Wintersong (CD - 2006)

Sarah McLachlan's WINTERSONG is a holiday album, yet it eschews the sprightly, sparkly feel of most seasonal releases. Instead, McLachlan sticks to the moody, adult contemporary folk sound for which she's known, bringing a reflective, occasionally melancholy atmosphere to a range of popular and traditional Christmas favorites. McLachlan's choice of covers is especially enjoyable; between her personal takes on "Greensleeves" and "Silent Night," she wedges emotive readings of songs by Gordon Lightfoot ("Song for a Winter's Night"), John Lennon ("Happy X-Man (War is Over)"), and Joni Mitchell ("River"). The blend of acoustic guitar, swelling synths, and the singer's wistful voice make WINTERSONG an appealing alternative to the usual holiday fare. minimize