the enclosed booklet with commentary The Priests offered for each song.  For most of the songs they tell you why the chose it and the offer some historical background of the song as well.  I'm not sure about everyone else, but I often find myself wondering why an artist chose to perform a specific song, so I was delighted to have that information readily available.  Best of all, I learned a few things about some of my favorite Christmas carols. For more information on this CD or to purchase, please visit Aquinas and More Catholic Goods.

I wrote this review of Noel for the Tiber River Blogger Review program created by Aquinas and More Catholic Goods, the largest Catholic store online.  I was provided with a complimentary copy of this CD in exchange for my honest review.