If you want Christmas music with a different color, this album really swings. I wish I could figure out how Manilow is able to take traditional songs and manipulate them into magic pieces that demands attention to arrangement structure. I know the titles speak the same traditional Christmas music, but believe me, it's Manilow Magic again that recreates traditional into something new and exciting. I want more!

This is a rereales of the 2007 one that Hallmark put out. The rereales puts two new songs on it at the end. It just adds to a really great one.

I ordered this CD, thinking that the version of Jingle Bells, with the big band sound, was the one that I so enjoyed listening to on the radio. It was totally different. The entire CD was jazz-like instead of big-band like, which is what the title of the CD indicated to me. If you like jazz, I suppose this would be the CD for you.

Barry Manilow gives us yet another great album with this release of holiday music! His voice is in excellent form, as always; and he makes it seem all so easy, too. The arrangements are very well done and well thought out; and this is definitely a must-have for his fans and lovers of Christmas music everywhere. The quality of the sound is very good and I really like that artwork.

The album starts off with Barry performing "Silver Bells;" Barry makes this special by having his voice play over itself at very slightly different, layered times to create a stunning backup vocals effect. I love it! The melody is easy on the ear and they all play a little with the tempo and keys so that Barry can put his own stamp on this classic ballad. There's also a fine and jazzy medley of "Carol of the Bells" and "Jingle Bells;" Barry delivers this with all his heart and soul and just one listen proves it! "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," a number first sung by Judy Garland in "Meet Me in Saint Louis," gets the royal treatment from Barry who sings this to perfection--and beyond! "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is beautiful and it's easily a major highlight of this album.

"Violets for Your Furs" has a lovely piano arrangement as Barry sings this with great sensitivity; it's quite a romantic number and I think you'll like it. The medley of "O Tannenbaum" and "Winter Wonderland" charms me with its natural beauty; Barry sings this without ever letting go of a single superfluous note! "Christmas Time is Here," a number written for "A Charlie Brown Christmas" television special back in the 1960s, is very sweet; and I enjoy hearing Barry doing a superb job on "The Christmas Song." "The Christmas Song" is absolutely gorgeous; and there's yet another gem in "Count Your Blessings." "Toyland" is a very traditional number that features Barry squarely front and center which is right where he belongs; and "Count Your Blessings" just couldn't have been performed any better than the way Barry Manilow does it here.

"Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" is another sweet tune that sounds so good in Barry's capable hands--and how's about that group backing him up with those extra vocals? They harmonize faultlessly; I'm very impressed. The CD ends very nicely with Barry Manilow performing "Christmas Is Just Around the Corner;" this adorable tune shines bright as Barry Manilow sings it very well.

Barry Manilow has given us so much great and special music throughout the decades; and we are all better off for his sharing his talent with us. I highly recommend this CD--it will quickly become one of your holiday favorites!

Who wouldn't love a Christmas album by Barry. He is a lost breed of talent and I appreciate his talent more everyday!