In 1998, A&M released the original
Carpenters' albums for the first time on CD. Along with the reissues, the label released Christmas Collection, a double-disc that combines
Christmas Portrait and An Old Fashioned Christmas on one set. Neither album offers any surprises -- they sound exactly like you'd imagine a
Carpenters Christmas album would sound like. Since the two albums are virtually interchangeable, relying on
Richard's famously light, inoffensive arrangements and
Karen's sweet, soaring vocals, they make for a terrific pairing. It is true that only hardcore fans will need this set, but they should be more than pleased by this definitive collection. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine