Music Review: Sting's If On a Winter's Night

Buy this.

Unless, that is, you're looking for a Christmas recording with clappy happy Jingle Bells, Deck the Halls, and other songs of merry-making. This CD is just the opposite. Spare. Introspective. Contemplative. Quiet. Almost melancholy. Probably more fitting for Advent in both mood and song selection.

Highlights include:

A jazzy yet medieval feeling version of "Gabriel's Message" (originally recorded by Sting in a more synthesized version for the 1987 album A Very Special Christmas);

"Soul Cake"; and

my favorite "Ther is No Rose of Such Virtue" - the alleluias on that one are magnificent.

I haven't stopped listening since it came in the mail the other day.

Song List:
1. Gabriel's Message 2:33
2. Soul Cake 3:27
3. There Is No Rose Of Such Virtue 4:03
4. The Snow It Melts The Soonest 3:43
5. Christmas At Sea 4:37
6. Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming 2:41
7. Cold Song 3:16
8. The Burning Babe 2:42
9. Now Winter Comes Slowly 3:05
10. The Hounds Of Winter 5:49
11. Balulalow 3:10
12. Cherry Tree Carol 3:11
13. Lullaby For An Anxious Child 2:50
14. Hurdy Gurdy Man 2:49
15. You Only Cross My Mind In Winter 2:35