Search - Various Artists :: Ultimate Christmas

The one to have...

William Adair | 11/23/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This "Ultimate Christmas" is indeed the one holiday CD to have if you can only have one. The definitive versions of "White Christmas," "Blue Christmas," and of course "The Christmas Song" are here. Ella Fitzgerald, Eartha Kitt (!!), and Aretha add sass and soul to the mix. Boyz to Men and Sarah McLachlan's contributions are pleasant surprises. Judy Garland's "Have yourself a merry little Christmas" is heart-breaking. The mix is excellent and the sound quality is first-rate.Here at the University I'm surrounded by world-wise ultra-hip cynics, but even they soften up after listening to this CD. A wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit!"

A golden nugget shining brightly for the season !!!

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 12/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ultimate Christmas is an excellent CD of classic Christmastime music. We get so much to enjoy that I would recommend this CD for anyone who enjoys holiday time music.



Nat King Cole's "The Christmas Song" features Nat singing at his best with a lush musical arrangement. Nat delivers this with all his heart and soul; and the strings bolster the number. Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" is the superior studio version, not a recording of a radio performance Bing gave. Bing's performance of this melancholy number outshines them all! Moreover, listen for Johnny Mathis in "Sleigh Ride;" Johnny's excellent diction make his singing all the better.



The hits continue. Ella Fitzgerald sings a jazzy rendition of "Frosty The Snowman." Ella swings brightly and the backup vocalists harmonize quite well. Whitney Houston with The Georgia Mass Choir sings a gospel flavored "Joy To The World" and they never miss a note, either.



I really like Eartha Kitt's "Santa Baby;" this classic was a huge hit for Eartha and when you hear it you'll instantly know why. The strings help the number move along well.



There are also a few more recent numbers to add a somewhat modern twist to the album. Listen for Boyz II Men doing "Silent Night;" and Herb Alpert and The Tijuana Brass really belt it out with their interpretation of "Jingle Bells."



The CD ends beautifully with Judy Garland's "Have Yourself A Very Merry Christmas." I can't quite figure out why Amazon refers to this song as "tragic" although admittedly this is another melancholy number. Judy sounds beautiful and it's obvious why she was the Queen of the Hollywood musical!



I highly recommend this CD for people everywhere who enjoy Christmastime music."