Well folks, it’s about that time of year where the leaves have barely changed colors yet Christmas is everywhere. For all of you holiday lovers like me, the sound of jingle bells can never actually come too early. Every year country artists try their hand at the classics and this year is no different. Kacey Musgraves, Chris Young, Brett Eldredge, and Rascal Flatts are some of the country crooners singing about mistletoe and snowball fights this season.
Kacey Musgraves, A Very Kacey Christmas: This album features stripped down versions, back to the days of your grandparents’ Christmas music. Sonically using a ton of slide guitar and even an accordion, the album is traditional while still not losing Musgraves’ signature flair. A stand out on the record is “A Willie Nice Christmas” featuring none other than Musgraves’ long time muse and mentor, Willie Nelson. The song plays on words, and is a strong offer for a new Christmas carol, its corniness making it even more lovable. “Gonna wrap my presents up in red bandanas / leave some special cookies out for Santa / throw my troubles to the wind / till we’re back on the road again / here’s to finding your own little piece on earth / and I hope you have a really, really, really Willie nice Christmas / If you’re in Luckenbach or Waikiki / Yeah, I hope you have a really / A really, really, Willie nice Christmas / And may we all stay higher than the angel on top of the tree.”
Although the track listing includes standards like “Feliz Navidad,” “Let It Snow,” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” Musgraves’ wanted to add her own original songs to the record as well. Never afraid to shy away from melancholy feelings and reality, “Christmas Makes Me Cry” is the perfect song for anyone struggling at a time of immense surrounding joy.
Grab A Very Kacey Christmas on iTunes here.
Brett Eldredge, Glow: Reminiscent of the Rat Pack, Glow is far from a country music album; however, Eldredge’s big band version of these classic Christmas carols will have you snapping your fingers and feeling warm and fuzzy. At times his voice can be compared to the greats like Perry Como, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin. Finding roots in the standards, Eldredge sings “The Christmas Song,” originated by Nat King Cole, transporting listeners back to the very room where the original song was recorded in 1946. A highlight on the record is his duet with Meghan Trainor, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.” The playful banter and the horn section glisten just like the snow outside. The title track, written specifically for this album, once again features a horn section and is the ideal song to listen to while dancing around the Christmas tree or while enjoy a cup of hot chocolate in front of the fire.“You look good in the light of my Christmas tree / you and the mistletoe and me / you are my sunshine over a field of snow / and I love to watch you glow.” As far as the traditional Christmas songs go, Eldredge’s smooth voice on “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “White Christmas” will go down as a timeless Christmas album.
Glow is available on iTunes.
Chris Young, It Must Be Christmas: Chris Young’s voice is undeniably country so when he decides to record the quintessential country classics, country fans are likely to love the album. Whether it’s his upbeat version of “Christmas (Baby Come Home)” or the tender and always moving “The First Noel,” which features Brad Paisley, the harmonies warm your heart and beg for repeat spins. Excelling in love songs, Young’s original “Under the Weather” is sultry and guarantees to become a staple in your holiday season. “There is only one thing I need / yeah and you can bet, me being wrapped up with you is he best present I can get / it’s cold outside / you and I ain’t got to go nowhere / start a fire lay besides ya, all night right here / the snow’s coming down and it wont be the only thing falling / so lets stay here together, under the weather.” Another standout on the record is the duet with Boyz II Men on “Silent Night.” The combination of Young’s twangy country vocals with the fellas in Boyz II Men echoing in perfect harmony will give you chills.
Purchase It Must Be Christmas on iTunes here.
Rascal Flatts, The Greatest Gift of All: This holiday album is sure to put you in a fantastic mood on your drive home from the hectic, crowded malls. The trio has always offered angelic harmonies and this record is no different. Over the past fifteen years in the business, the Rascal Flatts certainly know how to cohesively put together an album that fans will love and play year after year and this being their first try at Christmas songs, they haven’t disappointed. The record kicks off with an upbeat, cheer-filled version of “Joy to the World” that will certainly have you singing along as your wrap all of those gifts. The slowed down versions of “Deck the Halls” and “Let it Snow” show off Gary LeVox’s vocal ability. A more modern holiday classic, “Strange Way to Save the World,” transports you to another time, and allows the listener to focus on the origin of the Christmas story. A definite standout on the record is “Silent Night,” which features the Flatts’ children. LeVox’s sixteen year old Brittany sings the lead as the younger children sing tenderly with her. If this song doesn’t put you in the mood for family and holidays I don’t know what will.
Get the classic album on iTunes here.