Search - Various :: NOW That's What I Call A Country Christmas

Fine two CD set with excellent holiday music

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 11/22/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This two CD set has some of the best country artists today performing great songs both traditional and relatively new! These artists all sing with a lot of style and sophistication; and those country vibes are awesome! The quality of the sound is excellent and I like that artwork as well even if it is a bit typical of this "NOW! music" brand of CD.



The first CD has so many great tunes I scarcely know where to start. Darius Rucker's "Winter Wonderland" is quite well done; He sings very well and the strength in his voice impresses me greatly. The musical arrangement is lush and it perfectly complements his vocals, too. Brad Paisley's "Away in a Manger" charms me with its beauty; and I really like Julianne Hough's stunning rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."



Brooks & Dunn do a very moving version of "I'll Be Home for Christmas;" this sentimental, romantic ballad was always one of my favorites. Luke Bryan's "Run Run Rudolph" is hot to the touch; and there's yet another gem in "The First Noel" by Josh Turner. "The Man with the Bag" has a swingin' sound to it that is very creative indeed; and the first CD ends with "Silver Bells" by Kenny Chesney.



The second CD continues the outstanding music. Gene Autry's "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" is a classic charmer that showcases Gene's superb singing voice; and Vince Gill's "O Little Town of Bethlehem" is very pretty with that backup chorus harmonizing well. Glen Campbell's "O Holy Night" is a major highlight of the second CD; and I really like Tanya Tucker's "What Child Is This;" her excellent diction enhances her performance all the more. Great!



Another ageless classic would have to be Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree;" Brenda sings this with lots of positive energy and she really makes this shine! Kenny Rogers' "Kentucky Homemade Christmas" has him squarely in the spotlight which is right where he belongs! That arrangement works wonders for the song, too. The second CD ends with two gorgeous numbers: Johnny Cash sings "Silent Night" and Burl Ives performs "A Holly Jolly Christmas." Burl always liked to sing "A Holly Jolly Christmas;" and you can feel his happy vibes when you hear him do this faultlessly.



If holiday music with a country twist is what you like (as do I), then you owe it to yourself to get this two CD set for your music collection. This two CD set is full of such wonderful holiday music that you can truly enjoy it at any time of the year!"