Andy Griffith Albums (6)
What The Critics Say
The Christmas Guest features Christmas songs and stories of a religious nature performed by actor Andy Griffith. While the disc does not include any humor, it is told and performed in the homey style you would expect from the man who played Sheriff Andy Taylor for nine years. Produced by new traditionalist favorite Marty Stuart, versions of "Joy to the World," "Go Tell It on the Mountain," "Away in a Manger/Golden Slumber," and "Silent Night" combine Nashville musicians with a string section. Any fan of Griffith will want this. ~ Al Campbell, All Music Guide
'Just as I Am: 30 Favorite Old Time Hymns'
Release Date 3/31/1998
Tracks 14
Label Sparrow
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What The Critics Say
Much like his previous outing for Sparrow, I Love to Tell the Story, Just As I Am: 30 Favorite Old Time Hymns is a lovely collection of classic religious songs. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
'Somebody Bigger Than You and I'
Release Date 12/10/1996
Tracks 11
Label Sony
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
This spiritual release from TV's Matlock includes renditions of "Lead Me to That Rock," "Take My Hand Precious Lord" and "I'll Fly Away." ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
'I Love to Tell the Story: 25 Timeless Hymns'
Release Date 1/1/1996
Tracks 14
Label Sparrow
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
An expensive, big orchestra with some of the top session players in music provided the backdrop for Griffith's 1996 return to the recording studio for the first time in more than two decades. He recorded comedy and vocals sporadically for Capitol and other labels in the 1950s and 1960s. The set boasts 25 of the best-known gospels and hymns of all time. Griffith and label owner Billy Ray Hearn narrowed the tracks down from a pool of 150 songs they had considered. These arrangements are dulcet, pretty and on the symphonic side. Griffith's distinctive voice fluctuates between a low tenor and a soft baritone. It sounds best on ballads such as "Whispering Hope," "Wayfaring Stranger" and "How Great Thou Art." Initially sold via a television telemarketing campaign, the album has sold a half million copies and become the best-selling recording of Griffith's career. ~ Bill Carpenter, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
American Originals unexpectedly revived Andy Griffith's musical career. Thanks to a series of television commercials, the album became a hit, even if it never charted -- then again, the album was never designed with the charts in mind; it was targeted at the legions of Griffith fans who grew up on The Andy Griffith Show and currently watch Matlock. As such, it contained a bunch of stories, poems and songs -- some original, most classics -- all of which create a mythical small-town America, a theme that should be familiar to any fan of Griffith. There's humor, but it's not a comedy record -- it's a record filled with warmth and humanity, one that comes close to capturing the spirit of Griffith. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
