A Classic Christmas

Toby Keith | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 16, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Show Dog Nashville
• ASIN: B000UOE76Y
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #62,063 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Toby Keith likes the holidays so much that he’s recorded a second Christmas album (his first was 1995’s Christmas to Christmas), a two-disc set that divides the program between secular and spiritual songs. Co-producing with Randy Scruggs (the two also collaborated on arrangements), Keith keeps the backing tasteful and easy-going, with a pleasing western-swing fiddle on "Frosty the Snowman" and a Celtic fiddle flair on "Joy to the World." In contrast to his often blustery delivery, he delivers a pure reading nearly throughout, and dips down into the richest part of his register for such standards as "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and Mel Torme’s "The Christmas Song," one of the hardest holiday classics to sing. Overall, Keith fares better on the secular songs: While "We Three Kings" earns a sparkling arrangement and "Go Tell It on the Mountain" veers happily between gospel and bluegrass, several of the churchy numbers seem as stale as Grandma’s fruitcake. Keith would have done better to consolidate his 20-song offering into one disc, as A Classic Christmas makes for a better stocking stuffer than a major present under the tree. --Alanna Nash

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Toby sold the classics- flock, stocking and baritione!, October 17, 2007

By 

KLW "tonkatweety" (Minnetonka, MN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Classic Christmas (Audio CD)

Admitedly I'm a fan of Toby's voice he's got that pleasing deep even southern ease drawl that's versitile enough that he can vocally sell a emotionally sad or romantic ballad or add a lot of attitude for his signature fun hard hitting songs. Thankfully, that rich baritone doesn't carry the bad after taste of the country nasel or twang that is fun for a few songs but leaves you looking for the off button and an Advil.

Even though I am a fan of Toby's voice this was going to be a truly a tough sell for me because I also cut my teeth on Contemporary Gospel music and Praise and worship music and it's a genre I love. When I first heard Toby's voice I'd wondered what that Amazing voice of his would be like coupled with Amazing Grace. Even though it was my wish - I was nervous that it just wouldn't get what I was truly looking for especially on a Christmas CD -- But in my opinion he sold it flock, stocking and baritone. It takes a lot of confidence to break into deep rooted traditional songs that we all have burned into our internal ipods by music legends - Toby obviously has the confidence - and its well earned because there were more than a few songs that really blew me away.

I have to disagree with "The Critic" above because as for the packaging of two cd's; one traditional Christmas songs, and the second cd carrying the more spiritual CHRISTmas lyrics - It makes a lot of sense for me because you can pick and choose which one fits depending on who the audience you invite over for the Holidays. Be careful though, a revival just might break out when you play the rousing rendition of "Go Tell it on the Mountain"

Happy Holidays!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Awesome, October 17, 2007

By 

Bette A. Davis "TKIFC" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Classic Christmas (Audio CD)

I've waited almost ten years for Toby to put out a new Xmas CD and the wait was so worth it! His new 2-disc set, "A Classic Christmas", is full of every Xmas favorite imaginable. The arrangements and Toby's wonderful voice make every song an unforgettable experience. From "Little Drummer Boy" and "Silent Night" to "Frosty the Snowman" and my favorite, "Please Come Home for Christmas", there's a favorite for everyone. A definite treasure to own.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a wonderful gift for the holidays!, October 16, 2007

By 

J. Dodd "Big L" (Kansas City, Kansas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Classic Christmas (Audio CD)

Toby has done a great job of giving us a great selection of traditional Christmas music. The acoustic instrumentation is wonderfully done, and gives each song its own special sound. "Little Drummer Boy" and "Go Tell it on the Mountain" are especially touching. Thanks Toby for listening to your Warriors and giving us this special gift!!