Luckily, the darkest and coldest months of the year feature the most festive and light-filled holidays. But there are also times during this season when I just wish I could hibernate. Sarah McLachlan's new album, Wintersong, is perfect for such times. Fans of her song "Angel" will love this album, which features similar dreamy, ethereal melodies and McLachlan's calming voice. You won't find many of the rousing holiday tunes meant to fill you with good cheer; instead, these songs are perfect for decompressing after long days of shopping, cooking, decorating, and traveling, so read more

Most of the songs combine McLachlan's rich voice with piano, strings and, in "I'll Be Home For Christmas," some relaxing saxophone. "Silent Night" is presented with churchlike reverence, featuring a choral background behind McLachlan's solos. The most interesting track is "The First Noel/Mary Mary," in which McLachlan impressively shows off her vocal strength and range in the beginning as though channeling Charlotte Church, then swings into some soulful/gospel-style notes and ultimately picks up the pace into a kind of mystical Celtic tune. The end product is a refreshingly unconventional take on two old Christmas hymns.

At times, the album is so soft and slow it borders on sad or moody. For example, her version of "What Child Is This?" is so melancholy that it becomes haunting. Yet if you're looking for wintertime music that is soothing as a lullaby, this is the ideal album for you.