Country Call 'Em: A Country Christmas
posted in: Country • Features
All I want for Christmas is you, my two front teeth and a maybe a few rockin’ Christmas albums. New or old, I’ll need some jolly tunes for my long night of gift-wrapping, family hugging and eggnog drinking. I’ve wrangled and hogtied a few killer country Christmas albums that you just can’t pass up for this year’s holiday. Of course any day you are listening to country music is the most joyful day ever, but coupled with a little spiked ‘nog and a few wacky relatives and you got yourself a country Christmas that takes the (fruit)cake.
One Christmas album that is literally music to your ears is Martina McBride’s White Christmas. Originally
Yule Log Edition
released in 1998, White Christmas has stood the test of time as one of the best country Christmas albums in recent history. Martina’s strong and distinctive voice, paired with brilliant arrangements, gives all your Christmas favorites just enough country to make them even better. Her track lists include all the classics like Silver Bells, The Christmas Song, and Let it Snow. And, when she re-released the Yule Log edition 10 years later, she added gems like Baby, Its Cold Outside and Jingle Bells. When a country music veteran like Martina possesses such a distinct voice and will then sing the songs we grew up with, the memories and joy to follow are priceless.
Jennifer Nettles is another crooner who can never disappoint me. She and Kristian Bush are a duo that can do just about anything.
Don't be a Scrooge, buy it!
And with their most recent release, Gold and Green, Sugarland continues to prove their unique take on just about anything is truly a gift for the music community. Unlike other holiday albums, this collection is complete with original songs written by Sugarland’s insanely talented hands. While Jennifer is usually the lead vocalist on most songs, take a listen to Maybe Baby, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised to hear Kristian Bush take the reins and power the beautifully-written verses of the song. Another treat comes courtesy of their song Coming Home, where Jennifer’s fingers dance over the piano keys (who knew she could play). We suggest you dance your fingers over to your favorite music retailer and pick up Green and Gold pronto.
Garth Brooks & the magic of Christmas
Finally, the man as instrumental to country music as mistletoe is to Christmas, Garth Brooks recorded 3 Christmas albums during his reign as the King of Country. Beyond the Season (1992), The Magic of Christmas (1999) and Call Me Claus (2001). There are a few carry-over songs from each album to the next, but when it comes to these classics, it never gets old (especially if Mr. Brooks is singing them.) These 3 albums combined sold over 4 million copies over 3 separate holiday seasons proving that Garth can sell any kind of record. Truthfully, any of these amazing Christmas collections would be an ample addition to your holiday wish list.
Christmas is a time for caroling. And whether it is you with your closest friends on the stoops of neighbors’ homes or in your bedroom with a hairbrush microphone, take a note from these country artists. Sing you heart out, because as Buddy the Elf taught us, The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear!