Let It Be Christmas
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (05 November, 2002)
list price: $17.98
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Editorial Review

Unlike 1993's classic Honky Tonk Christmas, which was almost entirely original tunes, 10 of these 11 tracks are well-known holiday favorites. But one of the highlights of that 1993 release was Jackson's cover of Burl Ives's very familiar "Holly Jolly Christmas," which he subsequently made his own. Jackson's warm, soothing voice also works wonders here, with the arrangements doing their part to transform this into yet another yuletide classic. In fact, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is one of the most touching versions ever recorded. Be it a semi-jazzy "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," the honky-tonk piano on a rousing "Jingle Bells," a gorgeous acoustic-based "Silent Night," or "The Christmas Song" delivered with a pleasant twang, these tracks deserve perennial play. --Bill Holdship ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Let it be...
Let there be more!This is a great CD.As for those who have never been exposed to country music...buy this CD and introduce yourself to Alan Jackson.You won't be dissapointed.

My favorite modern Christmas CD.......by far
First off, I'm not a big fan of country music. I happened to be on the treadmill, flipping channels, on a cold November day, and I noticed the Alan Jackson Christmas special (which I think aired originally in 2002) on CMT. I was going to continue flipping, but I love the Christmas season, so I figured I'd watch. Turns out that I really enjoyed the special. It was very traditional and family oriented, and the songs were also traditional Christmas favorites. After a couple of days, I just couldn't get the excellently arranged songs out of my head, so I went out and bought the cd. I've listened to it dozens of times over the last month, and its the best musical purchase I've made in a long while. I know this cd will now be among my few continuously played Christmas favorites, every holiday season, no question about it. The cd features a great mixture of slow and fast Christmas classics, along with one original song - the cd's title track, "Let It Be Christmas." I'm generally not a fan of original Christmas songs, but this song is worth the entire price of the disc. The music, the lyrics, and everything else about this song is just perfect, and it will bring forth peaceful feelings and fond memories in all but the most scroogish of listeners. I can't do this album justice with words, all I can do is recommend it with my highest praise.

A Non Country Fan Has Been Won Over ....
Well I got tostart by saying I have never been a country music fan of any kind . (Bon Jovi Bein My Band of choice ) , but christmas music I usally favor almost all things even if not in my musical taste . Everything that is but country . Well after hearing my good freinds rave about Mr Jackson I indeed was curious and bought this cd . I will tell you I was not dissapointed . This was probally one of the best christmas cds Ive ever purchased (I own about 2000 ) and well the arangments are terrific . Alan Jackson gives a very peaceful downhome feel tohis recordings and this shines here . "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas " indeed makes you definally feel you will , The only other persons recording Ive cared for of this song isJudy Gardlands but indeed was a pleasant listen . Other songs like "O Come O ye Faithful " orAlans version of The Nat King Cole classic " The Christmas Song " make you want tograb a cup of hot chocolate and sit by the fire with freinds , or goon one nice long sleighride . If you love Alans music and are a country fan ull buy this cd . But if you not a fan of country and want a good old fashioned"new" classic get this cd its not a let downdown . ... Read more

Asin: B00006JO4R
Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Contemporary Country    4. New Traditionalist    5. Pop   

The Season for Romance
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (29 October, 2002)
list price: $18.98
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Editorial Review

The holidays are apparently for lovers, and Lee Ann Womack presents a few new originals here, including the opening title track, to place things in the proper perspective. There's also a cover of "The Man with the Bag" that's previously only been featured on Ally McBeal: A Very Ally Christmas. Nevertheless, it's on the traditional songs--including never-can-go-wrong usual suspects like "White Christmas," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and "The Christmas Song"--that Womack's evocative vocals come across most memorably. A "big band" album in the vein of holiday offerings from some of the greatest crooners of the '60s, this moves the 2002 Country Music Association's Female Vocalist of the Year even further away from her country roots than her more recent pop-oriented discs did. Accordingly, Harry Connick Jr. shows up to duet with the singer on a version of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" that seems destined to become a holiday staple, even if it's a bit corny. --Bill Holdship ... Read more

Reviews (16)

