In 1992, Philippine female singer
Kuh Ledesma released
My First Christmas Album. The album contains 12 songs, six of which are famous American and European Christmas songs, and two are Philippine-composed Christmas songs. The remaining two songs are "The Lord's Prayer" and a remake of
Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely." The opener, "Jingle Bells," starts with a little girl singing the words to the song, as a strong bassline enters and
Kuh Ledesma sings the famous melody, giving the song a swinging, jazzy reading. She gives the chorus a flourish that isn't in the original version, and gives her version some zest.
Kuh Ledesma sings "Have Yourself a Very Merry Little Christmas" at a slow, reflective pace, and her interpretation is sincere and heartfelt. The song also features a jazz-inflected piano solo on which the original melody is given enjoyable embellishment. She sings "(All I Want for Christmas) Is My Two Front Teeth" in an exaggerated, comical manner, which matches the tone of the song. The two Philippine-composed songs add much to the album. "Pasko Na, Sinta Ko" (It's Christmas, My Love) features a slow, sentimental ambience, while "Nakaraang Pasko" (Last Christmas) has a spirited, bouncy tone.
Kuh Ledesma gives an intimate, sophisticated reading of "Silver Bells." "The First Noel" begins on a pretty string introduction, and
Kuh Ledesma injects much heartfelt passion into her traditional rendition. Although
Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely" isn't a Christmas song, it doesn't sound out of place here, and adds to the joyousness of this fine Christmas album.