These Are Special Times

Christmas albums may come and go, but brothers and sisters, this is no ordinary holiday project.

Sounding at complete ease and wielding a wildly creative wand, an ever-maturing Dion conjures up surprise after surprise on what should be regarded as her next "big" album. Replete with grand versions of standards like "O Holy Night" and "O Come All Ye Faithful" and modern classics "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" and "Feliz Navidad," the collection also drops a number of thoughtfully produced original compositions like Bryan Adams' "Another Year Has Gone By" and signature Dion ballad "Don't Save It All For Christmas Day," her first co-writing credit.

Other highlights include "The Prayer," a gorgeous duet with Andrea Bocelli, the Phil Spector-esque "Christmas Eve," and a sparkling reading of "Ave Maria." Also included is the hit "I'm Your Angel" with R. Kelly.

The forecast is a breeze: Sony and Dion will be celebrating a very merry Christmas with this effort.