Sarah McLachlan unveiled a new Christmas album, Wonderland, on Friday.
Originally from Halifax, now based in Vancouver, McLachlan grew up listening to Harry Belafonte’s Christmas album. With that in mind, she set out to record something that would make people feel the way she felt hearing the Belafonte vibe.
On this 13-track album, traditional songs like "O Come, All Ye Faithful" can be heard next to Randy Newman’s "Snow," which the singer played alone on the piano.
The new album was mostly recorded in Montreal with some work done at her Vancouver studio.
McLachan likes to work with others, and on top of spending the summer on tour with Josh Groban, Wonderland reveals the singer’s address book through a few interesting collaborations.
Among these prestigious guests is Emmylou Harris, whom McLachlan has known since the first Lilith Fair back in 1996. Harris sings with McLachlan on "Go Tell It On The Mountain," as well as with Martha Wainwright on "Away In A Manger."
The band Half Moon Run, had a significant involvement on the album as they play on five tracks and worked on the arrangements with the singer.
But the most surprising guests are the Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra which can be heard on "Let It Snow," "Silver Bells," and "Huron Carol."
McLachlan has said she is already working on another new project to follow her 2014 album Shine On.