Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album

Tony Bennett ~ Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Chri

Talk about smooth! Tony Bennett is the very definition of the word. Snowfall practically renders every other version of the songs included here null and void. Even "White Christmas" sounds better in Tony's hands than it did in Bing's. It could be because Bennett's warmth extends not only from the quality of those pipes but his delivery. How many other grown men do you know who could get away with "My Favorite Things"? But it goes without saying that the collection's finest moments come when the crooner takes the romantic lead, with "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas." The real killer here, however, is "The Christmas Song," which practically becomes an aphrodisiac when Bennett sings it. And it's not all about amore, as there's a truly beautiful version of "Silent Night." Snowfall is one holiday tradition you won't mind keeping. --Steve Gdula