Subtitled "The Rod McKuen Christmas Album,"
New Carols for Christmas is almost exactly that -- original songs by
Rod McKuen about either Christmas or winter. A few songs feature his lyrics set to well-known melodies, many incorporate a choir of children, and a few poetry recitations are included as well.
New Carols for Christmas hasn't become much of a Christmas favorite since its initial release and none of these compositions have gone on to greater fame, but for
McKuen's fans there are a few fine songs, such as "So Long, Stay Well" and "As Traveled Through Vermont." ~ Greg Adams