LimeWire Music Blog

As anyone who knows me will attest, country music is one of my greatest passions. I also love Christmas albums. I know, how many times can you hear “O’ Holy Night” and “Jingle Bells?” While that might be true, I have to admit that there is something about this time of year that makes me glad that holiday music is everywhere. With that in mind, I want to offer my thoughts on the 21 (I’m such a Christmas Music nut, I couldn’t hold it to 20) of the greatest Yuletide albums in country music history. And away we go…..

1. Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton – Once Upon A Christmas (RCA, 1984)
It just doesn’t get any better than this album. I remember my mother buying the cassette for me when I was ten, and I don’t know if I have played another tape more or since. It’s not the holidays with me unless I hear “With Bells On.” Somebody needs to re-release the classic 1984 TV special that accompanied this album. I have a DVD copy, and I’m not sharing!

2. Elvis Presley – If Everyday Was Like Christmas (RCA, 1994)
There are tons of Elvis holiday collections out there, but this one is the best. Every holiday song that “The King” ever recorded is here one collection. The holidays, and Elvis Presley—is there a better combination?

3. Willie Nelson – The Christmas Album (YMC, 2007)
In 1964, Roy Orbison recorded the Willie Nelson classic “Pretty Paper,” and made it an instant classic. In my mind, it’s still the definitive version, but there is something enchanting about Nelson’s laid-back style and these holiday standards.

4. Garth Brooks – Beyond the Season (Liberty, 1992)
Long before the quest for 100 million records, Garth Brooks made music that will stand the test of time. This album has held up well after almost two decades, thanks to the power of the beautiful “The Gift.”

5. Deana Carter – Father Christmas (Rounder, 2001)
Simply put, this a stunning collection. This album features Carter and her father, legendary Music Row musician Fred Carter. If you want to set a romantic vibe for the holidays, this one—complete with an enchanting cover of “Merry Christmas Darling”—may very well be worth the price of admission.

6. Emmylou Harris – Light of the Stable (Warner Bros. 1980)
She’s done so many classic albums over the years, but this one might very well be the best Emmylou Harris project ever heard, Christmas or not!

7. Gene Autry – The Story of Christmas (Jukebox, 2008)
“Here Comes Santa Claus” and “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer” in their original versions….. Any questions, class?

8. Sammy Kershaw – Christmas Time’s A Comin (Mercury, 1994)
I have always loved this guy’s voice. Not only did he do a bang-up job on the title track, a classic from Bill Monroe,but his sentimental turn on “Daddy Stuff” will make you cry, especially once you have a daughter. I know.

9. Eddy Arnold – Christmas With Eddy Arnold (RCA, 1961 )
If you want to hear one of the all-time classic singers doing classic songs of the season—this is one of the best examples!

10. Faith Hill – Joy To the World (Warner Bros., 2008)
It’s rare for a new album to make a list like this, but Mrs. Tim McGraw pulled out all the stops, showing once again what a powerful singer she is. The instrumentation on this one is nothing short of first-rate, either.

11. Conway Twitty – Merry Twismas (Warner Bros., 1983)
Growing up, I probably had as much fun listening to this collaboration between Twitty and his animated alter ego, Twitty Bird. This one was very much a classic upon its release and reissued incarnation.

12. The Statler Brothers – Christmas Card (Mercury, 1978)
One of music’s most beloved groups, this album was one of the first country holiday collections to feature an equal amount of new songs (written by the brothers Reid) among the classics, and the combination worked!

13. Patty Loveless – Blue Grass and White Snow: A Mountain Christmas (Epic, 2002)
Probably the modern-day version of the aforementioned Light of the Stable, this album is as close to perfect as one can get. Then again, with guests like Vince Gill, Dolly Parton, Rebecca Lynn Howard, and Ricky Skaggs, how could it miss? And, of course, let’s not forget the star of the show, Patty Loveless!

14. Jim Reeves – Twelve Songs of Christmas (RCA, 1963)
This one has been out 46 years, and has lost none of its charm. While “An Old Christmas Card” is the Reeves song everyone plays this time of year, the combination of his smooth voice, Chet Atkins’ production, and inclusion of “Silent Night” provide one of the best versions of the song that anyone has ever done.

15. Suzy Bogguss – Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (Compadre, 2006)
The 1992 CMA Horizon Award winner released a fine collection of songs that showcase her warm and tender voice. She’s one of the most versatile singers in the business, as evidenced on such cuts as “Do You Hear What I Hear,” “Mr. Santa,” and a captivating take on “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” with Delbert McClinton.

16. Loretta Lynn - Country Christmas (Decca, 1966)
First of all, you have to love any album that has songs like “To Heck With Ol’ Santa Claus” and “I Won’t Decorate Your Christmas Tree,” but simply put, this was Christmas done Mountain style long before Emmylou or Patty!

17. The Oak Ridge Boys – Christmas Cookies (Spring Hill, 2005)
I could have selected any holiday album from the Oaks, but this one is the album I keep coming back to time and time again. A collection of upbeat and serious, the group shows why they are one of America’s favorites!

18. Martina McBride – White Christmas (RCA, 1998)
I could talk a lot about this one, but I’ll sum it up like this: Do you remember what I said at the beginning of this about “another version of ‘O Holy Night?” Well, this one could very well be the version.

19. Buck Owens – Christmas With Buck Owens and His Buckaroos (Capitol, 1965)
The holidays, Bakersfield style, complete with Don Rich’s Telecaster twang. I’m game! This set contains the definitive Owens Christmas tune, “Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy,” as well as the tearjerkers “Blue Christmas Lights” and “It’s Christmas Time For Everyone But Me.”

20. Lorrie Morgan – Merry Christmas From London (BNA, 1993)
A majestic collection featuring The New World Philharmonic, Tammy Wynette, Andy Williams, and Johnny Mathis. With star power like that, how could it go wrong? Still, what sets this apart is the low, lush voice of one Loretta Lynn Morgan. Sixteen years after its release, this one is still as impressive as ever!

21. Various Artists – From Nashville To You: Grand Ole Christmas (Rejoice, 2006)
This collection is one that’s well worth the hunt, as it features some of traditional county’s top artists of all time, such as The Whites, Charlie Louvin, and Bobby Bare. It would be worth it if only for the tender yet chilling “The Night Before Jesus Came,” as recorded by Grand Ole Opry member Stu Phillips!

Well, for what it’s worth, those are my thoughts. Whatever you listen to this holiday season, I wish for you a Christmas filled with joy and music….lots of music!