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I normally never review single-song CDs; after all, why bother? It takes quite a bit of time to set up a review for a holiday album, so why expend that effort for a four-minute track? I made an exception for Anne Cochran's fine Someone Is Missing at Christmas. It's worth it.

Prepare to pull out a hanky. This album is all about the heartbreak when someone you love cannot be with you at Christmas. This number was inspired by Lyn Chaffee, who died of ovarian cancer two days after her 62nd birthday; her brother John wrote the song as Christmas approached. The following year, the young wife of producer Randy Harper died of breast cancer. Of course, life is an adventure, and death is an inevitable part. For the living, the loss of loved ones is especially emotional when the holidays and familiar family activities only underscore the absence.

Someone Is Missing at Christmas is not, however, dark and depressing. After all, our loved ones live forever in our hearts, and that keeps them close every Christmas. Anne Cochran delivers this universal message with simple eloquence; her lovely voice is perfectly matched with the poignant lyrics. Her sweet, warm tone gently delivers hope in the face of grief and loss. The artist's site indicates that a portion of proceeds will go to "various breast and ovarian cancer foundations."

The song may end in four minutes, but the sentiment should last a lifetime. Lovely.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2006)

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From the liner notes:

Performed by Anne Cochran
Produced and engineered by Randy Harper
Guitar: David Baker
Recorded at Commercial Recording Studios, Inc.

Inspired by my sister Lyn Pease Chaffee and others right here in our hearts.
--John Chaffee

Anne Cochran

Someone Is Missing at Christmas
(CD Single)

Artist link

Track List