DISClaimer Single Reviews: Dan + Shay ‘Own’ The Holiday

/by

Dan + Shay

There’s a bonanza of Nashville Christmas music this year.

Dolly, Vince & Amy and Brett Eldredge have updated and/or expanded versions of their classic holiday collections. Monument and Pinecastle have both issued all-star compilations of their rosters’ offerings. Starship rocker Mickey Thomas came to Music City to record a Christmas album. Home Free, Alicia Witt and Cat Cohen also have new collections.

Ruling the roost this year are Dan + Shay whose jumbo Xmas serving is the Disc of the Day. Give Chapel Hart a special nod for having the cutest new holiday tune.

Since Nov. 1, I have received 78 Christmas singles from Nashville artists. We’d be here for a week if I reviewed them all. Just so you know, there are four new versions of “O Holy Night,” three new renditions of “Christmas In Dixie” and three Spanish-language holiday treats. The most intriguing new titles seem to be “All I Want for Christmas Is an Open Bar” by Drew Green, “Naughty List” by Trace Adkins, “Santa You Can Skip Our House” by Jessica Lynn, “Layaway Mama” by Adam Chaffins and “Single Bells” by Lee Brice.

Happy holidays.

MASON RAMSEY / “Silent Night”
Writer: Franz Xaver Gruber/Joseph Mohr; Producer: Dan Fernandez; Label: Atlantic Records
– The 11 year old who yodeled his way to fame at Walmart is now a mature vocalist with a smooth baritone delivery. His reverent take on this beautiful ballad is paced just right. It is drawn from his debut holiday EP, Merry Christmas Baby.

GABBY BARRETT / “The First Noel”
Writer: public domain; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This American Idol alumna has issued her first Christmas album, Carols and Candlelight. It’s a mix of traditional tunes, classic pop compositions and a few new items. Accompanied by piano, acoustic guitar and strings, she performs this ancient British carol with heart-in-throat sincerity. It has become something of a holiday favorite of hers—she introduced a live version of it on a CMA Christmas TV special four years ago.

LITTLE BIG TOWN / “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”
Writer: Hugh Martin/Ralph Blane; Producers: Little Big Town, Wayne Kirkpatrick; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– This golden-voiced quartet has its first Yule LP this year, aptly titled The Christmas Record. And I do mean “LP:” You can buy it on vinyl. Karen’s lead vocal on this sweet classic has a lustrous tone. Kimberly chimes in on soprano harmony, followed by Jimi and Philip to create a lovely, hushed, layered sound. Gorgeous is the word. The song was introduced by Judy Garland in the 1943 movie Meet Me In St. Louis.

KEVIN JONAS SR. / “Ready Set Glow”
Writers: Amy Stroup/Bob DiPiero/David Kalmusky/Kevin Jonas Sr; Producer: David Kalmusky; Label: Red Van Records
– This light-hearted toe tapper is drawn from his holiday EP, Joy to the World. Sometimes billed as “Papa Jonas,” he’s joined here by “Mama” Denise Jonas. Their world-famous sons must be proud, especially since Nick evidently inspired the recording.

DAVID NAIL / “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”
Writers: Buck Ram/Kim Gannon/Walter Kent; Producers: David Nail, Peter Ferguson, Reed Pittman; Label: One Five Sound
– I know it’s supposed to be a season of joy, but Christmas is a depressing time for many folks. That’s why I have a soft spot for the sad holiday songs. With just a guitar accompaniment, Nail tugs at the heartstrings with his rendition of this World War II chestnut, originally introduced by Bing Crosby. Nail’s holiday EP is titled A Campfire Christmas.

DAN + SHAY / “Officially Christmas”
Writers: Dan Smyers/Dave Barnes/Jordan Reynolds/Nicolle Galyon; Producers: Dan Smyers, Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Shay Mooney’s tenor voice was born for this season. He sounds like a warm wool sweater on a cold night. The production by Dan Smyers sparkles and dazzles with holiday cheer. This is the bopping title tune to a fabulous double album of Christmas music. As of this year, this duo owns the holiday.

AUTHENTIC UNLIMITED / “Christmas Time Is Here”
Writers: Lee Mendelson/Vincent Guaraldi; Producer: Authentic Unlimited; Label: Billy Blue Records
– These guys have the bluegrass Christmas album to get. Authentic Unlimited is this year’s IBMA Vocal Group of the Year, and this is a dandy way to hear why. Their playing and singing on this tender, jazzy, minor-key ballad are pristine perfect.

CHAPEL HART / “Come On Santa”
Writers: Chapel Hart/Dan Needham/Tré Corley; Producers: Chapel Hart, Dan Needham, Tré Corley; Label: Origins/Hitmaker Music Group
– Hartfelt Family Christmas is the debut holiday album by this trio. It features celebrity guests Vince Gill, Rissi Palmer, The Isaacs, Darius Rucker, T. Graham Brown, Jason Crabb and Gretchen Wilson. On its lead-off single, the three gals go it alone, complete with sleigh bells, chimes, a solid rhythm section and a merry “girl group” mood. Rock on, ladies.

SCOTTY McCREERY / “Feel Like The Holidays”
Writers: Bobby Hamrick/Derek George/Frank Rogers/Jeremy Bussey/Monty Criswell; Producers: Aaron Eshuis, Derek Wells, Frank Rogers; Label: Triple Tigers
– McCreery takes this jazzy, upbeat ditty out for a mellow spin in his best pop baritone mode.

BEN FOLDS & LINDSEY KRAFT / “We Could Have This”
Writers: Ben Folds/Lindsey Kraft; Producer: Ben Folds; Label: New West Records
– Sleigher is the first Christmas album by this acclaimed pop singer-songwriter. He initially thought he’d do cover tunes, but apart from “The Christmas Song,” the collection is mainly originals. He’s joined by his cowriter Lindsey Kraft on this delicately intricate, lilting confection. Very accomplished and highly recommended.

THE MILK CARTON KIDS / “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”
Writers: Hugh Martin/Ralph Blaine; Producer: The Milk Carton Kids; Label: Far Cry Records
– This star Americana duo’s seasonal album is titled Christmas In a Minor Key. Their soft, stark arrangement of this classic is wistful and gentle. So is the rest of the 10-song collection.

Robert K Oermann
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