Alan Jackson Album: “Let It Be Christmas”

After his rowdy 1994 Christmas effort Honky Tonk Christmas, Alan Jackson takes a more subdued approach on Let It Be Christmas, with plenty of mellow modern chestnuts ("Christmas Song," "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas") and hymns ("O Come All Ye Faithful," "Away In A Manger"). Even buoyant favorites like "Winter Wonderland" and "Jingle Bells" go down easy with uncluttered arrangements. Throughout, Jackson has never sounded better, particularly on the hymns. The title track - a new Jackson composition - neatly sums up the album. It's a simple message of hope that is gloriously delivered.

"Let It Be Christmas" is my first CD by Alan Jackson. Not that I'm not a fan...who in country music isn't? But I have never bothered to buy one of his CD's...and I'm glad I broke that streak!

"Let It Be Christmas" is a wonderful Christmas album. It's not as country as you would expect--it features a lot of big bands, horns, strings, and other similiar stuff. But it is good--Alan at his Christmas best. "Jingle Bells", "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town," and "Winter Wonderland" will get you singing along and dancing at the same time--unless you're in your car, and then hopefully you'll just sing. "Silent Night" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" have never sounded so pure. You'll recognize most of the other tracks. But the big surprise is the non-traditional track that Alan includes--his self-pinned "Let It Be Christmas." Though the other songs are great, this is surely the best on here; it is destined to become a Christmas classic.

So if you're an Alan Jackson fan--and chances are in favor of this--or if you've never really paid attention to his music, you'll want this CD. It's Christmas like you've never heard it before...and like you'll want to hear it again!

I Love this album! It just doesn't get any better than this!

I have lots of Christmas albums, including Frank Sinatra,

Bing Crosby, Johnnie Mathis, and others, who I feel are some of the best, but I feel that Alan's album is the very best. I am so happy I bought it. It is a lovely addition to the Christmas season, and will be played repeatedly in our home. Thanks Alan!

Although I'm a country music fan and an Alan Jackson fan, I had serious doubts about this CD. I tend to stay away from Christmas CD's by contemperary country singers. To my ear they seldom offer anything that improves on or even sets them apart from twenty other versions of any classic they cover. As for the new songs . . . I've seldom heard one with any staying power.

So I didn't consider buying this one. Last Christmas Day a friend put this CD on during Christmas Dinner. I was stunned by what I heard. A contemperary country artist who captured and built upon all that was good about each song he touched. The CD was perfectly at home being played on Christmas Day as it would have been at any time during the Holiday Season. Rather than being first and foremost an amusement in the 'I like ol Alan, let's hear him do some Christmas' sense, the recording could fit in the collection of someone who isn't even a country fan, someone who might not even know who Alan Jackson is.

I don't play holiday music before Thanksgiving, so I've seen no point to buy my own copy of this CD yet, but it is destined to be the first holiday season music I buy this November. When I do it will immediately go on that section of the shelf where holiday CD's that I anticipate playing 20 yrs from now are kept seperate from the temperal stuff that even as I enjoy them for a few seasons, I know their appeal fade in time. This recording is a timeless Christmas Classic.

Well I got to start by saying I have never been a country music fan of any kind . (Bon Jovi Bein My Band of choice ) , but christmas music I usally favor almost all things even if not in my musical taste . Everything that is but country . Well after hearing my good freinds rave about Mr Jackson I indeed was curious and bought this cd . I will tell you I was not dissapointed . This was probally one of the best christmas cds Ive ever purchased (I own about 2000 ) and well the arangments are terrific . Alan Jackson gives a very peaceful downhome feel to his recordings and this shines here . "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas " indeed makes you definally feel you will , The only other persons recording Ive cared for of this song is Judy Gardlands but indeed was a pleasant listen . Other songs like "O Come O ye Faithful " or Alans version of The Nat King Cole classic " The Christmas Song " make you want to grab a cup of hot chocolate and sit by the fire with freinds , or go on one nice long sleighride . If you love Alans music and are a country fan ull buy this cd . But if you not a fan of country and want a good old fashioned "new" classic get this cd its not a let downdown .