NOT TOO BAD.
She is a country star, right? However listening to this cd you realize that she does not have any boundaries.
She takes a lot of Christmas standards and does not turn them into country standards, but uses some jazz.
Her rendetion of BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE is by far the sexiest version of that song I have heard in a long time. Her duet with Harry Connick, Jr for BABY... sizzles. There is so much warmth and sexuality coming from this song. She uses her very smoky and sensual voice on her version of HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHIRSTMAS. I love the strumming on the drum on this song. On WHITE CHRISTMAS you feel like you are sitting somewhere in a jazz club. She keeps very true to the original by not altering the whole feel of the song. There is also a sense of childness and fun with the song THE MAN WITH THE BAG. The only problem I have with the cd is her version of SILENT NIGHT. It sounds slightly miscued. It seems the music is going faster than her. Then the biggest mistake on this song is the use of a saxaphone. It ruins the beauty and the majesty of this song.
Overall it is a good cd to have for Christmas. She proves that she is more than just country music.
Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

A surprising sound
I'm not a big country music fan, but I loved "I Hope You Dance" and decided to get Lee Ann's Christmas album.It has significant jazz and adult contemporary influences.Not at all what I expected, but very, very nice.There's a good selection of songs and her voice is crystal clear.Highly recommended!

Wonderful
The Season For Romance is a very calming, relaxing, and soothing album.Lee Ann has a beautiful voice!My favorite track is The Man With The Bag because it's upbeat and energetic.Most of the songs are slow.This is a lovely album and I'd recommend it. ... Read more

Asin: B00006WKVU
Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Contemporary Country    4. Pop   

A Joyful Noise
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (29 October, 2002)
list price: $7.98 -- our price: $7.98
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Editorial Review

Just when you resign yourself to the fact that everything's probably been done in the world of holiday albums, a disc like A Joyful Noise comes along. Not that there's exactly anything new about the collection: with the exception of two originals, including the title track, the choices are all classics. But Jo Dee Messina brings a unique charm, warmth, and subtle sexiness to standards like "The Christmas Song" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," attributes that are often missing from yuletide releases. As a vocalist, Messina could teach today's pop divas a thing or two about how to create memorable vocals without resorting to histrionics. Vince Gill shows up to add even more charm on a duet of "Silver Bells." The nifty arrangements certainly count for a lot, and something like the haunting harmonica solo on "Let It Snow!" is truly unique to recordings of that particular song. But in the end, it's Messina's wonderful voice, spirit, and personality that make this the finest Christmas release of 2002. --Bill Holdship ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Good Christmas CD----Need More Orignal Christmas Songs
I love Jo Dee Messina but this was not my faviorte Christmas CD. How many artists can possibly do a Christmas album? They all seem to have the same songs on them. I have Leann Rimes Christmas CD and love it because there are more orignal works on it than other CD's. But still this is a great CD for the Christmas season.

AWFUL MIXES!
BORING,BORING,BORING, AND CAN YOU SAY BORING...THIS TYPE OF GARBAGE SHOULDNT BE ALLOWED ON THE FREAKING SHELVES. IT BELONGS MORE LIKELY IN THE TRASH LIKE HER!

Good mix of old and new!
This CD is really nice at Christmas time.The songs give you a nice feeling since they are new and fresh but grounded in a traditional style.Jo Dee's voice is beautiful and strong - truly a joyful noise. ... Read more

Asin: B00006JM1Y
Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Contemporary Country    4. Country    5. Neo-Traditionalist Country    6. Pop   

Merry Christmas to All
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (08 October, 2002)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $11.98
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Reviews (1)

Down-home Ho Ho Ho
Charlie Daniels is sure-enuff the genuine article, an artist unfraid of taking a high-minded stance and doing things his way.That said, what you'd expect from CDB's Christmas CD is delivered.And that's just fine by me.

Charlie is down-home, but don't classify him too tightly.Remember, he played on The Beatles White Album and has a list of accomplishments stretching through the decades.Nobody can pull that off without tons o' talent.

Charlie and Co. blend holiday standards and newer stuff, all with his trademark sound.

I love Christmas music and have hundreds of releases, so I'm pretty critical about half-baked efforts.This is one of my very favorite Christmas CDs from 2002.It'll be an annual joy to slide this in the CD changer and get into the holiday mood every year. ... Read more

Asin: B00006IK35
Sales Rank: 117765
Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Country Gospel    4. Country-Rock    5. Pop    6. Southern Rock    7. Traditional Country    8. Urban Cowboy   

It Won't Be Christmas Without You
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (08 October, 2002)
list price: $17.98
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Editorial Review

Brooks & Dunn bring the same blend of honky-tonk and pop ballads to their first holiday offering that they've brought to the country charts for more than a decade, adding a nice bluesy twang to classics like "Winter Wonderland" and "Blue Christmas." Some of this sounds like it could be straight out of Buck Owens's place in Bakersfield, while other spots are reminiscent of Glen Campbell. Which is another way of saying that the instrumentation is nearly perfect on all 11 tracks. Although there are secular standards throughout, almost half the CD comprises obscurities and originals (including the title track) that mostly hold up alongside "The Christmas Song" and other well-known favorites. "Rockin' Little Christmas" does exactly what its title suggests, while the adorable "Who Says There Ain't No Santa Claus," cowritten by Brooks, deserves to become a country holiday standard. --Bill Holdship ... Read more

Reviews (11)

It wont be christmas without you
This is the first country cd I have purchased. It is great. I had seen the video on tv last year. but didnt give the cd much thought. Well, I heard the title cut again this year and just had to have it. Not only was the title cut great but I had to sit and relax and listen to the complete cd..Belive me, I was not disappointed. I ordered the cd from one of your merchants, RetroDisc. The cd came on time (today) and it was in perfect condition. RetroDisc deservers 5 stars along with amazon. Thank you for such wonderful service.

Great Christmas album for everyone to enjoy
Ronnie Dunn is a brilliant singer while Kix Brooks is merely a good singer, but Kix has an outgoing personality that more than compensates for any vocal imperfections. These characteristics are demonstrated clearly in this excellent collection of Christmas songs old and new. Ronnie's style is more suited to the laid-back songs while Kix really lets rip on the up-tempo material. Although Ronnie normally sings lead on the majority of the duo's songs, this album is different. Ronnie sings lead on It won't be Christmas without you, Blue Christmas, The Christmas song and I'll be home for Christmas, all of them ballads and all superbly performed.

On all the other songs, Kix sings lead and his enthusiasm shines through. If Rocking little Christmas doesn't get those toes tapping, nothing else will. For absolute perfection, it might have better if Ronnie had sung lead on White Christmas, but Kix does a fair version of the song and I cannot fault him elsewhere on the album.

The five original songs are all of a high quality while the six covers are all well known classics. This is a hugely entertaining album that can be used as background music but will also appeal to anybody who wants to give it undivided attention.

Excellent Christmas Album
B&D did an excellent job on this album.They took alot of the classics and made them their own and threw in some new songs that will definately be staples in my christmas music.Of course, if you're the type of person whothinks christmas music should only have orchastra instruments and not electric guitars might want to look elsewhere.For anyone who enjoys Brooks & Dunn's music this album is a must have. ... Read more

Asin: B00006H6AD
Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Contemporary Country    4. Country-Pop    5. Neo-Traditionalist Country    6. Pop   

Cledus Navidad
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 October, 2002)
list price: $9.98 -- our price: $9.98
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Reviews (3)

funniest cledus ever
This is the best christmas CD out there! Cledus's Christmas Ball is the funniest song I've heard in ages. And the best "grandma got run over by a reindeer" ever. A must buy!

Merry Christmas from your bleach-blond, overweight comedian!
Cledus's newest CD, "Cledus Navidad," offers up ten tracks to delight you in the holiday season--or any other time of the year.Fans of Cledus--and yes, you pretty much have to be demented--may be surpised to learn that he wrote only two songs on here, one of them, "Merry Christmas From the Whole Fam Damily", appearing on "Just Another Day In Parodies."

But on to this album.

"Cledus's Christmas Ball" kicks things off, a hilarious party thrown by the Cleuds-man himself."Stephon the Alternative Lifestyle Reindeer" isn't knock-out funny, but its humor it subtle, and its a good tune, anyway."Hazel's Homemade Hallelujah Punch" and "All I Want For Christmas Is Two Gold Front Teef" are probably the worst of the tracks, if that term can be used.You'll get chuckles out of them, though, don't you worry.

"Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer" (much better than Cledus's parody on an earlier album) will bring back many memories for those of you old enough to remember Elmo & Patsy.(I like the knew introduction/techno spin on the chorus, as well.)"Only 364 More Shopping Days Til Christmas" was written (by CTJ) for all you parents out there. "Tree's On Fire" is one of the most hilarious songs on the album--and a parody of Cash's "Ring of Fire."The immitation of Cash's voice is half the fun, but the other half's listening to the cat get it.

"Don't Serve Beans", featuring Cledus T. Judd and "Out of Sync", is supposedly sung at a church, with a preacher introducing the band.No instruments, but some good harmonies.You can guess what the tune's about.

"Merry Christmas From..." (I mentioned the full title earlier) is still one of Cledus's best songs ever, a hilarious ride through two warring families' Christmas gathering."Santa Clause Is Watching You" is also still a delight, with Cledus bringing the song to life once again--and getting you to smile, laugh, and possibly lose control of your car.

With that last warning in mind, you might want to be careful where you listen to this album.Like everything Cledus does, it'll get you laughin.This man has a gift of smiles--whether he's immitating Billy Gilman (Check "Cledus Envy) or admiring Dolly Parton's "jugs of wine" (Check the album whose review your reading), Cledus T. Judd will get you to laugh.

"Cledus Navidad", everyone!

his best yet
cledus does it again.this is his best work of all time. ... Read more

Asin: B00006NSFP
Sales Rank: 88707
Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Contemporary Country    4. Country Comedy    5. Pop   

Christmas
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (17 September, 2002)
list price: $11.98
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Reviews (16)

Surprisingly Old-Fashioned CD
Clay Walker released his debut CD a decade ago, with such enjoyable hits as "What's It to You" and "Live Until I Die."He has continued to have hits, although somewhat more sporadically in recent years.Part of the reason for his lower profile is due to the closure of his former label, Giant, right before the release of his last studio album.Fortunately for his fans, his music continues to be high quality, as evidenced by this very enjoyable Christmas CD.

The CD is filled with familiar, somewhat musty, Christmas songs.However, Clay does an admirable job of making the songs sound fresh, ironically by giving them an old-fashioned sheen.Although the CD is country-tinged, the sound is more reminiscent of traditional pop."I'll Be Home for Christmas," for example, opens with a chorus of female singers that could be straight from a 1940s Bing Crosby song.Likewise, "White Christmas" features beautiful, cascading harp music.Clay's voice has never been spectacular, but he sings these holiday chestnuts with enough verve that his somewhat flat voice doesn't become a major debit.

The biggest surprises are "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Feliz Navidad," featuring Clay singing facilely in Spanish.He sounds fantastic, perhaps the highlight of the CD.Highly recommended for Clay Walker fans as well as devotees of old-fashioned Christmas music.

Not just for Country Music Fans
I have to agree with the other reviews found here as this is a great Christmas CD.Even though I may be biased as Clay is my favorite Male Country Artist I would recommend this CD to non Country fans.His voice is surprisingly adaptable to the wide style of music on this disc including gospel and Jazz.He evensings wonderfully in Spanish with his rendition of Feliz Navidad. The emotion Clay puts into this work gives a wonderful Christmas spirit for the entire family to enjoy.

Delightful Holiday Surprise Of The Year
It may have been intended as a quick contract completer for old label Warner Brothers, but Clay Walker's Christmas ended up as his most consistent album to date. Walker leads off with four moving hymns/religious themed tracks, of which "Mary Did You Know? (with surprisingly effective spoken word final verse) and a choir accompanied, climax building "Go Tell It On The Mountain" are particularly inspirational.He moves on to modern classics, adeptly mixing sophisticated ballads ("I'll Be Home For Christmas," "Blue Christmas") with uptempo kiddie fare ("Rudolph, "Frosty").These modern faves prominently feature lush, cozy 50s style background vocals (again, surprisingly effective).An ultra-festive "Feliz Navidad" (featuring Walker's typically spot on Spanish) concludes the album, leaving the listener smiling and wishing for more.

