'Winter Songs' CD offers new versionof traditional favorites

Get into the holiday spirit with "The Hotel Café Presents…Winter Songs." 

"Winter Songs" is a holiday CD comprised of only female singers and songwriters including Katy Perry, Fiona Apple, and Sara Bareilles.

The album features both original and traditional holiday songs across multiple genres including rock, country and alternative. 

Perhaps one of the best parts of "Winter Songs" is how it engages the listener with traditional tunes.  

"Winter Songs" manages to maintain a modern sound with even the most classical of songs.

Perry sings a bluesy interpretation of "White Christmas" with simple acoustic instruments and a raspy tone that really bring the lyrics alive.

An original piece such as "Maybe Next Year" by Meiko is maybe one the most edgy in terms of content on the album.  

Her lyrics tell the story of a woman who is unsympathetic for the wrong she has done, and perhaps maybe next year she'll do better.

The cover song of the album is "Winter Song," and it is a duet with Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson.  This as well is an original piece, and it is without doubt a love song. 

Bareilles and Michaelson seem to fit perfectly together creating a slow song that is not boring and has a very smooth and mellow feel.

Songs like "Sleigh Ride" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas" are just a few of the classics that were turned into up-to-date up tempo versions.

Apple sings a version of "Frosty the Snowman" that is one of my favorite cuts on the album.  

It rings true to the original with lyrics and melody, and uses acoustic instruments that almost make you feel as if you're at a concert.

The women featured on "Winter Songs" showed great creativity with their original pieces as well as their interpretations of the classics, creating a holiday CD that is very contemporary and will also please those looking for the more traditional sounds.