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Wintersong
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Wintersong
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Wintersong
Studio album by
Sarah McLachlan
Released17 October 2006
Recorded1994, Spring-Summer 2006[1]
GenreChristmas
Length45:43
Label
ProducerPierre Marchand
Sarah McLachlan chronology
Mirrorball: The Complete Concert
(2006) 		Wintersong
(2006) 		Rarities, B-Sides and Other Stuff Volume 2
(2008)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllmusicStarStarStar[2]
Blogcritics(?)[3]
Entertainment WeeklyB+[4]
Slant MagazineStarStarStar[5]

Wintersong is the sixth album and first Christmas album by Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan, released in October 2006. It was produced by longtime collaborator Pierre Marchand and includes contributions from Jim Creeggan of Barenaked Ladies.[6] The album also includes a collaboration with Jazz musician Diana Krall.[7] In 2007, the album was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. In 2015, all songs from Wintersong plus five more tracks were released as The Classic Christmas Album.

Singles

[edit]

"River" was released as a single from that album in September 2006.[8] The song was performed in mid-October on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Ellen DeGeneres Show and reached No. 71 in the Billboard Hot 100.[9] McLachlan's video for "River" premiered on Yahoo! music, on 1 November 2006. Silent Night from this album was used in an ASPCA commercial

Charts

[edit]
Year Single Chart Peak position[9]
2006 River Billboard Hot 100 71
2006 Pop 100 70
Hot Digital Songs 66
2007 Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks 8
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks 6
Happy Xmas (War Is Over) Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks 5

Commercial performance

[edit]

Wintersong debuted at number 42 on the Billboard 200 in the United States (chart issue for the week of 3 November 2006),[10] selling 20,000 copies in its first week.[11] The album peaked at number 7 in its seventh week on the chart,[12] with 116,000 copies sold for the tracking period ending 3 December.[13] According to sales data from Nielsen/SoundScan, it was the best-selling holiday album of 2006 in the U.S. with a cumulative 759,000 copies sold for the year.[14]

On 13 December 2007, Wintersong was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America for shipments of one million copies in the U.S.[15] In Canada, it has sold over 300,000 copies, and has been certified Triple Platinum.[16]

In 2011, the album re-entered the Billboard 200 at number 195 on the chart issue for the week of 17 December.[17]

Track listing

[edit]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Happy Xmas (War Is Over)"John Lennon, Yoko Ono3:28
2."What Child Is This? (Greensleeves)"William Chatterton Dix3:31
3."River"Joni Mitchell4:02
4."Wintersong"Sarah McLachlan3:31
5."I'll Be Home for Christmas"Walter Kent, Kim Gannon3:15
6."O Little Town of Bethlehem"Phillips Brooks, Lewis Redner3:51
7."The First Noel / Mary Mary"Traditional5:00
8."Silent Night"Josef Mohr, Franz X. Gruber3:48
9."Song for a Winter's Night"Gordon Lightfoot3:48
10."Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane3:44
11."In the Bleak Mid-Winter"Christina Rossetti, Gustav Holst3:46
12."Christmas Time Is Here" (featuring Diana Krall)Vince Guaraldi, Lee Mendelson3:59

A "sampler" CD exists, featuring similar artwork on a cardboard sleeve, which omits "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)", "I'll Be Home for Christmas", "Song for a Winter's Night", and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas".

