Sting takes a detour from his hearty rock and pop performances for a collection of reflective seasonal music with a twist. He eschews well-known carols and instead explores chilled, almost monastic soundscapes that conjure images of glistening, frosty nights and magical snow-covered moors. Sting’s alluring and cindery vocals are often modified into a layered choral style (“Gabriel’s Message”), while the album’s elegant instrumentation varies from simple picked guitar to percussion-led minimalism (“Cold Song”). Throughout, his breathy, intimate delivery lends emotional gravitas to these graceful portraits.