I've created this list of my 15 favorite country Christmas albums of all time. These are all albums by individual artists. Be sure to check out my other list for the Top 5 Country Christmas Compilation picks. It was really hard to pick just 15 favorites. There are so many great holiday albums to choose from. Hopefully, my selections will help you choose what you might want to add to your holiday collection this year.
5. Trisha Yearwood - 'The Sweetest Gift'
MCA Nashville
Trisha Yearwood has one of the most powerful and beautiful voices in country music. She can sing any style of music and do it well. This Christmas release is very traditional in arrangement and style. There are gospel songs, traditional carols, new songs, a rockin' song written by Hank Snow ("Reindeer Boogie"), a bluesy piece ("Santa Claus Is Back In Town"), and Trisha covers Keith Whitley's "There's a New Kid In Town."
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4. Alan Jackson - 'Honky Tonk Christmas'
Arista Nashville
Alan Jackson has put together a smart mix of old and new songs, which includes a duet with Alison Krauss ("And The Angels Cried"), one with Keith Whitley, through the magic of a previously recorded track ("There's a New Kid in Town"), and even one with the cartoon Chipmunks in "Santa's Gonna Come in a Pickup Truck."
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3. Brad Paisley - 'Brad Paisley Christmas'
Arista Nashville
Brad Paisley has created one of my all-time favorite Christmas albums with traditional songs mixed in with some humor, as in the new song "Penguin, James Penguin," some with an added dash of nostalgia, with the duet Brad sings with his younger self on his original "Born on Christmas Day," in addition to adding a little instrumental "Jingle Bells," featuring Brad's awesome guitar work. Lastly, it wouldn't be a Brad Paisley album without the "Kung Pao Buckaroos" (George Jones, Bill Anderson & "Little" Jimmy Dickens) adding their humorous touch. Definitely one I recommend to all country fans.
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2. Patty Loveless - 'Bluegrass and White Snow'
Sony BMG
While I love Martina's Christmas album because the arrangements are traditional, I love Patty Loveless's album because it's so different. All of the songs are done in a bluegrass style, which I totally love. Any fan of bluegrass music will love having this album in their collection. With a beautiful selection of traditional numbers, newer "classics," and her own new offerings, Patty gives us a lovely look at her own Christmas traditions and gives us her beloved musical memories to add to our own.
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1. Martina McBride - 'White Christmas'
RCA Nashville
This album has been released three times now. The latest edition was released in 2007, and a few new songs were added. It remains at the top of my list every time I try to put together a list of recommended Christmas albums. Martina McBride has a timeless voice, and her take on holiday music is something everyone can enjoy. No strange arrangements or songs you've never heard of. Just great holiday music.
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