The pop Christmas album is a lost art everywhere but in the country-western arena. You don't see today's rock acts reeling off sets of religious standards the way you used to--which is probably for the best. But even within the whole country milieu, since album release schedules aren't as fast-paced and casual as they once were, a good seasonal CD is something to latch onto. What we have here is a Christmas album of solid construction, packed with traditional songs and old-Nashville chestnuts. No surprises and no smash hits, but that's not what it's about.--Gavin McNett

A Great Christmas Album From Garth Brooks
I purchased this cd several years ago for my wife, and it is one of our favorite Christmas cds. From classic Christmas songs such as "Go Tell it on the Mountain", "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", and "What Child is This" to more upbeat songs, such as "The Old Man's Back in Town" and "Santa Looked a lot Like Daddy", this cd has a little something for everyone.

An upbeat version of "White Christmas" is included, as well as Garth's version of "Silent Night", which includes a narrative of Garth explaining his Christmas of 1987 and his efforts to get home to Oklahoma despite a severe snowstorm.

My favorite song on the disc is "The Friendly Beasts", which includes backing vocals from Garth's band.

I highly recommend this fine Christmas album. I've been a big fan of Garth's for years, and he brings this collection of songs to life with his vocal talents and fine insturmentals. Put this festive cd in your cd player this Christmas and enjoy some contemporary favorites as well as some fun songs, too. You and your loved ones will surely enjoy it.

And while county fairs, not stadiums, are the true venue of country music, you can't deny how he's transformed the industry.

In recent years George Jones, the most colossal talent in country music, has befriended Brooks. Maybe Garth will start doing more country shows and fewer rock concerts.

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