I'm not much for writing reviews, but I feel the need to write one for this album, for I have yet to find a review that actually tells me something about the album. I'm not going to say stuff like "OMG KRISTIN CHENOWETH IS AWESOME!!" or "SHE'S SO GOOD IN WICKED" or "PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE WATCH PUSHING DAISIES!!!" as those statements have nothing to do with the album. I will, however, justify my 5 star rating by explaining that Kristin is the real deal, an artist who knows how to put enthusiasm and heart into her work, making it enjoyable to listen to.
Following her wonderful collection of primarily religious tunes ('As I Am'), Kristin decides to get in the holiday spirit by releasing 'A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas.' And the result is nothing short of a success.
In the fashion of 'As I Am,' Kristin continues to offer listeners a variety of tunes, mixing slower songs with more fun and upbeat ones to keep the album interesting. The styles also vary from smooth jazz to pop to classical, and even a little country!
The album opens with a heartfelt rendition of "I'll Be Home For Christmas." I had never heard this song as the opener for a record, but it works quite well here. She transitions to the oh-so-cute cover of "Christmas Island," which she does in a Broadway-style fashing that is remniscent of her Galinda and 'You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown' days.
Her rendition of "The Christmas Waltz" is slower and prettier than any other version of the song that I have ever heard, and "Do You Hear What I Hear?" is done in a very conventional way with Kristin's beautiful vocals as the standout.
"Sleigh Ride / Marshmellow World" is a great, jazzy medley that features the wonderful voice of John Pizzarelli. I had never heard the two songs mixed together, and it works quite well. Her cover of "Sing" is a great AC song. I like the children's choir and the added Christmas lyrics. "Silver Bells," like "Do You Hear," is sung in a very traditional fashion with Kristin's vocals shining.
"Come On, Ring those Bells" kind of caught me off-guard at first, but I grew to love it. It's very country-sounding. Some listeners may be surprised to hear her do this style, but it works well with the given song. A slightly classical -sounding rendition of "What Child Is This?" gives Kristin's vocals another chance to shine.
"Home On Christmas Day," in my opinion, is the album's best track. A beautiful ballad, which I believe to be an original song, is gorgeous. Kristin puts a lot of heart and emotion into this song, and its lyrics are moving. A highlight not to be missed. Another original, "Born on Christmas Day," sounds like it could be a low-key Sandi Patty song, and is done quite well.
The album's closer, "Sleep Well Little Children / What a Wonderful World," is an original blend, enhanced by a beautiful orchestra, and works very well, ending the album spectacularly.
Bonus Tracks:
I was kind of surprised to see that the album's title track was only available on iTunes, but to be honest, it is nothing special, and my least favorite song included on the iTunes album. I actually felt it was better left off the in-stores release. Her original rendition of "The Lord's Prayer," however is moving, and is a good addition to the album.
The only negative thing I have to say is boo, iTunes for making "The Lord's Prayer" and "Sleigh Ride / Marshmellow World" album-only. This is a fantastic holiday album and well-worth your 10 dollars!