"The Gift" is probably the finest of Kenny's Christmas releases. In fact, it is one of the finest Christmas albums of all time.

What makes "The Gift" so unique is that it consists of new original Christmas songs. Kenny's version of "Mary, Did You Know?" with Wynonna is certainly the finest version of the song ever. "A Soldier's King" really captures the meaning of Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ. "Pretty Little Baby Child" is a unique offering with an island sound to it. The group The Katinas add a great sound to the track with words sung in Samoan. The rest of the songs are exceptional also.

The highlight of "The Gift" is a 16 minute piece titled "The Chosen One Montage." The track consists of a new song, "The Chosen One" written by Kenny Rogers, Warren Hartman, and Steve Glassmeyer. It also has pieces of Christmas standards such as "O Holy Night," "Away In A Manger," and "We Three Kings." In the montage, a child sings a part, and Kenny answers the child with spoken biblical adaptations. Kenny then moves into the traditional Christmas songs. The piece was used in Kenny's 1996 Christmas tour "The Gift," and he continues to use it in his Christmas tours to this day.

"The Gift" is a masterpiece for all Christmas music fans. It is not country sounding. It's not pop sounding. It's Kenny's own style that makes these songs instant classics. All music lovers can appreciate the message that "The Gift" instills. The album really highlights the true meaning of Christmas.

Now for the technical side...

"The Gift" was originally released in 1996 on the independent Magnatone Records. Kenny left the label in 1997, and since then Magnatone has closed up shop. Curb Records has taken over what was issued on Magnatone. This issue of "The Gift" was released for the 2002 Christmas Season on Curb Records.

The packaging is great for a reissue. The original printing had a special fold out CD case and the lyrics printed in the booklet. This reissue does not. But the album cover and much of the CD information including Kenny's liner notes are still intact. This is not always the case with reissues. Merry Christmas!!


Kenny"s Gift   November 11, 2002
Scott (Portland, Oregon United States)
15 out of 15 found this review helpful

I truly enjoyed Mr. Rogers album "Gift." Why? There are three songs on this album, one I dedicate to members who are or who have served in arm forces around the world. Has it ever occur to you how easy it is to forget those who are away from our loved ones during the christmas Holidays? Mr. Rogers performance of "The King's Soldier" helps me to remember those who have served distinguishly and with honor. Secondly, there are soldiers who believe in Christ the King and some of the lyrics truly fits what they are doing.

My second favorite is "The Messiah." It has a wonderful chorus and the words are simple, yet to me inspiring.

Finally, a fantastic duet can be heard in "Mary did you know," performed by Winonna Judd and Kenny Rogers. They sing with truth and conviction.

As for the other songs, I did like hearing them but not as much as the others that I have mentioned. I hope you'll like this album as I did.
Merry Christmas to all and good night


Must share with your children   November 26, 2000
Lorrie Best (Seoul, South Korea)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

This album is truly a Christmas wonder. It tells the story of Jesus with themes that are pleasing to children and adults. My nieces and nephews look forward to this CD every Christmas; it truly teaches the real meaning of Christmas and leaves a very warm feeling in your heart especially when your children sing the songs along with Kenny.


Did you Know this cd is HDCD,WOW   November 22, 2004
Hudson G TANNIS (LAURELTON, NEW YORK United States)
9 out of 11 found this review helpful

Talk about beautiful music with HDCD decoding my soul is lifted to heaven.Mary did you know is a masterpiece and makes this cd priceless.This cd is also mastered in HDCD for the audiophiles like me with my state of the art stereo system...i love it.