And so this is Christmas, and what have you done....

Ahh, what's next, the Dido Christmas spectacular? Actually, Sarah McLachlan's Wintersong isn't as much a stretch as you'd might believe. Sarah's voice works perfectly with some of the classic songs on here, like "Silent Night", "In The Bleak Midwinter", and "O Little Town Of Bethlehem". And its refreshing to hear takes on more non-Xmas winter fare from fellow Canadians like Joni Mitchell's "River" and Gordon Lightfoot's "Song For A Winter Night" which she does an excellent job with. Sure, there are really out-of-place points, usually happening when McLachlan tackles a pop-standard Christmas song like "I'll Be Home For Christmas" or "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" which both seem tacked on for popular consumption. Also, the beauty of her vocal performance on "The First Noel" is disjointed somewhat by adding a bit of "Mary Mary" which was done more believably and soulfully by Joan Baez. "What Child Is This" find Sarah transforming the melody into a jarring experience. And the cover of John Lennon's classic "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" is a little cutesy but does get points for a) being timely at this stage in our history, and b) allowed me to sort out some of the lyrics. Hidden at the end of the album is the ringer, a cover of Vince Guaraldi's "Christmas Time Is Here" that you might remember from the Charlie Brown Christmas special. Duetting with Diana Krall, McLachlan does this standard justice.

As a whole, Wintersong comes across only halfway as a career-filler, that dreaded thing reserved for live albums and Christmas sets. However, its definitely a good album to listen to, and wouldn't feel out of place at your swanky little house party.

Grade: C+
Best Cuts: "Christmas Time Is Here", "Song For A Winter Night"
Weakest Links: "I'll Be Home For Christmas", "What Child Is This"

Wintersong so far has hit #7 Pop Albums and #1 Holiday Albums.
"River" has so far hit #78 pop singles and #14 Adult Contemporary.
"Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" has so far hit #11 Adult Contemporary and #107 pop.
"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" has hit #15 Adult Contemporary.

You can pick up Wintersong at websites like here and here.

You can listen to the song "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" by clicking here to download (Right-Click to bring up another wind0w).

And here's the video for her version of John Lennon's "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" I hope the new year brings Lennon's lyrics to fruition. I especially am aghst at the beginning lyric (the title of this item).