Merry Christmas II You by Mariah Carey: A Christmas CD must have

Merry Christmas II You!

Every year, I add a new CD to my Christmas collection.  I am always anticipating new songs from new talents or even remakes of classics.  It is to my pleasant surprise that Mariah Carey released a follow-up album to a great masterpiece of a Christmas album in her 1994 CD - Merry Christmas!  This new album, which dropped November 2, has topped her previous one.  Merry Christmas II You captures a soulfulness and unmistaken feeling of peace and joy -- the true spirit of the holidays.

Each song in the album is treated with a modern feel.  There are a few cuts that have struck my fancy on this album:  "Oh Santa," the carrier single, is an upbeat original that will surely be a Christmas song staple in the many years to come;  "Auld Lang Syne" has a jazzy treatment to it and really mesmerizes your listening pleasures;  "Here Comes Santa Claus Lane" just makes you want to get up and dance all the time; " O Holy Night," recorded live in 1994 (included in both albums,) captures the "soul" of the season and of the entire CD.  

The highlight of the album is her duet with her mother, Patricia Carey, "O Come All Ye Faithful/Hallelujah."  I was in awe as I listened to it.  Unbeknownst to most, Patricia's career as an opera singer gave rise to Mariah's talent.  The coming together of their melodies not only invokes sweet harmony but you can just feel the warmth of family.

This whole album encapsulates the singing prowess of Mariah Carey.  The flexibility of her voice to reach high octaves, yet pleasing and soothing, is a talent of hers that I have long admired.  This album is another testament to Carey's enduring talent and generation-defining vocals.

As the season draws near, the prospect of a recession-drilled holiday is but a reality.  Merry Christmas II You on your music list for the holidays will not fail to put smiles on your faces, rejuvenating the holiday spirit and experiencing the real message of the season.

Mariah Carey -- Oh Santa!