Dave's Review

by David Murray

The problem with so many Christmas albums is that they rehash what has been done on countless recordings before, giving the old standards more or less standard arrangements. Gary Chapman's This Gift is somewhat dissappointing in this manner with the exception of two new songs. The title cut is a medium tempo country ballad co-written by Chapman and producer Michael Omartian. It's a love song from the perspective of the singer who is presenting himself as a last minute Christmas gift to his one and only. The other original tune is a duet with country/bluegrass diva Alison Krauss called "Part Of Heaven." Standards on This Gift include "I'll Be Home For Christmas," "Mary Did You Know," "The Christmas Song," and a Celtic flavored "Silent Night" that has a horribly out of tune tin whistle on the first verse. This Gift isn't necessarily a bad recording. You just expect more originality from Gary Chapman.

Go back to read more Reviews