A Very Special Christmas

Recorded to benefit the Special Olympics, this has some of the biggest names in contemporary music, most covering seasonal favorites with success.

Outstanding tracks include the Pretenders "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," with Chrissie Hynde giving a touching performance. Run-D.M.C.'s topical "Christmas in Hollis" relies heavily on sampling "Back Door Santa," and may head you toward the dance floor. Alison Moyet's stately version of "The Coventry Carol" is beautifully haunting. The Material Girl, Madonna, embarrasses herself with an overly campy "Santa Baby." But who hasn't?

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All Music
A Very Special Christmas Review