Todd Agnew and Friends, "Do You See What I See?" Review

JFH Staff Review

Todd Agnew and Friends
Do You See What I See?

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)
In The First Light > Postlude
spacer

(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Music News Headlines

"Speak To Me," The New EP From Saint Esprit, Now Available
Sat, 15 Feb 2020 16:00:00 EST

Landry Cantrell Releases "REM" In Time For Valentine's Day
Sat, 15 Feb 2020 16:00:00 EST

Matthew West Releases New Album, "Brand New"
Fri, 14 Feb 2020 22:50:00 EST

TC, aka The Collector, Releases New Single, "Dusty Bible"
Fri, 14 Feb 2020 22:50:00 EST

JDun Releases New Single, "I Choose You"
Fri, 14 Feb 2020 22:50:00 EST

LEDGER Drops New Single, "My Arms," Today
Fri, 14 Feb 2020 12:50:00 EST

Click here for more News Headlines!

Check out the new album from Ovation Worship!

Search JFH

Music Out This Week

This Friday, February 14, 2020

Avalon Called [Red Street]

Landry Cantrell REM - Single [DREAM]

Crowder I'm Leaning on You (feat. Riley Clemmons) - Single [Capitol CMG]

Phil King Song of Redemption - Single [Gateway]

John Mark McMillan Peopled with Dreams (independent)

LEDGER My Arms - Single [Atlantic / Hear It Loud]

Leigh Nash Get Happy EP (independent)

Tyson Mostenbocker Someday I'll Make It All Up To You [Tooth & Nail]

RED All for You - Single [Red]

Saint Esprit Speak To Me EP [DREAM]

Silent Planet Trilogy - Single [Solid State]

Switch Symphony (LP) [DREAM]

Mark Tedder Stay - Single [7 Core]

Matthew West Brand New [Essential]

Next Friday, February 21, 2020

David & Nicole Binion Glory of Eden [Integrity]

Natalie Grant My Weapon - Single [Curb/Word]

Ellie Holcomb Sing: Remembering Songs EP (independent)

Hulvey BRKNHRT EP [Reach]

Jordan and Jessa Glorious (independent)

North Point Worship Just Getting Started (feat: Lauren Anderson) / Nothing Else Matters (feat. Heath Balltzglier and Desi Raines) - Single [Centricity]

Chris Renzema 17 - Single [Centricity]

For all release dates, click here!