This is an appealing mix of secular and devotional Christmas songs by the once upon a time disco diva. They are all ballads, there's nothing to dance to here, but the album is a classic of its genre. On several tracks Donna is backed by the Nashville String Quartet and by various choirs on others.The two slow ballads White Christmas and The Christmas Song are followed by a rousing version of O Come All Ye Faithful, where Donna is assisted by a children's and men's choir. Another highlight is the Christmas Medley consisting of What Child Is This/Do You Hear What I Hear?/Joy To The World, a most impressive arrangement.
I'll Be Home For Christmas comes across as a bit mournful, whilst Christmas Spirit is joyful and optimistic. The beautiful devotional Breath Of Heaven has a spoken intro. It is a most stirring piece of music with a magnificent melody and soaring vocals. Equally moving is O Holy Night, a slow, tender song with a gospel choir.
The album concludes with Lamb Of God. This one also has a spoken intro from the Gospel and a lovely inspirational sound with its children's and adult choirs. This wonderful album is on a par with two other great Chrismas albums by female vocalists: Noel by Noel Baez and Light Of The Stable by Emmylou Harris.
Good listening; good holidays, everyone!
1. White Christmas 2. Christmas Song 3. O Come All Ye Faithful 4. Christmas Is Here
5. Christmas Medley: What Child Is This?/Do You Hear What I Hear/Joy ... 6. I'll Be Home for Christmas 7. Christmas Spirit 8. Breath of Heaven 9. O Holy Night 10. Lamb of God
dschs
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