Billboard Top Christmas Hymns
For those looking for a collection of Christmas songs that sticks to the "real meaning" of the holiday,Billboard's Top Christmas Hymnsis one of the very best available. The CD features Julie Andrews' lullaby "Away In A Manger," Harry Belafonte's light exotic touch on the "First Noel," and that 1960s Christmas circuit fixture Andy Williams, singing "O Holy Night." There are some fine orchestral moments included, particularly "Joy to the World," as performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra, and "O Come All Ye Faithful," as performed by the New York Philharmonic with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. For capturing the grandeur of the holiday, the latter is exceptional. Johnny Mathis, the Harry Simeone Chorale, and the Ray Conniff Singers are also featured singing various hymns, but you won't find a "Rudolph" or a "Frosty" in the bunch.--Steve Gdula