My Favorite Time of the Year
Finally, a first Christmas disc by a grande dame of pop music that's worthy of her vocal prowess. OnMy Favorite Time of the Year, Dionne Warwick's voice has so much emotional authority that she could sing your shopping list and it would still provide comfort and joy. An endearing stylist working with an astute producer (Tena Rix Clark) sensitive to her strengths, Warwick delivers a dozen standards plus one new song, "I Believe in Christmas," written by and sung withBeBe Winans.Gladys Knightduets with Warwick on "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and David Koz's sax colors several of the cuts. Fans and first-time listeners alike will fall in love with theBurt Bacharach-like arrangement of "Winter Wonderland" and marvel at the singer's stateliness and down-home charm throughout. Say a little prayer of thanks--Warwick's still got it!--Martin Keller