Carnie Wilson

Like her or not, Carnie Wilson has had one heck of a ride during her two-decade career in the spotlight. Whether it's as a member of hippie-offspring adult contemporary group Wilson Phillips, talk-show host, or being one of the first celebrities to publicly admit to having dangerous, stomach-shrinking surgery, Wilson has had more than her fair share of scrutiny under the spotlight. So this change in pace, while unsurprising, is refreshingly free of any tabloid-friendly controversy. A Mother's Gift: Lullabies from the Heart is a 12-song session of gentle lullabies for children. Wilson sings many American pop standards such as "Over the Rainbow," "Love Me Tender," and "What a Wonderful World." There's also pleasant surprises with Wilson sharing the microphone with her legendary father Brian on "You Are So Beautiful," and singing what is arguably her Uncle Dennis Wilson's finest composition "Forever." And while the original meaning of "Forever" is co-opted by Wilson in a different context, it's still a quite enjoyable performance. Her original compositions dwindle in comparison to the covers, but it's still a pleasant disc that will lull your little ones to golden slumbers. ~ Rob Theakston, All Music Guide