A Very Special Season cover

A Very Special Season

Diana Ross · 1994

78 min · 20 tracks · jazz

A joyful celebration of holiday classics infused with Diana Ross's signature soulful elegance and emotive vocal style.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Wonderful Christmastime Start here — accessible entry with immediate festive hook
  • →
    Overjoyed — This track showcases Ross's emotional depth, transforming a well-known ballad into a heartfelt plea that stands out among traditional Christmas fare.
  • →
    Happy Xmas (War Is Over) — Ross’s rendition infuses social consciousness into the holiday theme, emphasizing hope and unity, making it relevant beyond the season.
  • →
    Amazing Grace — Her interpretation brings a profound sense of reverence and vocal strength, making it a moving centerpiece on the album that resonates deeply with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends holiday classics with original songs, featuring varied vocal styles and orchestral arrangements.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate orchestral arrangements alongside traditional instrumentation, creating a rich soundscape that enhances the festive atmosphere.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • festive gatherings and celebrations
  • cozy winter evenings at home
  • uplifting moments of reflection
  • joyful sing-alongs with friends
  • heartwarming nostalgia for holidays

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy excitement
  • prefer modern, upbeat tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Seasonal album that expands Ross's catalog but isn't a major entry point or breakthrough.
Themes
holiday nostalgia· seasonal joy· soulful reflection
Career context
By 1994, Diana Ross was a celebrated music icon with a career spanning three decades. 'A Very Special Season' came after her 1991 album 'The Force Behind the Power,' showcasing her continued evolution as an artist while embracing the holiday music genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Chaka Khan· Donna Summer· Anita Baker

Tracklist

  • 1 Wonderful Christmastime Start here 3:09
  • 2 Sleigh Ride / Jingle Bells 3:40
  • 3 Winter Wonderland 3:22
  • 4 It's Christmas Time 3:18
  • 5 White Christmas 3:20
  • 6 Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! 2:14
  • 7 The Christmas Song 3:13
  • 8 Overjoyed 4:05
  • 9 Someday At Christmas 4:09
  • 10 What The World Needs Now 4:20
  • 11 Amazing Grace 5:21
  • 12 His Eye Is On The Sparrow 3:52
  • 13 Silent Night 5:01
  • 14 O Holy Night 4:44
  • 15 O Little Town Of Bethlehem 4:25
  • 16 Ave Maria 5:52
  • 17 Go Tell It On The Mountain 5:08
  • 18 The First Noël 3:30
  • 19 I Heard The Bells 2:53
  • 20 Happy Xmas (War Is Over) 3:15

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata