A Christmas Cornucopia
by Annie Lennox
  • Record Label: Decca
  • Release Date: Nov 16, 2010
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. The New York Times
    Feb 9, 2011
    80
    Annie Lennox is robustly reverent on A Christmas Cornucopia, putting the full and frequently rough power of her voice behind some of the sternest old carols, with devout verses that are often omitted.
  2. The Independent (UK)
    Jan 14, 2011
    80
    Technically unimpeachable, the layered harmonies of songs such as "Angels From The Realms Of Glory" and "The Holly And The Ivy" are rendered with razor-sharp precision, though there's a stridency to her delivery on some pieces.
  3. Mojo
    Dec 23, 2010
    80
    She was born on Christmas Day, but has an unsentimental take on the holiday. [Jan. 2011, p. 94]
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  5. BBC Music
    Nov 18, 2010
    80
    As with any festive release, the magic of A Christmas Cornucopia is best captured before the actual event itself, as come December 27 it will be as welcome as yet more turkey. But such is its quality that this collection could find itself becoming as much a part of the holiday season as arguments with loved ones, keeping receipts and watching the tree lights blur as you slowly drink yourself merry.
  6. AllMusic
    Nov 18, 2010
    80
    A Christmas Cornucopia is a real contender for best Christmas album of 2010.
  7. The Guardian
    Nov 18, 2010
    80
    The result is a collection you might actually play at other times of the year, too.
  8. Slant Magazine
    Nov 18, 2010
    70
    After almost a dozen similarly classic melodies being reworked so thoughtfully, the album's sole original-and secular-composition, the borderline-soft-rock "Universal Child," sounds remarkably bland, like a Yuletide "We Are the World." Still, Lennox seems more inspired on A Christmas Cornucopia than she has in years.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. alainsane
    Mar 24, 2023
    0
    This album is an all-out assault on the ears at what should be a peaceful time of year. The vocal processing on the first few songs (the mostThis album is an all-out assault on the ears at what should be a peaceful time of year. The vocal processing on the first few songs (the most I could stomach before throwing this CD away) is overwhelmingly bad. The cover is so beautiful; the tracklist (while a little more religious than I'd normally go for) looks stately and reverent. But there is no purity here, unless that means auto-tuning. In that case, this is as pure as a bleak midwinter snow in the deep woods. Avoid at all cost unless you love Christmas robots.… Full Review »
  2. spenza
    Nov 23, 2012
    10
    This is so heartfelt and pure. In interviews, Lennox reports how personal this project to her, and it shows. Each arrangement breaths new lifeThis is so heartfelt and pure. In interviews, Lennox reports how personal this project to her, and it shows. Each arrangement breaths new life into the hymns. The inclusion of the African choir and other various styles, including country dance and folk, work, in a way few other compilations have, to remind us that these songs, like the glorious events and season most of them describe, are meant for all the world. This is simply beautiful, and seemingly more intentionally crafted than anything Ms. Lennox has done so far. Thank you for this!… Full Review »
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