Artist Info:Discography Album length: 11 tracks: 53 minutes, 12 seconds Street Date: October 3, 2006
While it's always enjoyable to hear the new Christmas projects that are released every year
as the Season of Advent approaches, at times it can seem like every new Christmas album is just
more of the same: someone singing songs that have been sung a thousand times before. The concept
of Todd Agnew's first Christmas release is unique and refreshing, choosing not to merely take old
Christmas carols and add a few new elements to them. Each song on Do You See What I See? is
sung from the perspective of a character in the Christmas story, from Mary to The Shepherds to a song
sung to Jesus Himself.
The idea works well, and only because of Todd's choice to employ the voices of Joy Whitlock,
Anthony Evans, Shelley Jennings and several others. The variety of voices gives the feel of a musical,
and it's important to note that this is much more than a 'Todd Agnew Christmas album.' Todd only
sings on five of the eleven songs, and one of those is sung in a supporting role. Really, this is
more a collection of songs from many different artists that happens to feature Agnew. Keeping
that in mind, Do You See What I See? is quite an achievement.
The album starts off with Todd by himself singing "Do You Hear What I Hear?" which is one of
only two classic carols on the record. "No Room" is next and features the incredible voice of Joy
Whitlock as the Innkeeper, as well as a great saxophone part and Todd helping with background vocals.
Vince Lichlyter of Jonah33 gives a voice to Joseph in "This is All I Have To Give" before Mary is
played by Christy Nockels, formerly of Watermark, in "Magnificat."
Todd returns in the next song, "Did You Know," a song sung to Jesus, asking Him what it was
like coming into the world as a baby. Elizabeth and Simeon are the next two characters we hear from
in the songs "Sleep Well" and "He Is Called Jesus," sung by Shelley Jennings and Mike Weaver of Big
Daddy Weave, respectively. Jennings's song is one of the best of the album, a peaceful lullaby with
beautiful sound and lyrics.
Agnew takes the voice of the Magi in "God With Us," and Anthony Evans is backed by a stellar
choir singing as The Angels in "Glory to God." Michael O'Brien takes the voice of the Shepherds in
"Bethlehem Dawn" before several of the singers come together on the final track, "In The First Light."
If you're looking for a Christmas collection that's different from all the rest, look no
further than Do You See What I See. Agnew and friends have put together something special
that should be enjoyed in many brightly lit homes this holiday season. If you can only buy one
Christmas album this year, be sure to make it Do You See What I See.
- Review date: 12/2/06, written by Spencer Priest
Record Label: Ardent Records / INO Records
Album length: 11 tracks, 53 minutes and 12 seconds
Street Date: October 3, 2006
Buy It:Amazon.com
Do You Hear What I Hear? > Prelude
No Room > The Innkeeper (feat. Joy Whitlock)
This Is All I Have To Give > Joseph (feat. Vince Lichlyter of Jonah33)
Magnificent > Mary (feat. Christy Nockels)
Did You Know? > Song To Jesus
Sleep Well > Elizabeth's Lullaby (feat. Shelley Jennings)
He Is Called Jesus > Simeon (feat. Mike Weaver of BDW)
God With Us > The Magi
Glory To God > The Angels (feat. Anthony Evans)
Bethlehem Dawn > The Shepherds (feat. Michael O'Brien)
Record Label: Ardent Records / INO Records
