Mary J. Blige: A Mary Christmas CD Review and Giveaway

Disclosure:  I participated in this event on behalf of Wendy's Bloggers for Verve Music Group. I received the A Mary Christmas CD to facilitate my review.  All opinions are honest and are those of the Shelly's Bits & Pieces family.  No monetary compensation was received.

If you have a music lover in your life, this is one review and giveaway you do not want to miss!  Iconic Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist, Mary J. Blige has teamed up with some of the best musical talents in the business. Now, the incomparable Mary J. Blige has released her FIRST-EVER Christmas album, A Mary Christmas, making it the first album collaboration between Mary J. and legendary producer and Chairman of The Verve Music Group, David Foster.  

A Mary Christmas features Mary J. Blige’s soulful interpretation of classic holiday tunes including “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” and “The Christmas Song.” Mary J.  is joined by a number of A-list guests starting with Barbra Streisand, who duets with Mary J. on “When You Wish Upon A Star,” along with Jessie J on “Do You Hear What I Hear.” The Clark Sisters join Mary J. on “The First Noel” and “Noche de Paz,” is a Spanish collaboration with Marc Anthony.  Other highlights on the album include “Little Drummer Boy,” “My Favorite Things,” “This Christmas,” “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and Tino Rossi’s “Petit Papa Noël.” 

Chefy and I have been Mary J. Blige fans for years, and we knew that any song she put her voice to would be fantastic.  Knowing that, we were still blown away by A Mary Christmas.  The album is wonderful from beginning to end.  The compilation of songs she included on this album is very unique.  I would never have thought to include "When You Wish Upon A Star," but it works perfectly with the rest of the album. 

The track list is as follows:
1.    Little Drummer Boy
2.    Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
3.    My Favorite Things
4.    This Christmas
5.    The Christmas Song
6.    Rudolph The Red-nosed Reindeer
7.    When You Wish Upon A Star – Duet with Barbra Streisand
8.    Winter Wonderland
9.    Do You Hear What I Hear – Duet with Jessie J.
10.    Petit Papa Noël
11.    The First Noel – Duet with The Clark Sisters
12.    Noche de Paz – Duet with Marc Anthony

There is no way I can choose a favorite!  I genuinely loved the entire album and am thrilled to add it to my collection.  "This Christmas" is one of my favorite Christmas songs and the soulful rendition Mary J. gives is wonderful!  If you want a song that will touch your heart, you will love "The First Noel."  My mother has proclaimed that it is her favorite!  Chefy's favorite is " The Christmas Song" and Kat loved "Do You Hear What I Hear."  As you listen to the album, you can really tell how much Mary J. enjoyed recording it.  All the songs are sung with such feeling!  I had never heard "Petit Papa Noël" or "Noche de Paz" prior to receiving this album, and I loved them both.  What can I say?  I was blown away.  There is literally something for everyone on this album.

You can get more information here:
    Verve Facebook: www.facebook.com/vervemusic
    Verve Music Group: www.vervemusicgroup.com
    Shop "A Mary Christmas" on www.maryjblige.com
    Twitter Mary J. Blige at www.twitter.com/maryjblige

If you are looking for a great Christmas album to add to your collection, this is a MUST-HAVE!  Want a chance to win a copy of A Mary Christmas?  Simply enter on the rafflecopter form below and you could win a copy Personally Autographed by Mary J. Blige!!


One winner per household, email address or home address. If you have won this prize on another blog you are ineligible to win again. Winners must have a U.S.-based address to receive their prize.


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