Christmas Carol Albums, from Barbra Streisand to Mannheim Streamroller

One of the many pleasures of the holiday season, besides the smell of fresh baked cookies and decorated trees with twinkling lights is the many sounds of Christmas. There are literally hundreds of CD's to choose from. These are my top 5 Holiday favs:

If you're familiar at all with my reviews then you know I'm a huge fan of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. So of course there should be no surprise that their first Christmas CD (they have three) would be at the top of my list.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Christmas Eve and Other Stories - is a wondrous musical journey combining original songs by Paul O'Neill and traditional Christmas carols. Lead vocals are shared by various singers; the musician ship is top notch. The CD is a concept album. The songs unfold like chapters in a book. An angel is sent down to earth on Christmas Eve by the Lord to bring back to heaven "the one thing no one can touch but angels can hold." In essence: the one thing that best represents everything good in the name of Christmas Day. As the angel flies around the world he finds some stirring and truly inspiring stories and music. Two outstanding and moving instrumentals include "A Mad Russian's Christmas," and the unforgettable "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24." The strength for me personally are the trilogy of songs that tell another underlying story of a runaway and her father. Her father one and only wish and prayer this year: to have his child return on Christmas Day. "Ornament," is the father's prayer, "Old City Bar," tells of the encounter of the girl with the Lord's angel, and "This Christmas Day," the girls return. It is a moving set of songs that upon first listen may just give a new meaning to the holiday season and what this time of year is really all about. TSO is currently touring around the country throughout the months of November and December. If you have a chance to see them live, don't pass it up. It's quite an experience.

This CD is also great for rock music fans. Many of the members of the group came from the rock band Savatage. All 17 songs, including the traditional songs, "O Come All Ye Faithful/O Holy Night," "The First Noel," and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," have and updated instrumental versions that are easy on the ears and speak to the heart. "Christmas Eve and Other Stories," really is a CD of all year round. (ATL92736.2)

Barbra Streisand: A Christmas Album - There has never been a greater female vocalist than Barbra Streisand (my opinion of course). Streisand's vocals once again soar on her only Christmas CD. Though the release date is 1967 it is timeless and never goes out of style. There are more traditional selections though her version of "Jingle Bells," is quite lighthearted and very amusing. Her gentle vocals shine through on "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," "Silent Night," and "The Lord's Prayer." The power of her voice rings loud and clear on "Gounod's Ave Maria," and "I Wonder as I Wander." This is a timeless classic release. (SNY92708.2)

Mannheim Streamroller: Christmas - One of the main staples every holiday season is the Mannheim Steamroller. Another great instrumental release that promises just a little bit more. Conceived by Chip Davis, there is a blend of old and new in regards to the songs arrangements. Traditional classical orchestral arrangements along with lighter pop inspired instrumentation, Davis has found the perfect balance between the two. All 11 songs are inspired and a true delight. Listen for them on the radio, if they're not being played already. Another group to catch live on stage. They are currently touring and may be coming to your town. (AG2.2)

Celine Dion: These Are Special Times - Originally released in 1998, the best selling female vocalist of all time jumped into the holiday season with a great release. There is something here for every generation. Christmas Carols "O Holy Night," "Ave Maria," and "O Come All Ye Faithful," are among the best of the traditional songs. "Blue Christmas," "The Christmas Song," and "The Prayer," give this release a wonderful balance between old and new. (SNY69523.2)

Mahalia Jackson: Christmas With Mahalia - For those listeners that prefer the true gospel feel of the holidays no one is more revered than the great Mahalia Jackson. I remember listening to this album ever year when I was a kid. It was one of the highlights in regard to Christmas music. Mahalia is what gospel is all about and on this release it shows. All 10 tracks are strong with her sweeping vocal arrangements. Once again focusing on the traditional Christmas Carols and church songs the following are among the best: "O Holy Night," "The First Noel," "Do You Hear What I Hear," and an incredibly inspiring "What Child Is This?" (SNY24.2)