Country Christmas
- I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day-Suzy Bogguss (The vocals stay true to the spirit of Harry Belafonte's rendition. Also recommended: John Gorka's rendition, titled "Christmas Bells.")
- Oh Christmas Tree-California Guitar Trio (A respectful instrumental arrangement that wouldn't be out of place if played in a forest of evergreens.)
- Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas-Take 6 (The ensemble's doo-wop arrangement does the tune justice. I'd expect no less from the voices behind such first rate gems as "Gold Mine," "Get Away, Jordan," "Mary (Don't You Weep)," and an excellent rendition of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.")
- It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year-Chris McDonald Orchestra (If Michael B. Nelson's big band arrangement of "It Came Upon The Midnight Clear" resonates with you, this instrumental arrangement likely will, also.)
- Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town-The Mills Brothers (The ensemble takes just the right tack with the vocals, harmonizing with a light, bouncy touch; this is a wise choice, as this tune about surveillance would sound leaden and off-putting if the vocals were too heavy-handed. Their rendition of "Here Comes Santa Claus" is even more impressive.)
- We Three Kings-Ella Fitzgerald (Fitzgerald sings "We Three Kings" with appropriate gravity, and the piano accompaniment underscores the arduousness of the trio's journey.)
- Silver Bells-Booker T. & The MGs (The R&B-fashioned organ arrangement that brings The Temptations and The Four Tops to mind keeps the tune perking, making it suitable driving music.)
- Drummer Boy-Jars Of Clay (Too often, most renditions of "The Little Drummer Boy" are reverential but too repetitive. Jars Of Clay's kick in the guitar and drums gives the carol a needed shot of energy and imagination, making it just contemporary enough for repeated listening.)
- Silver Bells-Anne Murray (This rendition has gotten a healthy dose of deserved local radio airplay this season. The piano intro, which reminds me of the Kenny Loggins tune, "Celebrate Me Home," and Elton John's "Your Song," catches my ears each time, and Murray's conviction sells the tune convincingly.)
- The Peace Carol-John Denver & The Muppets (One of the strongest tracks from the soundtrack of the TV special, "A Christmas Together." Denver and The Muppets harmonize beautifully on this earnest, reverential melody. Why haven't I heard this on the radio every Christmas?)
- Deck The Halls-The Yellowjackets (This saxophone-led arrangement contains just enough dissonance to keep things interesting.)
