Review: Little Big Town bring holy harmonies to 'The Christmas Record' (2024)

There is a grand tradition of Christmas music in Country music so it comes as a surprise to learn that Little Big Town's newly released (today, 4th October) addition to that tradition, ‘The Christmas Record' is their first in their 25 year recording career! The 11-track record is produced by Dave Cobb and it's full of stunning renditions of country classics and festive originals to keep you dancing through the New Year and beyond.

“Ever since we started as a band, we have dreamed of making a Christmas record. We all love the traditions of the season and treasure the memories with our families,” sharesJimi Westbrook.“For our 25th year together, we finally made that record. We wrote several original songs for the project, and also recorded some of our favourites we've been singing together for years. We're so proud of how it came together and hope the fans love it as much as we do.”

Even on just one listen it's clear that this album is a delightful blend of holiday spirit, nostalgia, and the group’s signature harmonies, all wrapped in a polished production by Dave Cobb. After 25 years of wanting to make a Christmas album, the band delivers a mix of original songs, festive covers, and a unique take on seasonal classics that will surely find a place in holiday playlists for years to come.

The album opens with ‘Glow,' an intricate, 1950s-inspired tune led by Karen Fairchild. Full of festive cheer and catchy harmonies, the song celebrates the chaos and warmth of the season. With its shifting time changes and clever lyrics like “Let it be chaos but let it be real,” it sets the tone for the rest of the album, balancing joy with deeper reflections on the holidays.

‘Santa Claus is Back' offers a fun, rockabilly twist, with Jimi channeling his inner Elvis over a bed of 50s-style guitars. The track’s lively, throwback energy recalls the spirit of Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis, while the band’s harmonies elevate the song from a simple festive tune to something more playful and nostalgic. On the other hand, the Merle Haggard cover ‘If We Make It Through December' takes a more somber tone. A folk ballad with rich harmonies, it tells the story of a parent struggling through the season after losing a job, adding a bittersweet touch to the record’s emotional range.

Another song familiar to fans of Country music Christmas staples will be ‘Tennessee Christmas.' Here Kimberley helms the cover of this Alabama / Amy Grant classic. It suits her voice as she sings above the simple acoustic arrangement about the Denver snow being four feet deep. The others join in with lovely, soaring harmonies on a chorus with a distinctly Laurel Canyon vibe and melody set against the Tennessee pedal steel.

The band’s rendition of ‘Someday at Christmas' is another standout, combining a haunting a capella opening with 70s-inspired rhythms. Originally a Stevie Wonder track, Little Big Town weaves their own blend of hope and melancholy into the song as they sing about ending war and poverty. This balance of timeless themes with retro influences continues on ‘Christmas Night With You,' a reflective ballad filled with romantic nostalgia. Karen's vocals shine here as she recalls a love that didn’t last until Christmas, blending heartache with clever, bittersweet lyrics like “Instead of a winter wonderland, I’m winter wondering.”

Rounding off the album are beautiful renditions of standards like ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' and ‘Christmas Time is Here,' where the group’s lush harmonies take centre stage. With acoustic arrangements and a simple, evocative production, these tracks highlight the band’s ability to make even the most familiar songs sound fresh and heartfelt. They close the album on a fun note with ‘Holiday,' a disco-infused celebration that channels the Bee Gees or Gloria Gaynor, bringing a vibrant and unexpected energy to the Christmas party as we dance our way into the new year.

In ‘The Christmas Record' Little Big Town delivers a holiday album that blends festive fun with moments of deep emotion, all tied together with their signature harmonies and Dave Cobb’s slick production. It’s a timeless collection that feels both familiar and fresh, offering something for every mood of the holiday season.

Review: Little Big Town bring holy harmonies to 'The Christmas Record' (1)

Tracklist: 1. Glow 2. Santa Claus Is Back In Town 3. If We Make It Through December 4. Someday At Christmas 5. Christmas Night With You 6. Believe In Christmas 7. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas 8. Tennessee Christmas 9. Christmas Time Is Here 10. Evergreen 11. Holiday Release Date: 4th October Record Label: Capital Records Nashville Buy ‘The Christmas Record' right here


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Review: Little Big Town bring holy harmonies to 'The Christmas Record' (2024)

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