All Country... All You!
The Best of Christmas 2008, Part Two
So I talked about a few albums I thought you needed in your collection this year. There are a ton of Christmas projects out there, but I wanted to share a few of my favorites. I checked, and I think most, if not all, are available via iTunes. Now, here's the top 10 songs you need to celebrate properly this year.
1. "Blue Christmas" - Elvis Presley w. Martina McBride: Thank God for technology! Have you heard this? Have you seen the video? You will be blown away. I mean "Blue Christmas" alone is a great song. Throw in two fantastic voices like Presley and McBride and you just add to the musical magic. The whole Elvis: Christmas Duets project is wonderful, but this is the crown jewel. Perhaps that's why it's track #1?
2. "Last Christmas" - Taylor Swift: I have to admit I'm not a big fan of the original, but Taylor does wonders with this. It's from her EP Sounds of the Season and I really enjoy the country twist on it. This song doesn't fit that traditional mold, but it's a fun song and probably true for a lot of people.
3. "O Holy Night" - John Berry: I'm not familiar with any of John's other works, but his delivery on "O Holy Night" is phenomenal. It's up there as one of the best vocal performances I've ever heard. I'm a big fan of the song too, especially when more than the first verse is sung. Listen to this and tell me you don't tear up. It's truly superb. By the way, you can find this on Berry's album of the same name.
4. "It Won't Be Christmas Without You" - Brooks & Dunn: Ronnie Dunn is great, isn't he? This is the title track of B&D's only Christmas album. Trust me, it's a powerful one. You can hear the hurt, the emotion in Ronnie's voice. This is probably what I would call a mainstream country track; there really isn't anything Christmas about it besides the lyrics. Good stuff. So is their take on "Winter Wonderland.." but that's for another time.
5. "Where Are You Christmas?" - Faith Hill: This has been one of my top 5 holiday songs since it came out in 2000. The emotion is so powerful in this song, and Faith's delivery is breathtaking. Did you know Mariah Carey wrote this song? I love the string arrangements on it, the piano work, the lyrics... it just moves me. Of course, I've been through a few rough Christmases, so the song resonates with me. This song has become a staple - it's a must have! Find it on the "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" soundtrack.
6. "Please Come Home For Christmas" - The Eagles: There's a lot of covers of this one, but my suggestion is to stick with the original. You won't be disappointed. Chances are you've heard this song; if not, get out from under the rock! There's just something about this song that I really enjoy - I think it's the melody. The song has a great rhythm. Of course, it's a heartbreak song, but it will still make you want to sing along.
7. "Mary, Did You Know?" - Reba McEntire: If you want to hear a powerful song this Christmas, this is it! Wow, what a song! The lyrics are very true and very honest. I know this song touches my soul each year. I think Reba hits the song the best - her arrangement fits the doubt and confusion that Mary must have been feeling before the birth of Jesus. There's nothing overblown about this song, and that's what the song needs. Even if you don't buy this one, go read the lyrics, really read them, and then think about what it must have been like. Powerful stuff.
8. "Let It Be Christmas" - Alan Jackson: Alan paints a beautiful picture of Christmas in this title track to his second holiday album. It's a perfect way to describe what Christmas is and what it should be. And, as always, Alan has an impeccable vocal performance. You'll be ready for St. Nick after listening to this one.
9. "Santa's Got A Brand New Bag" - SHeDAISY: Ok, I'm going to admit - you've never heard Christmas like this before. In fact, that can be said for all of SHeDAISY's Brand New Year album. I really enjoy this one though - the saxophone work is insane and the sister's harmonies are fascinating as always. You'll be rocking and rolling with this track on Christmas Eve.
10. "Christmas In Dixie" - Kenny Chesney w. Randy Owen: I prefer Chesney's cover of this song, but you can go with Alabama's original, too, if you'd rather. This is just a feel good song about the holidays down South. Both men have smooth vocals, and the music is soft and welcoming. You'll be able to see Christmas from sea to shining sea and be ready to celebrate with your family with this tune in your collection.
1. "Blue Christmas" - Elvis Presley w. Martina McBride: Thank God for technology! Have you heard this? Have you seen the video? You will be blown away. I mean "Blue Christmas" alone is a great song. Throw in two fantastic voices like Presley and McBride and you just add to the musical magic. The whole Elvis: Christmas Duets project is wonderful, but this is the crown jewel. Perhaps that's why it's track #1?
2. "Last Christmas" - Taylor Swift: I have to admit I'm not a big fan of the original, but Taylor does wonders with this. It's from her EP Sounds of the Season and I really enjoy the country twist on it. This song doesn't fit that traditional mold, but it's a fun song and probably true for a lot of people.
3. "O Holy Night" - John Berry: I'm not familiar with any of John's other works, but his delivery on "O Holy Night" is phenomenal. It's up there as one of the best vocal performances I've ever heard. I'm a big fan of the song too, especially when more than the first verse is sung. Listen to this and tell me you don't tear up. It's truly superb. By the way, you can find this on Berry's album of the same name.
4. "It Won't Be Christmas Without You" - Brooks & Dunn: Ronnie Dunn is great, isn't he? This is the title track of B&D's only Christmas album. Trust me, it's a powerful one. You can hear the hurt, the emotion in Ronnie's voice. This is probably what I would call a mainstream country track; there really isn't anything Christmas about it besides the lyrics. Good stuff. So is their take on "Winter Wonderland.." but that's for another time.
5. "Where Are You Christmas?" - Faith Hill: This has been one of my top 5 holiday songs since it came out in 2000. The emotion is so powerful in this song, and Faith's delivery is breathtaking. Did you know Mariah Carey wrote this song? I love the string arrangements on it, the piano work, the lyrics... it just moves me. Of course, I've been through a few rough Christmases, so the song resonates with me. This song has become a staple - it's a must have! Find it on the "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" soundtrack.
6. "Please Come Home For Christmas" - The Eagles: There's a lot of covers of this one, but my suggestion is to stick with the original. You won't be disappointed. Chances are you've heard this song; if not, get out from under the rock! There's just something about this song that I really enjoy - I think it's the melody. The song has a great rhythm. Of course, it's a heartbreak song, but it will still make you want to sing along.
7. "Mary, Did You Know?" - Reba McEntire: If you want to hear a powerful song this Christmas, this is it! Wow, what a song! The lyrics are very true and very honest. I know this song touches my soul each year. I think Reba hits the song the best - her arrangement fits the doubt and confusion that Mary must have been feeling before the birth of Jesus. There's nothing overblown about this song, and that's what the song needs. Even if you don't buy this one, go read the lyrics, really read them, and then think about what it must have been like. Powerful stuff.
8. "Let It Be Christmas" - Alan Jackson: Alan paints a beautiful picture of Christmas in this title track to his second holiday album. It's a perfect way to describe what Christmas is and what it should be. And, as always, Alan has an impeccable vocal performance. You'll be ready for St. Nick after listening to this one.
9. "Santa's Got A Brand New Bag" - SHeDAISY: Ok, I'm going to admit - you've never heard Christmas like this before. In fact, that can be said for all of SHeDAISY's Brand New Year album. I really enjoy this one though - the saxophone work is insane and the sister's harmonies are fascinating as always. You'll be rocking and rolling with this track on Christmas Eve.
10. "Christmas In Dixie" - Kenny Chesney w. Randy Owen: I prefer Chesney's cover of this song, but you can go with Alabama's original, too, if you'd rather. This is just a feel good song about the holidays down South. Both men have smooth vocals, and the music is soft and welcoming. You'll be able to see Christmas from sea to shining sea and be ready to celebrate with your family with this tune in your collection.
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