Randy Travis Album: “Old Time Christmas”

The best country music Christmas CD I have ever heard. I have always been a fan of Randy Travis. During Christmas, this CD is continously being played on my stereo. I would recommend this album to anybody who likes Christmas music not just Randy Travis fans.

This was recorded by Randy in the late eighties, at the peak of his popularity. It is a well-balanced mix of originals and standards - five of each.

The five originals are made up of two sad songs of lost love (White Christmas makes me blue and Oh what a silent night) and three happy songs (How do I wrap my heart up for Christmas?, Old time Christmas and my favorite track on the album, Meet me under the mistletoe).

The standards are well-chosen, including God rest ye merry gentlemen, perhaps the least-covered among them.

Even the happy songs never rise above mid-tempo, although that's just the style of the album and it works well. This is not a Christmas party album, but it is great for those moments when you can relax around a warm fire (as suggested by the closing song).

I have loved Randy Travis since I was 5. My mother brought home a tape of this album when I was about 6. I loved it. It holds so many memories for me. The music is just beautiful. "White Christmas Makes Me Blue" and "Oh, What a Silent Night" are, as some say, "typical country songs with a Christmas theme" in the way that they are sad, but still good. There are also two love songs, "Meet Me Under The Mistletoe" and "How Do I Wrap My Heart Up For Christmas," both are upbeat and catchy. Old favorites include "Winter Wonderland," "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentelmen," and (my favorite) "The Christmas Song." This album is the best Xmas album ever, and I prefer it over Bing Crosby any day.

I love that I can listen on my kindle fire. country Xmas music is so wonderful, it warms the soul.

Love it, love Randy Travis. Has a good selection of songs, perfect for the season. Good music, glad I bought it.