From THESE ARE SPECIAL TIMES
Written by Diane Warren
Celine Dion built her superstar status in the nineties and the peak of her worldwide success was towards the end of that decade. After an impressive string of four multi-platinum releases for the international market, the Quebecois songbird recorded a Christmas cd in 1998 called These Are Special Times. Once again, David Foster helmed a good portion of the music. The album became another out-of-the-box success for Dion with sales over five million copies in the US and over twelve million worldwide.
Wisely,These Are Special Times presented a number of beautifully crafted traditional Christmas songs alongside some interesting new material that musically symbolized the holiday feel. So is the case of “These Are The Special Times,” an intense ballad written by noted hit-maker Diane Warren that showcased a gorgeous melody, ear-candy hook and inspirational lyrics. Foster produced the song with the characteristic flavor of those years and embellished it through the trademark work on keyboards, synthesizers and programming. Jeremy Lubbock added his own genius in the strings department while Michael Thompson supplied the charming guitar licks. On top of this lush instrumental track stood Dion’s fantastic voice. The Canadian singer gave one of her memorable performances with an irresistible latch between notes that demonstrated both delicate and powerful lines. Dion’s legendary voice was supported by an effectual chorus and backing vocalists that gave the song a deep gospel feel that was perfect for that kind of festive project.
These Are Special Times offers other Foster-produced gems including “Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful),” “Ave Maria,” “Blue Christmas” and “O Holy Night.” These songs stand as some of the best-ever renditions of those Christmas staples thanks to Ms. Dion’s amazing vocals and Foster’s always creative musical landscapes. Along with impressive numbers,These Are Special Times belongs beside the elite of “Bestselling Christmas Albums Of All Time” with other Foster classics like Josh Groban’s Noel, Michael Bublè’s Christmas and Andrea Bocelli’s My Christmas.
Listen
[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/these_are_the_special_times.mp3|titles=These Are The Special Times|artists=Celine Dion]
Lead Vocals: Celine Dion
Keyboards: David Foster
Guitar: Michael Thompson
Synthesizer Programming: Felipe Elgueta
Backing Vocals – Khris Kellow, Sue Ann Carwell, Tanya Kelly
Choir: Alex Brown, Bobbi Page,Bridgette Bryant,Carmen Carter,Carmen Twillie,Darlan Holley,Gary Falcone,Jeff Ramsey,Louis Price,Randy Phillips, Susie Stevens-Logan,Tommy Funderburk
Strings Arranged by Jeremy Lubbock
Produced & Arranged by David Foster
Lyrics
In these moments, moments of our lives
All the world is ours
And this world is so right
You and I sharing this time together
Sharing the same dream
As the time goes by we will find
These are the special times
Times we’ll remember
These are the precious times
The tender times we’ll hold in our hearts forever
These are the sweetest times
These times together
And through it all, one thing will always be true
The special times are the times I share with you
With each moment, moment passing by
We’ll make memories that will last all our lives
As you and I travel through time together
Living this sweet dream
And every day we can say
These are the special times
Times we’ll remember
These are the precious times
The tender times we’ll hold in our hearts forever
These are the sweetest times
These times together
And through it all, one thing will always be true
The special times are the times I share with you
These tender moments
When heaven is so close
These are the moments that I know
These are the special times
Times we’ll remember
These are the precious times
The tender times we’ll hold in our hearts forever
These are the sweetest times
These times together
And through it all, one thing will always be true
The special times are the times I share
Are the times we share, are the times I share… with you
Special times I share with you