Much like the TV show, this album has both happy, upbeat moments, and also more thoughtful, emotional parts. It has a song for any mood and yet still fits together well.
The CD is held together by the excellent voice of Vonda Shepard, the soul singer who twists and turns her way through 6 of the classic songs on here. Her voice is beautiful and relaxing and she particularly shines on the slow numbers such as 'What Are You Doing For New Year's Eve?'.
Also featured are Calista Flockhart (Ally McBeal) who gives a very sweet and gently sexy rendition of 'Santa Baby'. She doesn't have the best voice in the world but she pulls this off quite nicely. The excellent Jane Krakowski (who plays Elaine) sings a fantasticly funky jazz version of 'Run Run Rudolph', and a cheerful rendition of the song 'I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus'. Lisa Nicole Carson (who plays Renee) also chips in with 'Santa Claus Got Stuck In My Chimney' - she's a fantastic singer but this song is slightly irritating and possibly the weakest link on the album.
The real standout cast member, though, is Robert Downey Jr (who played Larry Paul), who puts his stunningly deep, rich, soulful voice to good use on the heartbreaking 'River', and on a duet with Vonda of 'White Christmas'.
There is also a cool throaty version of 'Winter Wonderland' by Macy Gray, and the gorgeous rock ballad 'Please Come Home for Christmas' by Jon Bon Jovi, who appeared as a guest star on the show. This song will strike a chord with anyone who's ever been alone over the holidays and regretted losing someone they loved.
All in all it's a CD that's definitely worth buying, with some lovely Christmassy songs that'll keep you smiling all over the holiday season, and enough variety and talent to ensure that you'll be sad to put it away come January.
Definitely reccomended!! :)
