First off, I love most of the compilations of world music released by the socially conscious Putumayo label. Part of the proceeds goes to worthy causes, though I couldn't find a designated charity on this release. Still their heart is in the right place.
That said, I found this one of the weaker albums in their large catalog. The 12 songs here do come from various cultures around the world (though Europe and Asia are obvious omissions), but every one of the songs is the same-old same-old standard. Yes, the language may be Spanish, Jamaican, or even Maori, the song list includes "Rockin' Aro9und The Christmas Tree", "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", "Santa Claus is Coming To Town" and "Winter Wonderland" among other. Okay, the blues by New Orleans Heritage Hall Jazz Band is listed as an original, but its really just a riff on "Jingle Bells".
Even with slightly different arrangements, these songs - sung in Spanish, Hawaiian and African, still sound much like the originals. It's a personal preference, but I'd rather hear songs native to other lands that are sung at Christmas. Not a group of songs by American pop songwriters.
I still, enjoy Putumayo's Christmas Around The World album but this one, just doesn't grab me.
Steve Ramm
"Anything Phonographic"