As Walker is no longer with Warner Brothers, this collection has sadly not gotten any promotional push (the generic CD cover artwork lacking Walker's image doesn't help either).Spread the word, this CD deserves to be heard by all. ... Read more

Asin: B00006I09N
Sales Rank: 110337
Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Contemporary Country    4. New Traditionalist    5. Pop   

An Inconvenient Christmas
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 October, 2002)
list price: $9.98
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Reviews (5)

Well . . .
This is the expected mix of traditional and original songs, but the traditional ones were pretty standard "country Christmas" fare, and the originals were rather bland. Nice enough, but no stunners. And guys, this just isn't how the Hallelujah Chorus should be done. Nor even Beautiful Star of Bethlehem, for that matter!

Simply AWESOME!
This has to be the best Christmas album I have ever heard."An Inconvenient Christmas" is your typical Oaks instant classic and I don't think I have EVER heard a better version of "The Hallelujah Chorus."The Oaks just keep recording great music and only get better with time....just like fine wine!

Outstanding New Oak Ridge Boys Christmas Release
This is the fourth Christmas project released by the Oaks and it is by far their very best. The Oaks brings to us several new Christmas songs which are destined to become standards in the future. A great mix of old Christmas standards intertwined with new cuts such as: "My Son", "Merry Christmas Baby" & "Beneath The Christmas Tree" just to name a few. The Oaks power harmony is showcased in this project as well as outstanding leads by all four members. Folks, this one is a keeper, one that can be played throughout the year, one that will inspire you, calm you, make you laugh, make you cry and one that will take you on a musical journey that you will not want to return from easily. Buy it, you will not be disappointed. ... Read more

Asin: B00006LHY3
Sales Rank: 84340
Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Country    4. Country Gospel    5. Pop   

Big Night
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (08 October, 2002)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $11.98
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Reviews (3)

The Best Yet!
I own all of the Tractor CDs and this is the best yet.As another reviewer stated, if you don't own another Christmas album, make sure you purchase this one.Makes you want to dance, cry, and remember the reason for the season.If you like big band, blues, country, and the Tractors, this is the one!

Reason to Celebrate
Let's face it, it was a long difficult summer in the U.S.; plenty of bad stuff came down the pipe. So what could be more in order right now than a great new foot stompin, boogie woogie Christmas album by the band most able to produce it: The Tractors. The Big Night delivers 110%, from rockers like Boogie Woogie Santa Clause and I was a Bad Boy This Year, to the more pensive tones of Bells are Ringing and Mary's Baby. It's a great stocking stuffer, one bound to bring good cheer this holiday season. We can sure use it.

THE Christmas album to buy!
Ok, ya got you tree, the stockings are ready to hang and the kids are making lists (and checking them more than twice!). Now what you need is some atmosphere. There are plenty of country Christmas cds to pick from, but how many versions of Little Drummer Boy and Silent Night with strings can folks own?

Me, I wanna shuffle around my tree and the kids fall asleep listening to some to the tripe that comes out of Nashville these days. Thank goodness itself for Steve Ripley and the Tractors. This new album, "The Big Night" is everything that those production line Nashvile albums are not. Real music with soul. Good players laying down licks with an icy helping of Santa spirit to boot. This is the only Christmas disc you need to shovel out any dough for this year. Save the rest for the kids lengthy lists and the Ripley solo album! ... Read more

Asin: B00006IK3A
Sales Rank: 96281
Subjects:  1. Christmas / Chanukkah    2. Contemporary Country    3. Neo-Traditionalist Country    4. Pop   

The Reason for the Season
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (29 October, 2002)
list price: $7.98
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Reviews (1)

Super Album
This is the best Christmas Album that I have listened to. Not too many traditional songs that everyone else does and they made the ones that they did in their own style. God Bless America this Christmas and Light up al the candles says it all in these times we are living. ... Read more

Asin: B00006JOFX
Sales Rank: 235170
Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Contemporary Country    4. Country-Pop    5. Pop   

No Place Like Home on Christmas
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 October, 2002)
list price: $9.98 -- our price: $9.98
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Reviews (1)

A welcome addition to the holiday CD carousel
"Whispering Bill" Anderson's still in fine voice, 40-plus years after recording his first album. His latest adds several new songs to a collection of chestnuts, all rendered in Anderson's trademark laid-back style. His band, The Po' Folks, provide everything from twangy fiddle-and-dobro backed harmonies for "Christmas Time's A-Comin'" to gentle guitar and mandolin sounds on "Joy to the World."

