Stuff Your Stocking

First came A Very Special Christmas, an assortment of classic holiday tunes and original compositions by artists from all music genres. Five years later its successor, A Very Special Christmas 2, raised total proceeds from both albums to more than $38 million for the Special Olympics--the most money ever raised by a benefit album series. The 10th anniversary of the original album brings with it a brand new Christmas compilation which is even more surprising and magical than its predecessors. A Very Special Christmas 3 ranges from classic Christmas tunes to rock-and-roll romps with a great variety in between.

Simply a glance at the back cover of the album reveals its diversity. Among the contributing artists are Blues Traveler, No Doubt, Enya and Puff Daddy. Sting, a participant on both of the previous Very Special Christmas albums, starts this one with a rendition of the timeless "I Saw Three Ships." His percussive voice and the accompanying drum beat drive this quick and jaunty number.

Following Sting's playful opener, the Smashing Pumpkins perform the most surprising track on the album, their original "Christmastime." Lead singer Billy Corgan has never seemed the sensitive type; on Lollapalooza 1995, the Smashing Pumpkins symbolized teenage angst and depression. On "Christmastime," however, Corgan sings gently and tenderly about the joy found on the faces of children at Christmas. Written from a father's viewpoint, Corgan carols of how "Christmastime has come/bringing toys for everyone/Christmas time has come...for you." Sleigh bells, whistles and peaceful piano sounds define the wholly unoriginal music which matches the lackluster lyrics. Nevertheless, the Pumpkins song reeks of Christmas joy and is a delightful listen.

Blues Traveler also contribute a totally unoriginal, yet infinitely pleasing tune. Their gift to the album is the plainly titled song, "Christmas." If you've heard one Blues Traveler song, you've pretty much heard them all. Nonetheless, much like with the Smashing Pumpkins song, The magic of "Christmas" lies in the booming voice of big John Popper singing about the exhilarating holiday season and the jolly melody of his harmonica. The entire album is much like these two songs; not original, but still very beautiful.

Another alternative surprise is Chris Cornell, former front man for Soundgarden. He, along with the artist Eleven, delivers a poignant rendition of Franz Schubert's "Ave Maria" in Old English. One of the producers, Linda Feder, writes that Cornell "felt very strongly about wanting to do a traditional song, a classical piece, something that might turn young people onto classical music." Who would have thought the same guy who helped pioneer Seattle grunge could sing so magnificently?

Providing one of the best tracks on the yuletide compilation, Tracy Chapman delivers an exquisite cover of a Christmas standard. She gives the album her interpretation of the traditional song "O Holy Night." The simple guitar picking provides the perfect undertone for Chapman's deliciously rich, deep voice. In a similarly tranquil tone, Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds present an original piece entitled "Christmas Song." While a recorded version appears on the Dave Matthews Band's independent debut album, this track is a live Denver performance from February 1997. With two acoustic guitars and one illustrious voice, the song speaks quietly of the love that is found everywhere in the Christmas season.

While much of the album succeeds brilliantly in bringing forth the Christmas spirit, the album does have its flaws. The ubiquitous Puff Daddy and his friends deliver an unengaging rap cover of "Santa Baby," which Madonna covered for A Very Special Christmas. The band everyone loves to hate, Hootie & the Blowfish, bring to the album a horrible cover of Mel Torme's standard "The Christmas Song (Chesnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)." Darius Rucker and guitarist Mark Bryan are totally out-of-sync and seem to be playing two different horribly Hootie songs. Former rock queen Patti Smith gives the album its most ominous track. The hauntingly gothic sound of "We Three Kings" cannot be scorned nor praised because it is just too weird. While her tune is quite interesting, it takes away some of the good vibes created by the rest of the album. Instead of finishing the album happy, Smith's song actually generates a frightening conclusion.

Despite these defective tracks, purchasing this album is completely justified simply based upon No Doubt's "Oi to the World." Gwen Stefani and her mates rip roar through this punk/ska hybrid written by the Vandals. With their contribution, No Doubt energize A Very Special Christmas 3. The song explodes with a catchy bass line and is driven forward by Stefani's singing and horns blaring the sounds of Christmas. In under three minutes, No Doubt will have your Christmas party jumping. The manic performance of "Oi to the World" represents what the holiday season is all about.

Although not terribly inventive, A Very Special Christmas 3 is undoubtedly festive. Listening to the album brings forth cheer and happiness--it sets the perfect mood for the joyous season. Without drifting too much into melodramatic descriptions, let's just say A Very Special Christmas 3 will not disappoint.