Andy Williams' Christmas Present
Of all the Andy Williams Christmas albums available,Christmas Presentis by far his most religious collection. The release consists of thirteen tracks and all of them, with the possible exception of the title track, could be considered hymns. Like other male crooners from the 1960s, Williams was portrayed as a bit of a swinger, but here when he sings the "Ave Maria" he sounds as pious and pure as an altar boy. In fact, the sensitive take is one of his best--if the "Ave Maria" isn't proof enough, give "What Child Is This" and "O Little Town of Bethlehem" a spin. Williams picks up the tempo a little bit with "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," "Angels We Have Heard on High," and "Joy to the World."--Steve Gdula