The queen of modern R&B-influenced gospel soul brings a typically updated approach to this, her first Christmas album. Although the singing is less intense and earth-shatteringly amazing than on last year's breakthrough, Mountain High... Valley Low--how intense can one be when singing "Little Drummer Boy"? Her take on "It Came upon a Midnight Clear" is so thick with slow-jam funk that it almost loses its way, but it never does, and is instead a highlight of this solid (although not superlative) disc. Unfortunately, this is mostly a set of secular shopping mall tunes. One notable exception is "Born on This Day," which drops a heavy choir funk vibe. And her take on "O Holy Night" is so truly transporting that it'll have you taking a cue from the song and falling down on your knees in thanks for the many blessings of the holiday season. --James Conde
