Reviewed by Neil Brennan

Billed as "the story of Christmas as performed by some of today's top country artists", 'Precious Child' has a surprisingly melodic, almost ethereal feel to it. Written and produced by Thorn Schuyler and Craig Bickhardt, there's no denying the album's instrumental brilliance. Sadly, there's little else to commend it, despite a cavalcade of country names: Guy Clark, Russ Taff, Vince Gill, Dan Seals, Fred Knoblock and the so-talented Janis Ian. Janis' "A Child In A Barren Land" is the one truly outstanding cut. But the monologues are pretty grim. There ARE some delightful harmonies on "One More Generation" and "Part Of Heaven". 'Precious Child' had Tony Adams written all over it - plenty of honest endeavour, tight at the back, but disappointingly one-paced. Waiting for the album to go up a gear was like waiting for an England goal in Rotterdam, frustratingly close at times but always a nagging feeling that it was never going to come. I was tempted to have a swipe about "sanctified elevator music", but it is the season of goodwill after all and 'Precious Child' will undoubtedly be a good deal better than many other Christmas compilations. (You ain't kiddin'. Ed) One for devoted pop country buffs only.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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