| Mr. Snowman - John Michael Montgomery | |
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John Michael Montgomery has long been one of my favorite artists, especially when singing ballads. This collection of mostly standard Christmas songs is done in a traditonal manner, with full orchestra, similar to Garth Brooks Magic of Christmas. And it works.
"Winter Wonderland" sounds like it could have been recorded back in the days when the "Nashville Sound" was popular. It's got lots of strings and horns and has a cool jazzy sound.
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is also done with a traditional arrangement. It's very soothing, and mellow. The same can be said of "White Christmas." "Santa Claus is Coming To Town" is done with a jazzy flair.
A new song "December 1943" has a storyline that talks about two allied soldiers that are freezing out in the snow in the middle of the war on Christmas eve. They come upon a house and the lady says they can come in, but their weapons are not welcome. Later two German soldiers come to the door, and she lets them in also, saying no weapons are allowed. They all end up celebrating Christmas together. This is a nice song.
"My Christmas Wish" is another new song. He songs about it being Christmas and he wants snow for Christmas. He sings "Falling snowflakes falling, make this holiday sure feel right. A blanket of white is my Christmas wish tonight."
The final song is one co-written by John Michael, "A Daddy's Prayer/Jesus Loves Me." The song talks about how this has been a hard year and how everyone seems more likely to hate, and how we need God. He sings, "I know soon it's your son's birthday / And you must cry when it comes around / He gave His life for us and a better way / The day that cross hit the ground." At the end you hear some children singing part of "Jesus Loves Me." As I looked in the credits I saw that the children were noneother than John Michael's own Madison and Walker singing this part. Very cool.
If you're looking for an album with traditional stylings of mostly Christmas music you've heard before, you'll love this album. It's one I'll be playing through the holiday, especially for my family who aren't big country lovers. *gasp* :)
Song List:
Album cover courtesy of Warner Brothers Nashville.
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