What a Wonderful Christmas (2 CDs)

33 selections newly recorded performances with the London Symphony Orchestra and an enchanting children's medley.

Nobody likes Christmas more than Canadian singer Anne Murray, who first came into the public eye back in 1970 with the million-selling crossover single "Snowbird." Since that time, Murray has recorded three Christmas albums, each soothing, unassuming celebrations of the holiday. For this two-CD collection, Murray has gone back into her own vaults and dusted off some of her personal favorites from past albums and tied them up in tinsel and a big red bow. But she didn't just rely on her existing catalog, instead heading into the studio to record some new material, giving old standards like "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas," "Let It Snow," and a well-chosen medley of children's holiday songs her same straightforward approach. While there are few surprises under this tree, it's nice to have some traditions that you can count on, and Murray's warm heart and steady voice is one of them. Also on board for this sleigh ride is the prestigious London Symphony Orchestra, which is featured on six songs, including "Silent Night," "Away in the Manger," and "Winter Wonderland." --Jaan Uhelszki