Every year, we see a new crop of country Christmas albums. Here are the newest, and in the case of Tracy Lawrence, re-releases for 2008. There is a good selection here, from Faith Hill's first ever Christmas album, a third holiday collection from King George, plus music from Elvis Presley, magically transformed into duets with some of today's hottest country divas, and a fun release from country newcomer Julianne Hough, whose album can be found at your local Target store.
If you're looking for more gift suggestions, be sure to check out the rest of the 2008 Holiday Gift Guide.
Elvis Presley - 'Elvis Presley Christmas Duets'
Sony BMG
Take Elvis Presley's popular holiday classics and add some of today's popular female artists singing along, and you get the magic that is this album. Some of the ladies on the album are Martina McBride singing "Blue Christmas" and Wynonna Judd growling along with the King on "Santa Claus is Back in Town." (Priscilla Presley commented that at times it's hard to tell if it's Wy singing or Elvis.) The female half of Little Big Town, Kimberly Schlapman and Karen Fairchild, also perform on "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and Carrie Underwood sings "I'll Be Home for Christmas."
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Faith Hill - 'Joy to the World'
Warner Nashville
This is the first Christmas album from Faith Hill. It is a great collection of classic Christmas songs with a single new one thrown in ("A Baby Changes Everything") as a bonus. Faith has been working on this album for two years and it shows in every aspect of the collection.
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George Strait - 'Classic Christmas'
MCA Nashville
George Strait has released a new collection of traditional Christmas songs done the way only George Strait can do them. This CD is designed to comfort and relax. It is comprised of traditional favorites that make you want to run for the eggnog and tree decorations. It is sure to be one of this year's favorite holiday albums.
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Gretchen Peters - 'Northern Lights'
Scarlet Letter Records
Most people would recognize Gretchen Peters more as a songwriter ("Independence Day" and "My Baby Loves Me" by Martina McBride, "Chill of an Early Fall" by George Strait, and "Let That Pony Run" by Pam Tillis), but Gretchen is a gifted vocalist as well. The collection includes original songs, and a cover of Gordon Lightfoot's "Song for a Winter's Night."
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Julianne Hough - 'The Julianne Hough Holiday Collection'
Mercury Nashville
Julianne Hough has released her first holiday album, entitled Sounds Of The Season: The Julianne Hough Holiday Collection. This is a great Christmas album for anyone who is looking for help to get in the holiday spirit, and can be purchased at any local Target store. The collection features classic songs like "Jingle Bell Rock," "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," an instrumental song called "Sounds of Christmas," and a fantastic duet with Phil Vassar on the medley of "It Wasn't His Child" and "Mary Did You Know." Plus, she shares some of her favorite Christmas memories.
Mary Chapin Carpenter - 'Come Darkness, Come Light'
Rounder Records
Mary Chapin Carpenter has put out a Christmas album that you won't want to just listen to only at Christmas, but all year long. The songs are mostly original with a few traditional songs thrown in the mix. All the songs on this album have a warm and intimate feel to them.
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Tracy Lawrence - 'All Wrapped Up In Christmas'
Rocky Comfort
Tracy Lawrence actually released his Christmas album last year as a Wal-Mart exclusive. This year, it's available everywhere. Tracy makes you want to grab a cup of hot chocolate and get down to the preparations of decorating, baking and enjoying quality family time. It is a traditional album with a touch of contemporary thrown in. You will find that it fits nicely with any collection of Christmas music.
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Order from Amazon