Personnel

[edit]
  • Sarah McLachlan - Vocals, Piano, Harp, Dobro[18]
  • Pierre Marchand - Keyboards, Programming, Synth Bass, Quartet Manipulations, Vienna Keyboard Strings
  • Jim Creeggan - Double Bass
  • Colin Cripps - Guitar, Dobro
  • Diana Krall - Piano on "Christmas Time Is Here".
  • Ashwin Sood - Drums, Percussion
  • Luke Doucet - Guitar
  • Bill Dillon - Acoustic & Electric Guitar, Mandolin, Bass
  • Bob Doige - Sleigh Bells
  • Daryl Johnson - Bass
  • Vince Mai - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
  • Brian Minato - Bass
  • David Kershaw - Keyboards
  • David Sinclair - Guitar

Charts

[edit]

Certifications and sales

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[25] 3× Platinum 300,000^
United States (RIAA)[27] Platinum 1,100,000[26]

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Wintersong

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Wintersong is a fantasy by S. Jae-Jones, published in 2017 by Thomas Dunne Books, an imprint of . The story follows nineteen-year-old Elisabeth "Liesl" Vogler, an aspiring composer in a small Bavarian village, who embarks on a perilous journey to the King's underground realm to her younger sister after she is abducted on the eve of the Wintersolstice. Inspired by , including tales of the , the narrative blends elements of dark romance, music, and coming-of-age themes in a gothic fairy-tale setting. The plot centers on Liesl's encounters in the enchanting yet treacherous Underground, where she confronts the enigmatic Goblin King and grapples with bargains that test her loyalties to family, art, and self. As the first installment in the Wintersong duology, it explores Liesl's evolution from a dreamer stifled by familial duties to a figure navigating sacrifice and desire in a world governed by ancient laws of balance between . The sequel, Shadowsong, published in , continues the story, concluding the arc without plans for further entries in this universe. Drawing from S. Jae-Jones's fascination with labyrinthine myths like those in Labyrinth and Beauty and the Beast, Wintersong incorporates musical motifs and psychological depth to examine themes of artistic passion, gender roles in creativity, and the cost of autonomy. The novel features content warnings for topics including emotional and physical abuse by a parent, misogyny, alcoholism, religion, racism, queerphobia, abduction, mental health struggles like depression and bipolar disorder, suicidal ideation, and sexual content. Upon release, Wintersong received praise for its lyrical prose and atmospheric world-building, earning a spot on the New York Times bestseller list. It has been lauded by critics such as , who described it as "a of beauty and darkness, of music and magic and glittering things, all tied together with exquisite writing." The book appeals to fans of and retold , contributing to S. Jae-Jones's reputation as a New York Times bestselling author.

Background

Development

Wintersong marks Sarah McLachlan's sixth studio album and her inaugural foray into Christmas-themed music, driven by a desire to explore the introspective and melancholic facets of the holiday season while reimagining timeless carols. The project stemmed from personal reflections, particularly the profound loss of her mother to cancer just before in 2001, which inspired McLachlan to craft songs that balanced sorrow with moments of warmth and positivity. As she explained, the album aimed to transcend typical festive cheer, capturing "a really lonely, melancholy time" rather than overt commercial or religious elements. The album's development traced back to 1994, when McLachlan recorded select tracks like for the soundtrack, laying early groundwork amid her rising career demands. These efforts paused as she focused on subsequent releases, including Surfacing and , before resuming in spring and summer 2006 to complete the collection. This extended timeline allowed for a curated selection of material that evolved over more than a decade. McLachlan enlisted Pierre Marchand as producer, continuing their fruitful partnership that began with her second studio album, Solace, in 1991 and encompassed her major breakthroughs like Fumbling Towards Ecstasy. Marchand's production style, characterized by lush, atmospheric arrangements with distorted guitars and echoing piano, complemented the album's wintry, ethereal mood. Central to the pre-production vision was blending fresh originals, such as the poignant title track "Wintersong"—written as a tribute evoking snowy memories—with covers of holiday staples including Joni Mitchell's "River" and the traditional "Silent Night." This mix highlighted McLachlan's interpretive approach, transforming familiar tunes into intimate, modern reflections while introducing her own evocative contributions.

