Recorded in 1951, in the latter stage of his career,
Songs for Christmas is a warm, appealing holiday album, even if
Nelson Eddy occasionally shows his age through somewhat strained vocals. Supported by Morton Gould and His Orchestra (who are showcased on two instrumental medleys, added as bonus tracks on the 1998 CD reissue),
Eddy usually disappears into the lush backdrops, wrapping his rich baritone around these familiar tunes. If he occasionally sounds a little winded, he makes up for it with true charisma and panache, and Gould's sweet arrangements makes everything go down easily. Anyone who has a fondness for early-'50s pop should feel right at home with
Songs for Christmas.