Highlights include a two-stepping "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" that swings on Donna Hammitt's fine steel playing, and Anderson's new tunes, including his tale of homemade holidays, "Po' Folks Christmas," and the hard-luck lost innocence of "My Christmas List Grows Shorter Every Year." Boudleaux Bryant's title track (recorded as early as 1953 by Little Jimmy Dickens) provides a wonderfully optimistic view of the holiday home.

Though radio's no longer interested in the subtle talents of stars like Anderson, he's still a draw at the Opry, and his later-day albums (including 2001's "A Lot of Things Different") find his talent fully intact, amplified by the performer's finesse he's acquired over the years. Add this disc to your holiday CD carousel for a touch of class. ... Read more

Asin: B00006LHYY
Sales Rank: 199188
Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Country-Pop    4. Nashville Sound/Countrypolitan    5. Pop    6. Songwriter    7. Traditional Country   

The Gift
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (29 October, 2002)
list price: $7.98 -- our price: $7.98
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Reviews (17)

Kenny tells the Jesus story
For this album, Kenny collected together a selection of original and lesser-known Christmas songs about Jesus. He also recorded a medley of famous carols, woven together as The chosen one montage.

The set opens with Mary did you know, a song that began life as obscure song recorded by a specialist Christian music singer. It was covered by Kathy Mattea for her Good News album and has since been covered by many more singers including Reba McEntire and may yet rise to the status of standard. Here, Kenny is joined by Wynonna (Judd) for a magnificent duet version

Other guests apart from Wynonna include the Katinas, a five-piece family group that joins Kenny on Pretty little baby child, and GLAD, a group that joins Kenny on a re-recording of a song that Kenny had recorded for his first Christmas album, Sweet little Jesus boy.

The chosen one montage includes some new lyrics but mostly includes amedley of Away in a manger, O holy night, Silent night, First Noel, We three kings and Joy to the world. Some of these songs have appeared separately on other Christmas albums by Kenny.

The set closes with Till the season comes round again, which (like Mary did you know) also appears on Reba's second Christmas album, Secret of giving. I wonder if Reba recorded these two songs after hearing this album. Whatever, Kenny and Reba both do great versions of them.

This album is for those interested in the religious aspect of Christmas and is something of a rarity for a mainstream artist these days - a Christmas album without any songs about Santa, snow and reindeer. Kenny has recorded some of those songs on his other Christmas album. Enjoy this for what it is - a great collection of Christmas songs about Jesus.

Did you Know this cd is HDCD,WOW
Talk about beautiful music with HDCD decoding my soul is lifted to heaven.Mary did you know is a masterpiece and makes this cd priceless.This cd is also mastered in HDCD for the audiophiles like me with my state of the art stereo system...i love it.

Great Christmas CD!
I would have to say that this is the best Christmas album Kenny has ever recorded!Every Christmas I play this CD to death!All the songs are sung beautifully!One of the highlights of this album is the duet with Wynonna, "Mary, Did You Know?".I just love this song!And another hightlight is the "Chosen One" montage.This is just great!I can't describe the feeling I get when I hear this!This CD should be in the homes of every person at Christmas time! ... Read more

Asin: B00006JOCN
Sales Rank: 23852
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Christmas    3. Christmas / Chanukkah    4. Country-Pop    5. Pop   

Bluegrass & White Snow: A Mountain Christmas
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (29 October, 2002)
list price: $9.98
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Editorial Review

