A Holiday Carole

iTunes Review

Legendary singer/songwriter Carole King’s first studio album in more than 10 years is a gentle, festive collection of holiday tunes; it’s produced by her daughter Louise Goffin, who cowrote three of the original tunes. Those include the bossa nova–based “Christmas Paradise,” the pop-inflected “Christmas in the Air,” and the touching ballad “New Year’s Day.” The piano is front and center, with King leaning toward adult-contemporary lite-FM arrangements that leave plenty of room for her to sing with style. The timeless “My Favorite Things” is straightforward, with a nod toward jazz. “Sleigh Ride” adds a mild funk to the standard. “Everyday Will Be Like a Holiday,” with horns and exquisite guitar, evokes memories of King’s early Brill Building days. “Chanukah Prayer” plays like a nightclub spiritual. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” highlights King’s vocal finesse. “Do You Hear What I Hear” has never sounded warmer or more inviting. King brings her personal touch to even the most obvious holiday fare; she’s still first and foremost a major pop stylist.