I am a big Sarah McLachlan fan, and I love Christmas music, so when I received this CD I figured it would be as perfect as perfect can get.

Now when I listen to Christmas music, it’s very important to me that the music be inspiring and uplifting. Inspiring music helps the soul to be inspired, and inspiration (as you can guess) is high on my list of priorities.

There are 12 songs in all on this CD:

Happy Christmas (War is Over)
Okay, I’m going to say it out loud. I never really liked this song. It’s too depressing. It’s about suffering in the world. True, our world is not running perfectly right now, but honestly causing someone to despair does not change the course of events. Only by inspiring each other can we hope to change the world. With that said…. I’ve never heard a more beautiful version of this song. Ever! The vocals are warm and bright, and the guitars beautiful.

What Child is This (Greensleeves)
This is a timeless classic, and a favorite of many. How could anyone re-do this song and have it stand out from every other version ever done? Well this version does that! It reminds me of a lullaby, and again it’s so warm and gentle. She changes the melody and lyrics a wee bit (an improvement I might add) and so the song ends up being even more beautiful than you could imagine.

River
Written by Joni Mitchell, I actually first heard this song when it was performed by Robert Downey Jr. His version has always been my favorite (hey, I’m nuts about the man, what can I way!), but this version runs a strong second!

Wintersong
This beautiful melancholy tune is written by Sarah McLachlan, and brings to mind thoughts of loved ones who cannot be with us at this time of year.

I’ll be Home for Christmas
This song does what it always does… reminds me of snow and mistletoe and those I love who are faraway.

O Little Town of Bethlehem
A beautifully done traditional ol’ carol.

The First Noel/Mary Mary
This arrangement of this song is done by Sarah McLachlan, and absolutely took my breath away. I listened to it about four times in a row before I moved on to the next song! Her vocals are strong and bright, and there are some drums featured that give it a very strong Celtic feel.

Silent Night
Another song that’s been re-done so many times, who can count? But this version is definitely one of the most beautiful I’ve ever heard. Her vocals are so beautiful, and the background vocals bring in a very ethereal quality.

Song for a Winter’s Night
This is a beautiful song of love and romance and being cozy by the fire. I first heard it a couple of years ago, and thought it was a Sarah McLachlan original, but it was actually written by Gordon Lightfoot!

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
This song is a musical Christmas card! And again, it does what it’s supposed to do… it reminds me of friends and family and how lucky we are to be together. And yes, it actually made me a little teary when I first heard it!

In the Bleak Mid-Winter
Actually a traditional carol written back in the 1800s, this is a song I don’t think I’ve ever heard. It does have that “A Christmas Carol” feeling to it, and it’s one of my favorites on this CD.

Christmas Time Is Here
Everyone who has ever loved Charlie Brown loves this song. Featuring Diana Krall on piano, this song is sweet and sentimental.

We all know buying Christmas CDs can be a bit risky. But I honestly just can’t convey how pleased I am with this CD. Sarah’s vocals are so beautiful and the music is just breathtaking! It has an overall feeling of peacefulness and gentleness. This is one of the most inspiring CDs I’ve heard this season!