Critic's Review
Bradley Torreano, All Music Guide
Rev. James Cleveland's Merry Christmas is a collection of Christmas gospel tunes sung by Rev. Cleveland and his gospel choir. Recorded one night at their church, this is an emotionally charged, beautiful album that presents these songs in a ragged, passionate fashion. Classics like "Silent Night" and "Sweet Little Jesus" are some of the album's highlights, but especially impressive is "Go Tell It on the Mountain." Sung by Rev. Cleveland, the song becomes a slow-burning powerhouse, dripping with his awesome singing voice. These renditions may turn off those used to more traditional versions, but fans of gospel (or passionate music in general) may want to search this out; this is a great holiday album.
