As an ardent fan of Shawn Colvin, I must admit I had my doubts when I first heard her new album would be a Christmas release featuring lullabies. In my opinion many holiday albums tend to be pretensious and lack originality. And lullabies? Not exactly what I was hoping for from my favorite singer/songwriter. However after I listened to the first track I was won over.

The beauty of this album is in its simplicity. None of songs sound contrived or overdone, but rather make the most of Shawn's subtle voice and distinctive style. Whether accompanied by a guitar or a brass choir, the arrangments never over power. I was surprised how much I enjoyed listening to this album. Also, like with the Cover Girl album, I discovered some old songs I never knew that have become favorite.

It is a very soothing and relaxing album that does not compromise Shawn's body of work.

This is indeed a beautiful album. It opens with the traditional "In the Bleak Midwinter" and then goes directly into the classic "Christmas Time Is Here" from "A Charlie Brown Christmas". Another traditional but seldom heard number is "Rocking", and then there's the haunting lullaby, "All Through The Night". "Silent Night" is the one absolute Christmas standard here. And "Close Your Eyes", Brahms Lullaby, is heard from time to time on Christmas CDs, though it isn't truly a Christmas song. However, with Shawn's voice, all of these are good.

Regretfully, I can't put this album into the same category that I have put CDs by other female vocalists such as Judy Collins, Natalie Cole, Anne Murray, or Julie Andrews. But this is a good folksy type classic record to own.

My dad is an avid Shawn Colvin fan, and so I've grown up listening to her in the car, on road trips, while making dinner, and sitting around the living room. I used to be irritated by it (apparently, I would have much rather had been listening to my Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas cassette tape). But now, I'm the biggest fan of Shawn's songwriting and her music. This CD lulls me to sleep at night after a stressful day, even mid-July, and is a staple around my house at Christmastime. I've never really liked Christmas albums, but this one isn't typical. Be prepared for a pleasant surprise. There's a nice mixture of Christmas and wintery sitting-by-the-fire-in-my-slippers music, as well as some sweet, rare lullabies that showcase Shawn's amazing voice. I love this CD. So will you. Also, check out her other CDs...Steady On, Cover Girl, and A Few Small Repairs are all wonderful CDs, as well.

I spotted this CD last year when looking for Christmas music and instantly fell in love with it. I quickly bought up a few more copies to give as "just-for-nothing" gifts for my friend who was expecting at the time, and my sister, who will have her baby next month. They both found the CD incredibly soothing and lovely. I just wish the book that provided the inspiration wasn't so difficult to find now!

I have a whole collection of Christmas/Holiday CDs and albums, ranging from the Winter Solstice series on Windham Hill to Hipster Holiday to Ella Wishes You a Swingin' Christmas. I'm always looking for a worthy addition to add to my holiday cheer. This is a great find. Not only does Shawn sing with great feeling , the arrangements are impeccable. While there are a couple of standard "Christmas Carols" on the CD, I really enjoy the less well-known numbers. The musical accompaniment by such luminaries as Mark Egan (bass) and Shawn Pelton (drums) is sympathetic and heartfelt. Light the fire, relax, enjoy the holiday season