Luther Vandross - This Is Christmas 320cbr (Big Papi) 1995 R&B Soul Music

For me, Luther Vandross, while holding onto his "superstar" status, has yet to make a TOTAL album that fits his mellifluous vocal instrument. After listening to any one of the discs in his lengthy catalogue, I often felt that they each just fell a wee bit short.

Well, with my annual purchase of holiday music, I decided to make this seven-year-old release a part of my collection.

And, man, am I glad that I did.

The singer has put together a smoothly produced, elegantly delivered "treat" for all as they celebrate the most joyous of holidays. Vandross does his patented "Lutherisms" on each song; making even the few songs presented uniquely his. The perennial favorite "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is given a spin that only he, and he only alone, can give.

The measure of an album for me can be found in the first songs and, on that note, the singer scores a winner. "With a Christmas Heart", "This is Christmas" (magnificent), and "The Mistletoe Jam" (reminiscent of "Till My Baby Comes Home") are as good as he gets.

I rank this one as a latter-day equivalent to the Christmas album made by the late, great Nat "King" Cole. That's how outstanding it is.