Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating: 
Summary: Warm and Elegant
Comment: This elegantly presented Christmas album has the feel of snow falling outside our windows as children play, all bundled up in big coats and mittens. Songs we often hear during this season are made new by Gloria's interpretations and some terrific arrangements from producer Phil Ramone.
Though the arrangements are modern, this somehow manages to have a 1940's feel. You can easily imagine Gloria in front of one of those large microphones from the era, elegantly dressed in red with long white gloves, a small choir behind her. It almost seems like something which could have been broadcast over the airwaves from a ballroom somewhere, as in the days of old radio.
Gloria's rendition of "The Christmas Song" is a simple yet sophisticated arrangement that makes this venerable classic sound new. It is so good, in fact, you can play it back-to-back with Nat King Cole's wonderful version, and enjoy each in an entirely different way. It has a much different mood, and except for the words, seems like an altogether different song.
Another seasonal song, "Silver Bells," is given a new slant as well. On "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow" there are touches of the big band sound of old, as horns chime in and give us a happy feeling. "Have Yorself a Merry Little Christmas" uses a choir behind Gloria for a classic feel to this popular song.
Gloria's happily sung "This Christmas" is absolutely my favorite version of this song. No one has ever sung it better. No one. It really is firesides blazing bright and children caroling in the snow. A choir of children back Gloria up in fun fasion on this one.
Gloria really tells a small story in "I'll Be Home For Christmas," which is what this song is supposed to do. Bing still has the corner on "White Christmas" but Gloria's rendition is very nice indeed. "Silent Night" is respectful and simply presented, yet moving.
The Spanish "Arbolito De Navidad" has some light and breezy guitar work and is very pretty. Gloria's wonderful "Christmas Through Your Eyes" is a truly heartfelt longing to see things as we once did long ago, when we were children, and the world seemed like a simple and magical place.
Concluding the set is "Christmas Auld Lang Syne." It has just a bit of melancholy and really captures the feel of the season as it winds down. This is something really special for the Holidays. It has a certain elegance, yet remains warm and friendly. This is an artistic and beautiful collection of songs you'll find yourself playing constantly during November and December. A must own for everyone.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Outstanding, "must play" CD
Comment: "I'll Be Home For Christmas" is a masterpiece, and I consider this arrangement of the Christmas classic worth the price of the CD. The complex harmonies sung a cappella by the American Boy Choir with only a hint of orchestral bells before the chorus create a hauntingly beautiful rendition like none ever before enjoyed. The impeccable diction and precision of this fine choir adds to the grandeur of this performance. This amazing track along with the other songs on this CD have made me into a tremendous fan and admirer of Gloria Estefan.
Merry Christmas!
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