Hayley Westenra - Merry Christmas

Review by Shanty Bookmite

Merry Christmas, the album by Hayley Westenra, is a delightful collection of traditional holiday songs that will put listeners in a festive mood. The New Zealand soprano's angelic voice is perfectly suited for the classic carols and hymns, which are accompanied by a full orchestra and choir.

The album opens with the joyful "Deck the Halls," and Westenra's clear, pure voice immediately captures the spirit of the season. She brings a fresh interpretation to familiar favorites such as "Silent Night," "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," and "O Come All Ye Faithful," infusing them with a sense of wonder and reverence.

Westenra also includes lesser-known gems like "The Little Drummer Boy" and "Mary Did You Know." Her rendition of "In the Bleak Midwinter" is particularly moving, with her voice soaring over the lush orchestration.

Summary by Shanty Bookmite

The album closes with "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," which Westenra delivers with warmth and sincerity. Merry Christmas is a lovely addition to any holiday music collection, and a testament to Westenra's exceptional talent as a vocalist.