Maybe the Grinch is one of my ancestors and somehow I was born with a heart two sizes too small. I have never been a big fan of Christmas albums. For one thing, except for the rare original, everyone that releases a Christmas album chooses to cover the same standards. After you've heard a song done so many different ways, it takes something pretty spectacular to make it stand out. Second, I don't particularly care for spending money on a CD that I will only listen to 20 days out of the year.

With that out of the way, I must say that I do enjoy the latest Christmas release from "Etta James," "12 Songs of Christmas." I think that Etta succeeds in making an enjoyable Christmas album because the bluesy arrangements she uses give the songs a twist that make them fresh and exciting. (Not to mention that she has one hell of a voice.)

Of particular interest, at least to me, were the tracks "This Time of Year," which features a smoky tenor sax accompaniment, and the "The Little Drummer Boy," which Etta lends a gospel feel to. Her version of "Silent Night" may make you forget that it has ever been recorded by anyone else.

Fans of Etta James will not be disappointed in this album, if they can get past the fact that it's all Christmas music. For fans of Christmas albums in general, this album has enough new twists to make it a worthy addition to a Christmas album collection. I know I'll be kicking back with a few Christmas spirits and listening to this album several more times before Santa's big day.