I've never come across a Christmas album quite like this - before or since, so it makes this one particularly special. Traditional country singers have often recorded Christmas albums, but they invariably dress them up in some way to make them acceptable to a wider audience than their usual releases. This is understandable, because Christmas often brings together people with different musical tastes, and singers want to appeal to as many as possible.
Reba recorded this album during her 'traditional' phase in the mid eighties. Like the other albums she recorded around that time, there was plenty of steel and fiddles, but absolutely no compromises to pop crossover - that came later (including her second Christmas album, The secret of giving).
The first two tracks were recorded for possible inclusion in the brilliant Tennessee Christmas compilation (now available as a bargain priced CD). Away in a manger was selected, while On this day remained in the vaults until the rest of this album was recorded a year or two later.
In my school days, I used to think Away in a manger was really boring, but it seems to inspire country singers, none more so than Reba and her musicians. Despite stiff competition, Reba's version is my favorite cover of this song. How did I ever think it was boring? There are five other classics here, each very distinctive from any other versions. The other tracks are also brilliant, but the one that sticks in the mind the most is The Christmas guest, a narration co-written and first recorded by Grandpa Jones. For most of the song, it's a real weepie, though the ending is happy. It's very moving.
Throughout, the musicians are in superb form and help to make this album what it is - one of a kind, and likely to remain so.
Thank you, Reba.
I LISTEN TO ALOT OF CHRISTMAS MUSIC AND THIS ONE BY REBA IS ONE I TAKE ON THE ROAD WITH ME AS A TRUCK DRIVER.I LISTEN TO IT ALL YEAR LONG NOT JUST AT CHRISTMAS TIME.REBA TOUCHES MY HEART AND SOUL WITH SILENT NIGHT AND AWAY IN THE MANGER,NOT TO MENTION OH HOLY NIGHT.I HAVE TWO COPIES JUST IN CASE SOMETHING HAPPENS TO ONE I HAVE A SPARE.WHEN I'M HOMESICK OR LONELY,I JUST POP THIS IN AND CRY FOR MILES....GREAT WORK REBA,
I love all the songs that Reba sings. The songs that come out of her mouth, sounds like heaven to me.
I do love Reba. What more can be said other than the fact that she is so down to earth and she makes you feel like you've known her personally.
Really helped shape the Christmas season for me. Beautiful, spiritual,and fun, and it made for a lovely ride home to the family.