Recording

The recording of Wintersong primarily took place at Sarah McLachlan's home studio in , , during 2006, with the album mixed there as well. , McLachlan's longtime collaborator, handled production, engineering, and mixing, while also arranging orchestral treatments for select tracks. Initial recordings for one track dated back to 1994, when "" was captured at A&M Studios for the film soundtrack; this version was later included on the album. Additional 2006 sessions at featured the Youth Choir and children's choir for "." Guest contributions enriched the sessions, including jazz pianist Diana Krall's performance on "," where she provided accompaniment to McLachlan's vocals. Orchestral elements, arranged by Marchand and string arranger Jeremy Lubbock, were recorded at Capitol Studios in for tracks 6 ("") and 10 ("Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas").

Composition

Narrative style

Wintersong is composed in a lyrical, from the perspective of Elisabeth "Liesl" Vogler, blending evocative with sensory to immerse readers in a gothic fairy-tale world. The writing style draws on influences, incorporating rhythmic phrasing and metaphors that mirror Liesl's compositional aspirations, creating a poetic and atmospheric tone inspired by and myths like the . S. Jae-Jones's is praised for its lush, descriptive quality that evokes the stark beauty of a Bavarian winter and the enchanting yet treacherous Underground, though some critics note it can feel overwrought in introspective passages. The novel's structure unfolds in two halves: the first focuses on Liesl's urgent quest to rescue her sister, building tension through fast-paced action and elements, while the second shifts to slower, psychological exploration of relationships and in the Goblin King's realm. This evolution reflects the author's background as a violinist, infusing the narrative with themes of artistry and emotional depth without relying on traditional plot resolution.

Themes

Central to Wintersong are themes of artistic passion and the sacrifices required for creation, as Liesl navigates her dreams as a against familial obligations in a patriarchal . The examines the joy of making for its own sake, the balance between governed by ancient laws, and the cost of , drawing from the author's personal reflections on and self-understanding. Dark romance intertwines with coming-of-age elements, exploring desire, loyalty, and identity through Liesl's evolving relationship with the Goblin King, while addressing gender roles in artistic expression and the burdens of family responsibility. The story also delves into psychological struggles, including and emotional abuse, set against a backdrop of that highlights the transformative power of music and personal growth.

Release and promotion

Singles

The from Wintersong was a cover of Joni Mitchell's "", released on September 1, 2006, as a digital download and a one-track promotional . The track, produced by , featured McLachlan's signature ethereal vocals over piano and strings, capturing the album's intimate holiday mood. "River" achieved moderate commercial success, peaking at No. 71 on the in late December 2006. It performed stronger on format-specific charts, reaching No. 8 on the Adult Contemporary tally in early 2007. The single also garnered airplay on holiday radio stations, contributing to seasonal rotations during the 2006 period. The release included limited remixes and alternate versions, such as a stripped-down acoustic rendition later featured on McLachlan's 2008 compilation Rarities, B-Sides and Other Stuff, Volume 2. These variations, along with live performances on shows like with , helped amplify the single's exposure and build early anticipation for Wintersong amid the holiday season. No other tracks from the album were issued as official singles, though the title track "Wintersong" received significant radio , particularly on contemporary and formats, following the album's October release.

Marketing efforts

Wintersong was released on October 17, 2006, by in the United States and Nettwerk in , with the timing aligned to the approaching season to maximize festive consumer interest. The album launched in multiple formats, including standard physical CDs, digital downloads, and limited promotional sampler editions containing eight full tracks such as "River" and "Wintersong" to generate early buzz among media and retailers. Promotion emphasized the album's holiday theme through targeted television exposure, with McLachlan performing tracks like "Wintersong" on high-profile shows including The Oprah Winfrey Show and Live with Regis & Kelly in November and December 2006. She also appeared at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 23, 2006, delivering a live performance to amplify the seasonal appeal. These appearances, alongside the lead single "River," helped build anticipation without extensive touring, as McLachlan prioritized family commitments during the busy period. The marketing incorporated charitable elements, notably featuring the Sarah McLachlan Music Outreach Children's Choir and Youth Choir on "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)," which highlighted her ongoing support for music education programs and aligned the release with her philanthropic reputation to appeal to socially conscious holiday buyers. Internationally, the campaign adapted to regional markets, with releases on Arista in Europe (catalog 82876815042) and BMG in Japan (BVCP-21495), including specialized promotional samplers for radio and press in Japan to tailor outreach to local audiences.