O Santa, where art thou? Patty Loveless's big voice almost upstages such stately hymns here as "Away in a Manager" and "Silent Night." That said, this is one of 2002's most satisfying Christmas albums regardless of genre. Rich with harmony vocals and deft acoustic instrumentation, the CD shines bright with unexpected arrangements ("Little Drummer Boy" sounds like an old-time country tune transplanted to Ireland), while words cannot describe the simply beautiful sounds of "Carol of the Bells" and "Silver Bells," rendered with fiddles, Dobro, strumming guitars, and spirited singing. Spread the joy and buy a couple extra for the in-laws and neighbors. --Martin Keller ... Read more

Reviews (21)

A Great Christmas Treasure!!!
Patty Loveless' "Bluegrass & White Snow" Christmas album is a great gift for anybody this holiday season, whether a fan of country music or not. Here is how I rate each song in a 1-5 scale.

1) Away in a Manger- nicely done in a traditional, bluegrass fashion. (4 stars)

2) Silent Night- I like Patty's rendition of this Christmas classic. Trisha Yearwood is featured on backup vocals on this song. (4 stars)

3) Joy the World- great and having Emmylou Harris on background vocals adds to this song's appeal. (5 stars)

4) Carol of the Bells- the instrumental version of this song by the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble is excellent. (5 stars)

5) The First Noel- I love Patty's version of this song. Trisha Yearwood on background vocals enhances its greatness. (5 stars)

6) Little Drummer Boy- My FAVORITE song on the album!!!!! An AMAZING duet with Rebecca Lynn Howard. Their voices blend awesome with each other, making it my all time favorite version of this song. (6 stars!!!!!)

7) Silver Bells- I love Patty's version of this song. Patty gives this song a more down home feel, making it extra special. Amy Grant & Vince Gill are great on backup.(5 stars)

8) O Little Town of Bethelem- Patty did a good job on this song. (5 stars)

9) Christmas Time's a Coming- a nice bluegrass Christmas tune, makes you appreciate the coming of Christmas even more. (5 stars)

10) Santa Train- Co-written by Patty and her husband, Emory Gordy Jr. An uptempo Christmas song. Sounds great! (5 stars)

11) Christmas Day At My House- another song written by Patty & Emory. Tells story of the joy inside the household on Christmas day. (5 stars)

12) Beautiful Star of Bethlehem- I love this song. Patty's alto range can be seen in this song. One of the cd's most soothing songs. (5 stars)

13) Bluegrass & White Snow- My second favorite song on the album!!! Proves Patty's great songwriting skills. I love it. Dolly Parton on background vocals blends great with Patty's voice and makes it a true bluegrass Christmas classic. Love the ACAPELLA ending to this song.(6 stars)

Overall Rating: 5/5 stars.

This album is definitely worth buying and being added to your collection of Christmas albums!!!

Wonderful Christmas CD.A must have!
I bought this CD when it was first released and this year when the holidays rolled around again, I couldn't wait to play the CD while baking, wrapping gifts and such. It has become one of my most played holiday CDs. It has great songs that are wonderfully done. I love Santa Train...it's a great festive song and it is a kid pleaser! Especially for little boys that love trains like my son does. And it has a nostalgia feeling that reminds the adults what it was like to be so excited about getting to see Santa Claus. Star of Bethlehem and Silver Bells are beautifully done. The background vocals are outstanding on all the songs. And I really enjoy Carol of the Bells by the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble. Since I live in TN...I have been lucky enough to hear them play in person and they are a very talented group of musicians.
I highly recommend this CD to your holiday music collection. Even if you don't regularly listen to country or bluegrass music.

POSSIBLY THE BEST CHRISTMAS CD BY A COUNTRY ARTIST!
Through the years country artists have released Christmas CDs for their fans simply because it is the thing to do.They rehash standards and classic carols we've heard thousands of times by thousand of other singers.

Loveless stands out from among the other country artists (and those who call themselves country but which the music does not reflect...)with a CD that demands to be played over and over again!!When it comes to singing country, nobody does it better than Loveless and combine that with Holiday fare and one has a combination that cannot be beat.

