Search - Julie Andrews :: Greatest Christmas Songs

Unbelievable Voice

Sixties Girl | Mpls, MN | 01/31/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although my daughter doesn't know the name Julie Andrews, she does know Maria from the Sound of Music, so she will listen to this music. Andrews truly has an exceptional voice, and she shows it off well in all these traditional English songs (with three movie love songs added on at the end). This is music that will make you feel serene and calm amidst the holiday rush, particularly if you are a soprano. This is not the same serenity you get with New Age instrumentals, you have to appreciate vocals. Imagine you are on mountaintop in Switzerland twirling around under the sun and clouds . . . ."

Quintessential Julie Andrews and Andre Previn Christmas coll

J. E. Krohn | Minneapolis | 12/15/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These tracks were part of the Julie Andrews/Andre Previn collaboration of Christmas favorites recorded in 1968. Previn's orchestrations are absolutely phenomenal and highlight Andrews' lyric soprano. Of particular note are the religious nature of some the tunes, especially "Lamb of God," in a minor key, which speaks of Jesus' sacrifice but adds the melancholy lyric "may God send you much joy in the year." Also, "Irish Carol" is not well known as a carol but receives wonderful treatment as well. In my opinion, this is the quintessential Christmas album for me, now going on 40 years since I first heard it, and holds up well over time due to the excellent musicianship all around. That said, on this particular CD, the bonus tracks, 15 through 17 are superfluous pop tunes and should not have been added."