Merry Christmas

Artist: Andy Williams

Number of Discs: 1

Label: CBS
Availability: In stock
Item #: 5188050

List Price: $16.98
Member Price: $11.98

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Review

Chances are that when Andy Williams released his first holiday album in 1963, he had no idea that his name would soon become synonymous with Christmas. The success of the album along with his Christmas television specials became traditional listening and viewing for many families in the years (and even decades) that followed. In 1965, Williams further enhanced his "Mr. Christmas" moniker by releasing a second seasonal collection, Merry Christmas. Although the album did not contain a definitive hit song like "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," it was another well-rounded set of traditional favorites that became a perfect companion to the Andy Williams Christmas Album. The overall tone of Merry Christmas is a bit quieter than the first album but there are still a few lively moments as in the breezy opening "Sleigh Ride," where an infectious "jing-a-ling, jing-jing-a-ling" is sung behind Williams' satiny voice. "Christmas Holiday" was probably meant to be this set's "Most Wonderful Time," but it never caught on in the same way despite having an exciting arrangement and vocal performance. Williams' dark reading of "My Favorite Things" from {#The Sound of Music} helped to turn the non-holiday oriented song into a Christmas standard while a delicate "Some Children See Him" and the joyous "The Bells of St. Mary's" round out an album that is sung to perfection. Williams would go on to release other holiday collections, but none of them would capture the magical memories created by Merry Christmas and its predecessor. Thanks to good timing, excellent selections, and a voice that makes one feel warm and at home, Andy Williams recorded not just one, but two perennial classics that will be heard for generations to come. ~ Aaron Latham, All Music Guide

Read About This Recording

Andy Williams is a giant of middle-of-the-road pop music, a singer who has pleased audiences for over a half century. He has also recorded several popular albums of Christmas songs.

Famous for being laidback and good-natured, Andy Williams began his career back in the 1940s when he was part of a quartet with his three brothers. In 1952 he started his solo career, being discovered by Steve Allen and appearing on the Tonight Show. His hits began in 1956 and he became a popular attraction due to his renditions of ballads and melodic pop songs, and due to his television variety shows in the 1960s which included several Christmas specials.

Andy Williams has recorded several Christmas albums in his career, with 1965's Merry Christmas being his second one. Among the more memorable performances are "Sleigh Ride," "My Favorite Things" (not really a Christmas song until Williams transformed it), "Christmas Holiday," "Do You Hear What I Hear" and "Sleigh Bells." Williams is joined by Robert Mersey & His Orchestra with Bob Florence contributing some of the arrangements to this cheerful set.

Listeners who love hearing a smooth and romantic male vocalist adding his magic to Christmas songs will want this CD.

—Scott Yanow

Remastered!

Sleigh Ride; Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas; Winter Wonderland; My Favorite Things; Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!; Christmas Holiday; Some Children See Him; Do You Hear What I Hear; Little Altar Boy; Silver Bells; Mary's Little Boy Child; The Bells of St. Mary's.

Andy Williams, Vocals; Robert Mersey & His Orchestra.

Tracks + Soundclips

Merry Christmas
	1. Sleigh Ride	2:10
	2. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas	3:24
	3. Winter Wonderland	2:10
	4. My Favorite Things [From The Sound of Music]	2:27
	5. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!	2:17
	6. Christmas Holiday	1:52
	7. Some Children See Him	3:23
	8. Do You Hear What I Hear?	2:53
	9. Little Altar Boy	4:57
	10. Silver Bells	3:10
	11. Mary's Little Boy Child	3:55
	12. Bells of St. Mary's	2:36