Customer Reviews

Wintersong

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Christmas albums are a dime a dozen; they often feature the same songs, arranged in the same manner and the same production values. While it's still good enough for me as a Christmas music lover, even I have to agree that the formula can run a little thin after a while. But then, every once in a while, some brilliant seasonal album pops up amongst the deluge of annual holiday releases, proving once again that Christmas music can be a legitimate form of artistic expression - that is, if the artist tries a little harder than his/her peers to come up with something special. There is no doubt in my mind that Sarah McLachlan's "Wintersong" will be remembered by a lot of people as 2006's all-round best Christmas album.

This album is elegant in its simplicity, emotionnally substantial, subtly produced by McLachlan's usual complice Pierre Marchand, and presents a level of creativity seldom equalled on other Christmas albums. Sarah has managed to make these songs her own without twisting their essence; changing a melodic line here and there ("What child is this", "I'll be home for Christmas"), adding gently hypnotical rhythm where you would not expect it ("The first Noel", "River"), all the while including some lesser-known material ("Christmas time is here"). The self-penned title track is nothing short of a masterpiece that leaves me with an unexplainable lump in the throat every single time I listen to it; so few artists can manage to walk the thin line between grief and beauty, and this song does this in a way that will touch anyone whose Christmas is not just about joy and peace.

Perhaps it has to do with being a Canadian, but I find it very appealing that she has also chosen some songs that deal with winter just as much as they do with Christmas; "In the bleak midwinter" is especially effective in this regard. The tone of the album is decidedly dreamy and intimate; and even though it's definitely not the Christmas album that you'll be popping in at the pinnacle of your Christmas Eve party, it may come in handy once everyone's quieting down after dinner while the kids are playing with their fresh new toys. What's even better is that it will likely make a great companion to put you in the Christmas spirit, looking at snow fall outside your window and trimming the Christmas tree.

Simply breath-taking !

While most Christmas albums are chipper, merry, bubbly laments to the holiday season, Sarah Mclachlan taps into something that's sad in its beauty and reflects the cold loneliness of winter. Covering Joni Mitchell and Gordon Lightfoot's sad reflections of Christmas and winter respectively, penning her own Christmas sadness (the glorious, sublimely gorgeous "Wintersong"), and putting a unique, sparse spin on old classics such as "Silent Night", this is an incredibly unique holiday album but one to experience without a doubt. Although some of the tracks fall a little flat (the arrangement of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is more uptempo than expected and I believe Mclachlan could have done more with this song) it's a must-have for any holiday music fan, or any fan of slow piano-acoustic ballads.

I'm not really a fan of Christmas albums (or even the Xmas time anyway) but I really like Sarah's music. So I bought her new CD because I knew it would be more than a Xmas album. And I was right. Her selection of songs is great and it sounds like a Sarahs' cd. I specially love "Christmastime is Here" with Diana Krall. They sounds great together. She also covers well Joni Mitchell's "River" and Gordon Lightfoot's "Song for a Winter's Night". All the other songs are great too so... if you like her other CDs don't miss that one.

She has done it again! This is a phenomenally produced album that will certainly add warmth to the holiday season for those who experience it, in a way that only Sarah McLachlan herself can deliver. Wintersong combines the heavenly vocals of the Canadian superstar, in conjunction with Diana Krall on piano, and Jim Creeggan of the Barenaked Ladies on double bass throughout the album. Wintersong strays away from the traditional expectation of a "Christmas album" which is a welcomed change in my opinion. The tone of the album is more contemplative and melancholy that Sarah McLachlan is renowned for throughout her career. With such songs as "I'll Be Home for Christmas", "Song for a Winters Night", "Wintersong" and of course her adaptation of "River"- which is beautifully sung, and one of my personal favourite songs of the entire album, Wintersong delivers a truly resplendent musical sensation to its listeners. It would not be complete without including some traditional favourites such as "What Child Is This Greensleeves", "O Little Town of Bethlehem", "Silent Night", "In A Bleak Mid Winter", and a medley of "The First Noel/Mary Mary", all exceptionally presented, in an unparalleled festive performance. Wintersong is a seasonal compilation destined to add to your enjoyment and celebration during the holiday season. Highly recommended. Thank you Sarah! I hope to see a new album released in the near future.

This is the kind of CD you put on the first time and instantly love. It's haunting and beautiful. "What Child is This?" has a fresh new twist and brings goosebumps. Sarah sings in her lower register for most of the album and it is very soothing and reminds of the peace of the season. Wonderful!

Christmas music is generally the last place one looks for "interpretations". It's usually all about nostalgia and predictability... until you hear this album. Her rendition of Greensleeves (What Child is this?) can only be described as earthshaking - a haunting, infectious take on a genuine Christmas classic that will be with me forever. Prior to this, I'd barely heard of Sara Mclachlan. Now, I'll never forget her.

Christmas albums are not coming out too much anymore , and the ones that are , new ones are just , a cash grab at christmas , Oh lets make a christmas cd and a bunch of cash , (probably always was like that) BUT this cd stands out , most songs are original in her style and with a clear voice its the christmas cd of this season ,hands down!!

Added this Cd to my extensive collection today and am very glad I did so.

The opening track grabs you right away as she does a wonderful job on Happy Xmas. The First Noel sems to be have written for Sarah. this is very relaxing and at the same time stimulating Christmas CD. Guranteed to mix well with Egg Nog.

Wintersong has become the traditional Christmas music around my home. Sarah's unique vocals and beautiful lyrics warm my heart everytime I play this album.

It's not about Santa Clause or bells ringing or dreams of white Christmas' it's much more personal. Wintersong is filled with brilliant music that speaks more of love, family and passion than does your 'traditional' Christmas album.

Christmas is getting near and I have a smile on my face right now just thinking about cozying up to the fire with a good book and this CD playing in the background.

If you like Sarah and you like Christmas, you will love this album.

This is a lovely departure from more standard Christmas fare. The arrangements of vintage Sarah McLaghlan - moody and atmospheric. She takes well known carols and puts her own spin on the melodies so they are fresh, but still somewhat familiar. The title track, her take on Gordon Lightfoot's "Song for a Winter's Night", is both haunting and beautiful. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because I need to live with it for a few Christmases to see how well it wears with repeated listenting.