Critical reception

Initial reviews

Upon its release in February 2017, Wintersong received widespread praise for its lyrical prose, atmospheric world-building, and blend of with themes of music and romance. commended the novel's "beautiful" exploration of "the magic of love, the power of music, and the importance of ," highlighting Liesl's journey as a stifled in a patriarchal society. issued a starred review, describing it as a "darkly romantic and atmospheric" fairy tale retelling inspired by , with "rich world-building" and "charged" relationships that appeal to fans of gothic fantasy. offered a more mixed assessment, praising the "luscious" initial prose but critiquing the latter half as "overripe, cloying, and empty," likening it to overly indulgent fairy-tale fruit. Author lauded the book as "a maze of beauty and darkness, of and and glittering things, all tied together with exquisite writing," emphasizing its emotional depth. The novel's musical motifs and psychological elements were frequently highlighted, with reviewers noting Jae-Jones's background as a violinist infusing authenticity into Liesl's compositional struggles. Common praises included the enchanting Underground setting and themes of sacrifice and , though some noted pacing issues in the romantic development. Overall, initial reception positioned Wintersong as a strong debut in , contributing to its status as a New York Times bestseller.

Retrospective assessments

In the years following its release, Wintersong has been retrospectively viewed as a notable entry in folklore retellings, valued for its introspective take on creativity and desire amid 2010s YA trends toward romantic fantasies. A 2020 analysis in Locus Magazine appreciated its poetic overture and fairy-tale structure, though it questioned the depth of some character arcs compared to classics like Angela Carter's works. The duology's conclusion in Shadowsong (2018) prompted reevaluations, with critics like those in Booklist praising the series for its "elegant" resolution and original mythology, influencing subsequent goblin-king inspired narratives. By the early 2020s, Wintersong appeared in curated lists of gothic YA, such as a 2023 New York Times article by author recommending it among great young adult fantasy novels for its "lyrical prose and atmospheric world-building." As of 2025, reader reception on platforms like averages 3.5 out of 5 stars from over 33,000 ratings, reflecting sustained appeal despite debates on its slow pacing and trope-heavy romance. Retrospective critiques often contrast its emotional intimacy with more action-oriented fantasies, crediting it with elevating music as a central motif in the , though some note limited diversity in its 19th-century Bavarian-inspired setting.

Commercial performance

Chart performance

Wintersong debuted at number 42 on the US chart for the week ending November 4, 2006. It climbed steadily during the holiday season, reaching a peak of number 7 in early December 2006 after seven weeks on the chart. The album also topped the Top Holiday Albums chart, marking McLachlan's first number-one placement on that tally. In , Wintersong reached number 1 on the Canadian Albums Chart by early January 2007. The album's chart trajectory featured pronounced surges in late 2006, driven by holiday sales that propelled it into the top 10 of the for multiple weeks. It has since experienced recurring annual re-entries and peaks on holiday charts during December, reflecting sustained popularity in festive periods. Relative to McLachlan's earlier releases, such as (peak number 2 in 2003) and Surfacing (peak number 2 in 1997), Wintersong exhibited extended longevity on charts during seasons, with over 30 weeks accumulated on the Top Albums chart across multiple years.

