Reviewed by Phil Thomson

'Christmas Peace' is, it seems, Solveig's first ever Christmas album. It really does deserve to be on the 'must play' shelves during the festive season - and well beyond. As well as traditional favourites "Away In A Manger", "Silent Night", "O Holy Night", etc there are new English lyrics ("The Cities Are Lit And Festive", "Hay And Straw") and new music ("I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day") written by the Norwegian-born singer now living permanently in the USA and is a perfect blend of old and new. The arrangement of those familiar old standards is sensitive, almost fragile - you are sure you are hearing them for the first time - and the new settings are paired down to the point of intimacy, complementing her extraordinary vocals with acoustic guitar and understated orchestration. You are left with the feeling she is singing just for you. Arguably, there is one minor distraction. Many of the songs are sung in Norwegian, with the English lyrics published in the sleevenotes. Yet there can hardly be a more hauntingly beautiful voice, in any language. It is a wonderful instrument which transcends such barriers. For "O Holy Night" alone (sung in English), this is worth the experience. Added value comes in a strangely evocative cover of a film song (film: Meet Me In St Louis) - Judy Garland's debut of the reassuring "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas". Just what this album will help you to do.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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2010 holiday release from the acclaimed vocalist. Solveig’s first ever Christmas album is a great mix of some traditional favorites such as Away In A Manger, Silent Night and O Holy Night plus new songs written by Solveig.

Well known in Europe and the U.S. for her beautiful, silky vocals, this album will be a welcome addition to the collections of all Solveig fans or just a great buy for anyone looking for a classy, easy-listening Christmas album.