Luis Miguel - Navidades Luis Miguel - Christmas Music - CD

Mexican crooner Luis Miguel's first foray into holiday fare, Navidades, doesn't include a single "Latin" Christmas track, but instead, consists fully of translated Christmas standards.

The repertoire is consistent with the big band arrangements of this set, although hearing these songs in Spanish may be disconcerting to some, particularly in the cases where the lyrics diverge completely from the originals. If that doesn't bug you, however, "Navidades" works. Miguel is a traditional balladeer and his traditional arrangements are suited for his voice and the repertoire, which ranges from up-tempo ("Santa Claus Lleg￳ A La Ciudad") to string-laden and contemplative ("Estar￩ En Mi Casa Esta Navidad").

The album kicks off with "Santa Claus Lleg￳ a la Ciudad" ("Santa Claus Is Coming to Town"), whose lyrics actually do conform to the original. The accompaniment is boisterous, full, big band over which vocals soar. Luis Miguel, of course, is an outstanding singer -- his is perhaps the best voice in Spanish pop -- so there's no quibbling with that part of the interpretation.

In "Te Deseo Muy Felices Fiestas" ("Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"), there is poignancy, but also virtuosity in this slow, but never understated rendition of sweeping strings and soaring vocals.

Although there are many more "thoughtful" Christmas songs here, like "Estar￩ En Mi Casa Esta Navidad" (I'll Be Home For Christmas") and "Blanca Navidad" ("White Christmas"), Luis Miguel also includes the fun stuff, like the previously mentioned "Santa Claus Lleg￳ a La Ciudad" and "Navidad Navidad:" his version of "Jingle Bells."

In this rendition, there isn't a single sled. Rather, the refrain -- "Navidad "Navidad" (Christmas, Christmas) talks simply about the arrival of Christmas and birth of Christ, sung over an almost whimsical arrangement that includes a nice flute solo.

The unexpected song in this set is "Sonr￭e," a Spanish version of Charlie Chaplin's "Smile," sung over slow, smooth, nostalgic strings evoking 1950s films.

The best in this collection, however, is saved for last. Predictably, it's "Noche De Paz" ("Silent Night"), but its arrangement, a mix of gospel choir, piano, big band and Miguel's voice, is truly exhilarating.

It's a grand finale, worthy of a risky album that has paid off well.

By Leila Cobo