This offering is possibly the BEST Christmas CD EVER put out by a country artist but listen for yourself and be the judge.The entire CD is as wonderous as the moonlit sky on a cold winter night, Patty's voice is as crisp as the new fallen snow and that's not surprising because when it comes to music, Patty don't mess around!!She delivers the goods...and how!!!!! ... Read more

Asin: B00006NSYT
Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Contemporary Bluegrass    4. Contemporary Country    5. Neo-Traditionalist Country    6. Pop   

Christmas on the Mountain: A Bluegrass Christmas
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 October, 2002)
list price: $14.98 -- our price: $14.98
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (4)

Perfect CD
This is an instant classic.It's one of those rare Christmas CDs that I'll be listening to this summer, just because it's so good.

Gotta have a Bluegrass Christmas!!!!
This delightfully fresh and new Bluegrass Christmas CD has been in HEAVY rotation since it arrived Thanksgiving weekend.It has it all: Old Chesnuts, new songs, some very funny and clever comedy and outstanding musicianship.This aint no mediocre bluegrass knock-off, this is the real stuff.With the legendary voices of Mac Wiseman, Doc Watson, Bobby & Sonny Osborne and Del McCoury to newer voices Tim O'brien, Ronnie McCoury and Cindy Wheeler (WOW!!! Who???).This will be sure to keep your cabin a glow with the Christmas spirit wherever it may be.A MUST HAVE!!

WOW!!... THIS IS AWESOME!!!...
This CD has it all.Doc Watson, Del McCoury and Mac Wiseman, Jerry Douglas, Ronnie McCoury, Cyndi Wheeler AND the GrooveGrassBoyz.This thing will be a classic and it will be around for a LONGLONG time. Man it's good. ... Read more

Asin: B00006LWQA
Sales Rank: 89769
Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Christmas    3. Christmas / Chanukkah    4. Contemporary Bluegrass    5. Pop    6. Progressive Bluegrass    7. Traditional Bluegrass    8. Truck Driving Country   

Christmas Grass
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (08 October, 2002)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $11.98
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (2)

Tasteful- and tasty.
We have here a very nice acoustic, mostly instrumental Christmas album done all in bluegrass style. The song selection is very good, with a nice mix from traditional to fun. One of the things that makes this album a good choice is that the songs are always bigger than the individual players. Although the lineups have some "big hitters" (Ickes, McCoury, Duncan, etc.), there are no real attempts to outshine the music- it's all very tasteful and not a hint of an ego to be heard. The arrangements are genuine, simple, clean, open, airy, and most often mellow. I'd recommend it for the instrumentalist in you as you fill out your holiday collection with some quality, slightly-off-the-beaten-path selections. If you're looking for great players to tear though souped-up renditions of the songs, you're likely to be disappointed with this one.

Bluegrass covers of Christmas standards
This is an excellent album consisting entirely of familiar tunes, but only the final track (O holy night, sung by the Larkins) features voices. All the other tracks are instrumentals.

There is a nucleus of regular musicians on this album, these being Darrin Vincent (bass), Cody Kilby (acoustic guitar), Ronnie McCoury (mandolin), Rob Ickes (dobro), Danny Parkes (acoustic guitar), fiddle (Joe Caverlee), banjo (Scott Vestal), Stuart Duncan (fiddle) and Matt McGhee (bass).

Guest musicians (each only on one track) include Alison Krauss (fiddle), Ricky Skaggs (fiddle, mandolin) and Rhonda Vincent (mandolin), every one of them a fine instrumentalist. If you buy this hoping to hear them sing, you will be disappointed, because they don't.

The tunes open with the bluegrass standard Christmas time's a-coming, which I have yet to hear performed in any style. The remaining tunes should be familiar to everybody, regardless of what music you normally listen to. You could amuse yourself by trying to `name that tune' without looking at the track listing - you should get more than half right on the first play through.

As background music, this works brilliantly. I've never been a huge fan of instrumental music, but I enjoy it occasionally and this is surely the best album of its kind. And when you reach the final track, you hear the Larkins sing. As I write this, they are new to me but they sound as if they have a great future in bluegrass music. ... Read more

Asin: B00006IK34
Sales Rank: 103262
Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Christmas    3. Christmas / Chanukkah    4. Contemporary Bluegrass    5. Pop    6. Progressive Bluegrass    7. Traditional Bluegrass    8. V/a Compilations