Off the bat, let me say that this is my first music review here at Epinions, and I am looking for feedback. I'm not a revenge rater, so feel free to rate honestly. All I ask is that if you rate me less than VH, you leave a comment with some constructive criticism so that I might improve the review.

I almost titled this review "The only Christmas album you'll ever need." The most obvious problem with that title is that it would be a mistake to omit volumes 2-4, but it's also true that I own, and listen to, other Christmas albums with more traditional content. That's not to say that these four volumes won't make an adequate Christmas collection. But I consider them more of a cornerstone than a complete collection. They contain modern numbers, as well as some more traditional pieces performed by contemporary artists. This makes them great for parties, because there will literally be something for everyone.

Don't let the fact that there are tracks you've probably never heard of deter you from buying this album. Several of my favorites are songs that I'd never heard until purchasing this CD.

Note that Epinions specs say that there are only 24 tracks, but list 25. This disc does in fact have 25 tracks, and runs over 70 minutes. If nothing else, you get a lot of Christmas music for your CD dollar.

For convenience, I've reproduced below the track list from the Epinions detailed specs page on the CD. This review consists of my strong recommendation, the track list, and comments on individual tracks where appropriate.


1. Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee

This is one that we've probably all heard on the radio or at the office holiday party. It's an upbeat tune, suitable for dancing, with a 50's sound. Congratulations to Ms. Lee, by the way, who was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

2. Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms

3. What Christmas Means To Me - Stevie Wonder

This is what I consider one of the surprise gems on this album. I'd never heard this before purchasing this album. Hard to believe, since I hear it all the time on the radio now.

4. You're My Christmas Present - Jimmy Beaumont & The Skyliners

5. White Christmas - The Drifters

It ain't Bing (you'll need to pick up Volume 3 for his version), but still a very good, sort of jazzy version of this holiday classic.

6. Merry Merry Christmas Baby - Margo Sylvia & The Tune Weavers

I'd call this a "modern classic", which I'll define to mean one that I've heard recorded by multiple artists (including my personal favorite Bruce Springsteen), but which is decidedly not "traditional". This is yet another rockin', upbeat tune, and this particular rendition has a Motown sound.

7. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - Jimmy Boyd

This is another one that we've probably all heard before. It's cute the first time, but it has the annoying habit of sticking itself in your head and playing over and over until you can't bear to hear it any longer. I've actually programmed my CD player to play the entire disc except for this song.

8. Baby's First Christmas - Connie Francis

9. Silver Bells - Diana Ross & The Supremes

10. It's Christmas Once Again - Frankie Lymon

11. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer - Gene Autry

12. Run Rudolph Run - Chuck Berry

I really love this track. It's a real toe-tapper, again in the upbeat 50's style. I don't think I've heard anyone but Chuck Berry do this song, nor do I need to.

13. Please Come Home For Christmas - Dion

A bluesy, sad song about spending Christmas separated from your significant other. It can be a little depressing, even gut-wrenching if you happen to be in the same boat as the narrator. Still, the ending reveals a little optimism for future Christmases.

14. Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late), The - Alvin & The Chipmunks

You've all heard it, and you're probably all as sick of it as I am. The kids will like it though.

15. This Time Of Year - Brook Benton

16. Christmas Ain't Christmas (Without The One You Love) - The O'Jays

Another separated for Christmas song. In spite of the theme, the beat and singing style give it a less depressing sound. I like this one.

17. Little Drummer Boy, The - Harry Simeone Chorale

This one is still on the radio once in a while. It was also featured in the television Christmas special by the same name. This is one of my all time favorites.

18. I'll Be Home For Christmas - Fats Domino

19. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - The Four Seasons

20. This Christmas - Donny Hathaway

21. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer - The Cadillacs

The second version of this song on this disc, but you won't realize it because they're completely different. Gene Autry's rendition is completely traditional. This one has a Motown/DooWop sound.

22. Christmas Serenade - Johnny Maestro & The Brooklyn Bridge

My personal favorite on this disc. Another that I would never had heard if not for this CD.

23. Silent Night - The Temptations

24. Christmas Auld Lang Syne - Bobby Darin

25. Another Lonely New Year's Eve - Jimmy Beaumont & The Skyliners



Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Hanging With Friends