Christmas in Vienna II cover

Christmas in Vienna II

Dionne Warwick · 1994

52 min · 12 tracks · pop music

A lush orchestral celebration blending traditional holiday music with Dionne Warwick's soulful interpretations and heartfelt vocals.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Smile Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    O Holy Night — Warwick's rendition of this classic carol highlights her vocal prowess, with powerful crescendos that evoke deep emotion, making it a standout track for its spiritual resonance.
  • →
    What the World Needs Now — This song serves as a poignant reminder of hope and unity during the holiday season, showcasing Warwick's ability to convey meaningful messages through her iconic voice.
  • →
    Ave Maria — Warwick's interpretation of this sacred piece is both reverent and moving, illustrating her versatility as she transitions from pop to classical styles effortlessly.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album combines familiar holiday tunes with Warwick's soulful interpretation but lacks standout originality.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks include medleys that blend multiple songs into cohesive segments, enhancing 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

  • heartwarming holiday nostalgia
  • steady pacing for reflection
  • festive spirit for gatherings
  • evocative vocals for quiet moments
  • sing-along medley for celebration

Maybe skip if you

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

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — This album is beloved by fans, especially during the holiday season.
Themes
Viennese holiday spirit· cultural diversity in carols
Moods
Nostalgic· Chill
Career context
Released in 1994, Christmas in Vienna II marks Dionne Warwick's continued exploration of seasonal music following the success of her first Christmas album. At this point in her career, she had established herself as a respected pop and soul artist, known for her emotive vocal delivery and a string of hits from the 1960s onward.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Over the Rainbow

    The moment shifts from nostalgic yearning to a hopeful vision of the future, encapsulating the essence of longing during the holidays.

    This lyrical transition enhances the emotional weight of the song, creating a contrast that invites listeners to reflect on their dreams amidst seasonal celebrations.

Tracklist

  • 1 Smile Start here 4:49
  • 2 Hear My Song 3:17
  • 3 O Holy Night 4:29
  • 4 Las golondrinas 3:36
  • 5 Over the Rainbow 4:31
  • 6 What the World Needs Now 3:47
  • 7 L’ultima canzone 5:12
  • 8 As Time Goes By 4:26
  • 9 An die Musik 2:37
  • 10 Ave Maria 4:48
  • 11 Medley: Mary’s Boy Child / God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen / Once Again, It’s Christmas Time This Year / Ven a mi casa, esta Navidad / The Christmas Song / Feliz Navidad 7:57
  • 12 Stille Nacht / Silent Night / Douce nuit, sainte nuit 3:15

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata