Chuck Negron - Joy To The World

Chuck Negron is one of the incredible voices that made up the band Three Dog Night. When I checked his website and saw that he had a holiday/Christmas CD out, I had to check it out.

Now before you groan that there's another 60's hasbeen recording a Christmas CD, I beg to differ with you. Chuck shouldn't be discounted as a hasbeen. It only takes one listen to this CD to hear that.

Yes, this album is full of the traditional songs that you can expect on every Christmas CD. White Christmas is there as well as O Holy Night and they are done beautifully. O Holy Night has a gospel backing that updates this standard with a bit of a kick without changing it into something unrecognizable.

The more contemporary Grown Up Christmas List is another stand out track. The backing on this one is a children's choir. The result is stunning.

The best track on this disc is Joy To The World. No, not that Joy To The World, or maybe it is, because those fishes in the deep blue sea make an appearance in this rendition of the classic carol.

This version will make you get up and dance, just like that other Joy To The World does. Oddly the two songs blend well together.

Another traditional carol that gets Chuck's special treatment is O Come All Ye Faithful. The backing harmonies are well done.

It would have been nice if this album could have rocked out more than on just Joy To The World, but the songs Chuck chose to record weren't the kind of songs that should rock. His vocals are superb on all tracks, making you wonder how he managed to stay away from the recording industry for so many years and why the industry ignores the beautiful voice that he possesses. But then again, if you and I listen, it's not completely ignored, is it.

A wonderful addition to any classic rock fans Christmas collection.