Search - Reba Mcentire :: Merry Christmas to You

Traditional country Christams - pure magic !!!!

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 08/18/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've never come across a Christmas album quite like this - before or since, so it makes this one particularly special. Traditional country singers have often recorded Christmas albums, but they invariably dress them up in some way to make them acceptable to a wider audience than their usual releases. This is understandable, because Christmas often brings together people with different musical tastes, and singers want to appeal to as many as possible.Reba recorded this album during her 'traditional' phase in the mid eighties. Like the other albums she recorded around that time, there was plenty of steel and fiddles, but absolutely no compromises to pop crossover - that came later (including her second Christmas album, The secret of giving).The first two tracks were recorded for possible inclusion in the brilliant Tennessee Christmas compilation (now available as a bargain priced CD). Away in a manger was selected, while On this day remained in the vaults until the rest of this album was recorded a year or two later.In my school days, I used to think Away in a manger was really boring, but it seems to inspire country singers, none more so than Reba and her musicians. Despite stiff competition, Reba's version is my favorite cover of this song. How did I ever think it was boring? There are five other classics here, each very distinctive from any other versions. The other tracks are also brilliant, but the one that sticks in the mind the most is The Christmas guest, a narration co-written and first recorded by Grandpa Jones. For most of the song, it's a real weepie, though the ending is happy. It's very moving.Throughout, the musicians are in superb form and help to make this album what it is - one of a kind, and likely to remain so.Thank you, Reba."

Great CD

nancy | 11/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love Reba so I would love this CD, but this is a great CD. It puts you in the holiday spirit and all the songs are great. She mixes songs that almost everyone knows and a few that haven't been song by as many people. I think this is a great CD. I would recommend it to anyone. Great Job Reba!!!"

Life saver

Historyguy | Rowlett, Tx USA | 01/22/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My dad had bought this CD years ago and loved it. I lost it and so I wanted to replace it for him. We had a tradition of listening to the Christmas Guest every yerar on Christmas eve. I ordered it on the 21st of December and got it in time to keep the tradition alive."