Certifications and sales

Wintersong experienced strong commercial performance, driven largely by seasonal demand during the holiday period. In the United States, the album sold 759,000 copies in 2006 according to Nielsen SoundScan figures, establishing it as the best-selling holiday album of that year. This initial success led to RIAA on December 13, 2007 for exceeding 1 million units shipped, with total U.S. reaching 1 million copies. In , Wintersong was certified 3× Platinum by , representing shipments of 300,000 units, reflecting its popularity as a release. The album's sales followed typical annual patterns for holiday records, with significant spikes in the fourth quarter contributing to its status as a top performer in . Globally, estimates place total sales at over 1.3 million units as of recent data, primarily from physical and digital purchases, though streaming equivalents have added to its enduring reach by 2025. It continues to re-enter holiday charts annually as of 2025.

Reissues and legacy

2015 re-release

In October 2015, Legacy Recordings issued a re-release of Sarah McLachlan's Wintersong under the title The Classic Christmas Album. This edition compiles the full track listings from the original 2006 Wintersong album and the accompanying Wonderland EP, supplemented by five newly recorded tracks: "In the Bleak Midwinter," "I Saw Three Ships," "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," "Huron Carol," and "Let It Snow!". The reissue formed part of ' ongoing Classic Christmas Album series, designed as an expanded holiday collection to highlight remastered seasonal material amid rising interest in streaming platforms and vinyl formats during the yuletide period. It featured updated artwork and new penned by McLachlan, offering reflections on the inspirations and recording process behind the original Wintersong. Upon release, The Classic Christmas Album capitalized on seasonal demand, bolstering the enduring appeal of McLachlan's holiday repertoire.

Later editions and impact

In October 2024, Sony Legacy issued a limited-edition vinyl reissue of Wintersong, pressed as a 12-track LP and released on to appeal to vinyl collectors and holiday music enthusiasts. This repress highlights the album's enduring appeal nearly two decades after its debut, offering a colorful variant of the original tracklist including originals like the title song alongside covers such as "" and "." The album has maintained a strong cultural presence in the holiday music landscape, frequently appearing in curated seasonal playlists on streaming platforms like and , where tracks such as "Wintersong" and "What Child Is This? (Greensleeves)" contribute to modern festive compilations. The title track, in particular, has inspired covers by various artists, including the youth ensemble Coastal Sound Choir and folk duo Lark & Spur, extending its melancholic holiday vibe beyond McLachlan's interpretation. Within McLachlan's , Wintersong stands as her top-selling release, having topped the Top Holiday Albums chart in 2006 and achieving multi-platinum status in , which underscores its commercial benchmark for her seasonal output. This success has cemented its role as a perennial favorite in Canadian traditions.

Credits

Track listing

The original 2006 edition of Wintersong consists of 12 tracks, blending standards with contemporary compositions.
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1"Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" (feat. The Sarah McLachlan Music Outreach Children's Choir and Youth Choir), 3:29
2"What Child Is This? (Greensleeves)"Traditional (arr. )3:31
3"River"4:02
4"Wintersong", 3:31
5"I'll Be Home for Christmas"Kim Gannon, Walter Kent, 3:15
6"O Little Town of Bethlehem"Traditional (arr. )3:51
7"The First Noel / Mary, Mary"Traditional (arr. )5:00
8"Silent Night", (arr. )3:48
9"Song for a Winter's Night"3:48
10"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", 3:44
11"In the Bleak Midwinter", (arr. )3:46
12"Christmas Time Is Here" (feat. ), 4:02
A promotional sampler edition omits tracks 11 and 12, featuring only eight selected songs.

Personnel

performed lead vocals, , , and on all tracks of Wintersong. The album was produced, recorded, and mixed by at McLachlan's home studio in , with additional recording at for choir elements and Capitol Studios for select orchestral parts. Additional musicians included on , Bill Dillon on acoustic and , , and bass, Ashwin Sood on drums and percussion, Vince Mai on and , Colin Cripps on guitar and , Luke Doucet on guitar, on guitar, on bass, Brian Minato on bass, David Kershaw on keyboards, and Bob Doige on sleigh bells. Diana Krall contributed vocals and on "". String arrangements were handled by Jeremy Lubbock, with orchestral treatments by on tracks 6 and 10. Background vocals and choir were provided by various artists, notably The Sarah McLachlan Music Outreach Children's Choir and Youth Choir on "". The album was mastered by at Bernie Grundman Mastering.

References

  1. https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250079213/wintersong
  2. https://sjaejones.com/wintersong-duology
  3. https://sjaejones.substack.com/p/wintersong-a-retrospective
  4. https://us.macmillan.com/series/wintersong
  5. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/sarah-mclachlan
  6. https://pridesource.com/article/21429
  7. https://www.discogs.com/release/2369305-Sarah-McLachlan-Wintersong
  8. https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/sarah-mclachlan-wintersong/
  9. https://www.soundonsound.com/people/pierre-marchand-producing-sarah-mclachlan
  10. https://www.discogs.com/release/1177759-Sarah-McLachlan-Wintersong
  11. https://www.discogs.com/master/141713-Sarah-McLachlan-Wintersong
  12. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/4029/all
  13. https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/review-wintersong-by-s-jae-jones
  14. https://readingbystarlightblog.wordpress.com/2018/07/20/review-wintersong-by-s-jae-jones/
  15. https://waytoofantasy.com/2020/12/24/book-review-wintersong-by-s-jae-jones/
  16. https://music.apple.com/gb/song/river/200880330
  17. https://eil.com/shop/moreinfo.asp?catalogid=380372
  18. https://www.billboard.com/artist/sarah-mclachlan/chart-history/hsi/
  19. https://www.billboard.com/charts/adult-contemporary/2007-01-06/
  20. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/mclachlan-salutes-holiday-season-on-new-cd-57594/
  21. https://genius.com/albums/Sarah-mclachlan/Rarities-b-sides-and-other-stuff-volume-2
  22. https://music.apple.com/us/album/wintersong/200880196
  23. https://www.ebay.com/itm/380325302317
  24. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/incubus-lands-first-no-1-album-1328778/
  25. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/47ontv-56605/
  26. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/mclachlan-to-get-busy-on-next-cd-after-holidays-56928/
  27. https://open.spotify.com/album/66TijPOdbkKqENLhOuDUhJ
  28. https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-250-07921-3
  29. https://www.booklistonline.com/product/id=7913617
  30. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/s-jae-jones/wintersong/
  31. https://locusmag.com/2017/02/faren-miller-reviews-s-jae-jones/
  32. https://www.booklistonline.com/product/id=7913618
  33. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/06/books/review/young-adult-fantasy-books.html
  34. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24763621-wintersong
  35. https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2006-11-11/
  36. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/mclachlan-rounds-up-rarities-for-spring-release-1046352/
  37. https://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=29078
  38. https://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-albums/2007-01-06/
  39. https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-christmas-albums-new-holiday-music/
  40. https://bestsellingalbums.org/year-end/US_Top_Albums_2006
  41. https://bestsellingalbums.org/artist/11523
  42. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Sarah+Mc+Lachlan&ti=Wintersong&format=Album&type=
  43. https://encyclopediecanadienne.com/article/sarah-mclachlan-emc
  44. https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/07/arts/07arts.html
  45. https://www.legacyrecordings.com/2015/08/31/legacy-recordings-celebrates-the-2015-yuletide-season-with-new-titles-in-the-classic-christmas-album-series/
  46. https://theseconddisc.com/2015/12/08/review-the-classic-christmas-album-series-2015/
  47. https://vinyl.sonymusic.com/products/sarah-mclachlan-wintersong
  48. https://www.discogs.com/release/32067057-Sarah-McLachlan-Wintersong
  49. https://secondhandsongs.com/work/119431/all
  50. https://www.discogs.com/release/1578709-Sarah-McLachlan-Wintersong-Sampler
  51. https://www.discogs.com/release/22902716-Sarah-McLachlan-Wintersong
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