Strangely, this album was originally released in 2001 as In the Spirit: A Christmas Album, then re-released 3 years later as a "best of" collection. Same songs, same sequence. (Contractual problems? Blatant money grab?) Of the 11 tracks, only 3 are traditional Christmas tunes. The rest are originals, so this plays almost like a traditional release instead of a Christmas release. If it's approached with that mindset, and if you normally like McDonald's music, it's one of the better Christmas albums you'll hear. Guest appearances from Kirk Whalum and James Ingram.
Tracks: The best cut is the great R&B/gospel take on the spiritual Children Go Where I Send Thee which is a song we never get to hear enough around the holidays. The original songs like To Make A Miracle, Every Time Christmas Comes Around, and World Out Of a Dream sound like McDonald's usual retro soft rock/blue-eyed soul. Also included is a beautiful original ballad, Peace. If you're looking for something a little different this holiday season, you should at least preview some of the tracks I've mentioned. There are a few tracks that seem a little contrived, like the arrangement of White Christmas/Winter Wonderland and the original House Full Of Love.
Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None.
Previously revisited for the blog:
The Ultimate Collection (2005)
The New York Rock And Soul Revue - Live At The Beacon (1991)
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