REO Speedwagon Album: “Not So Silent Night: Christmas with REO Speedwagon”

I wasn't sure what to expect when I got this CD. I have been a fan of REO since I was just a kid and they remain my favorite band. I was a little disappointed on my first listen to this album because the title implied that it was going to be more of a rock album. But, it is a Christmas album with rock band instrumentation. I would have liked a bit more guitar screaming on this album, especially given the title.

That said, it is a good Christmas album and I like it more each time I listen to it. I especially like that they chose a few songs you don't typically hear, specifically "Children Go Where I Send Thee" which may be my favorite on the album. Bruce Hall does a good job on "Blue Christmas" and the cover of "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" is good. "Deck the Halls", "Silent Night" and "Little Drummer Boy" are quite good, too. "Angels We Have Heard on High (Gloria)" does well with the traditional REO harmonies and instrumentation.

If you are looking for a rock album, this is not it. If you are looking for a Christmas album, then this is a good one to add to your collection. It is a fun album with good music, good harmonies and a good mix of traditional and somewhat-less-traditional tunes.

WOW! That is the 1st word that comes to mind when I first hit play on REO Speedwagon's New CD "Not So Silent Night". Lead Singer Kevin Cronin's vocals are crystal clear and continually proves that he can sing with the best of them. If you are an REO Speedwagon Fan, then this CD needs to be in your collection. If you are a Christmas Music Fan, then this CD needs to be in your collection. The cd starts right out with a short but sweet version of "The First Noel". Then, in REO style, the CD kicks in with a rockin' version of "Winter Wonderland". Then, one of the jewels of the cd, is "Silent Night". When you first start listening to that song, you know you are listening to an REO Speedwagon CD. It has that familiar REO sound, even though it is a Christmas Song/CD, REO Speedwagon made the cd their own, REO style. Another hidden jem is "Blue Christmas", a song you wouldn't expect from REO. Cronin hands the mic over to REO's Bassist Bruce Hall, and he does a country version of the classic, more in the style of Elvis, deep vocals, and a nice steel guitar sound. It is really relaxing and easy to listen to. REO also does their rendition of John and Yoko Lennon's "Happy Xmas(War Is Over) and what a rendition it is. They aren't taken anything away from the Lennon classic, as it is a tribute to Lennon and and in the Christmas spirit, all proceeds from that song are going to the John Lennon Foundation. REO also does the classics "Little Drummer Boy" where drummer Bryan Hitt shows off his drumming style as Lead Guitarist Dave Amato gets to show off his chops. Keyboardist Neal Doughty has several leads and solos showing off his new grand piano. There are also some not-so-traditional songs like,"God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen", "The White Snows of Winter", "Angels We Have Heard on High(Gloria)", "I'll Be Home For Christmas" with the two latter sounding like classic REO Speedwagon power ballads. "Children Go Where I Send Thee", "Deck The Halls", show that REO can still rock out even though it is a Christmas CD, and they close the cd with a fitting rendition of "Joy To The World". Overall, this CD gets 5 Stars for proving that classic rock artists from the 1970's and 1980's can still produce high quality material. You can tell that this cd was not "rushed" to get it done. REO took their time because they are putting their stamp on it and they are well known for working on songs until they are just right, they do not say "Oh, That is Good Enough". No, they get the songs done. This cd is proof of that, the songs are polished and rich and luxorious. This CD should be in any collection not matter what genre!

This truly has something for everyone and can I just say how "shocked" I was at the price?? What a bargain!!! Going to buy it for everyone on my Christmas list. My favorite songs are: Deck the Halls (to say it rocks is an understatement!), Silent Night (Power Ballad, REO style!), Children Go Where I Send Thee (unbelievable, never knew I liked that song!) and Blue Christmas (the band went COUNTRY!)

This is an outstanding Christmas CD with an excellent selection of fresh sounding holiday music. Their renditions of "Little Drummer Boy", "White Snows of Winter" and "Children Go Where I Send Thee" stand out for me. Very enjoyable and has been an excellent addition to my holiday music collection.

I own about 700 Christmas albums. And I also write and produce music... some of it Christmas music. So I like to think that makes me an expert at what works and doesn't work when a group approaches the production of a Christmas album. REO nails it! They've managed to reinvent most of these songs with very creative arrangements... taking familiar choruses to catchy new places they've never been before. These are Christmas songs you've always known and loved... except now you'll just love 'em more.