Customer Reviews

Christmas With Tammy Wynette

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Just a month after Tammy Wynette recorded this holiday album (crafted with compassion by long time producer Billy Sherrill), she gave birth to her only child with husband George Jones. I mention that because this collection of holiday tunes seems lit by a blessed spirit that is even greater than that of the First Lady's famous voice. Wynette's version of WHITE CHRISTMAS is one of the best ever recorded. Her faith shines in traditional cuts and her pure country roots shine in some (then) contemporary tunes, including her hit single, ONE HAPPY CHRISTMAS. It doesn't matter if you know Tammy Wynette musically or not; if you want to enjoy one of the best holiday albums ever recorded, this is the one to obtain. You won't regret one holly trimmed minute!

Tammy is the kind of singer that most people have definite views about, one way or the other. This collection will not change anybody's mind, although the mood of the songs on the album is much happier than many of her hit songs. This album has been re-issued several times, varying between ten and twelve tracks. Gentle shepherd and Lonely Christmas call seem to be the tracks that are sometimes omitted. Even without those two, this is still brilliant.

Many of the songs will be familiar to you, but you could never mistake Tammy's distinctive versions of them for anybody else's. Blue Christmas reminds us that Tammy is good at singing the sad songs, but elsewhere the mood varies between contentment and outright happiness. The songs cover both the spiritual and the festive aspects of Christmas. I was surprised that no children's songs were included, as I know that Tammy enjoyed singing about and for them (Bedtime story and Kids say the darndest things are two of her classic songs). Despite the absence of Santa, sleighs and reindeer, this is still a great album.

If, like me, you love Tammy's music, you will love this album. If not, look elsewhere.

I generally do not like Christmas albums performed by popular music stars/musicians. In fact I've only encountered two that I do enjoy. One is "The Ventures' Christmas Album" and the other is this one. Tammy simply does justice to all the overly familiar, seasonal songs on this disc, something that evades virtually all singers/musicians who attempt the inevitable, hackneyed Christmas album that the $tudio$ cajole their performers into making. Of course, if you don't like Tammy Wynette, all bets are off.