Brad Paisley - Christmas
Album Review By: Penny Rondinella, CSO Staff Journalist

I think every single country artist out there should be required to do at least one Christmas album. I don't know anyone that wouldn't just love for their favorite country artist to do just that. I got my Christmas wish last year when one of my favorites released one, and now this year I got another wish, Mr. Brad Paisley with his very first Christmas album simply titled Christmas. When this time of year comes around, I just can't wait to start playing Christmas music, we start the day after Thanksgiving. It warms my heart so much to hear different artists sing their own version of Holiday classics we all know and love. It puts me in a place that I love to be when this time of year comes around, it's my favorite holiday and it brings me such warm and fuzzy feelings. 

I was so excited when I saw that one of my all time favorite Christmas songs was on this album. It's by none other than Buck Owens and Don Rich, "Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy (And Daddy Looked A Lot Like Him)". Man, do I remember that song from such a long time ago and what an amazing job Paisley does with it too.

"Born On Christmas Day" - Written and sung by the very young voice of Paisley when he was just a little whipper snapper of the age of 13 (before his voice changed.) His voice of today is transferred by modern magic in the recording and he joins his younger self on this one to make it a duet. Pretty neat stuff they can do these days. A new favorite of mine to get excited about listening for each year.

"364 Days To Go", also written by Paisley, is about the kid in all of us coming out at Christmas time. Even when it's still Christmas day,  we'll think about the next Christmas to come, which is only 364 days away. 

Paisley and Frank Rodgers wrote a silly, but fun song about Santa's secret agent bird, "Penguin, James Penguin." Ever wonder how Santa keeps track of what we do all year? It's this silly Penguin with satellite uplinks in his cufflinks. Who watches us all year from an undisclosed location. He even helped Santa and his elves hook up G.P.S. on Santa's sleigh. The kids choir really add a special touch to this one. I know for sure my kids are going to love it. Now, all Paisley has to do is write a cute story book that goes along with it. 

"Kung Pao Buckaroo Holiday," with the Kung Pao Buckaroos (a.k.a. George Jones, Bill Anderson, and "Little" Jimmy Dickens) discovering that they get bleeped every time they mention the word "Christmas." Kung Pao Holiday is a great CHRISTMAS Song, Yes I Said "CHRISTMAS". It's not Holiday Day, it's "CHRISTMAS" for goodness sake. Thank you Brad and others for having the guts to say that and not worry about being so politically correct. 

Paisley also does the traditional Christmas tunes of "Away In A Manger," "Silver Bells" and Silent Night. But my favorite has to be the instrumental version of "Jingle Bells" with Paisley's awesome guitar  playing. 

This album is worthy of adding it to your Country Christmas Collection, one that you will find yourself reaching for either at Christmas parties or just some down home Country Christmas tunes to brighten your holidays with. It has a nice balance of Traditional Christmas tunes, in which Brad adds his very own little touch, as well as the fun loving humorous kind for all to enjoy. 

Click on the CD cover to order yours!
1. Winter Wonderland 2. Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy  3. I'll Be Home For Christmas  4. Away In A Manger 5. Penguin, James Penguin  6. 364 Days To Go	7. Jingle Bells (Instrumental)  8. Silent Night  9. Born On Christmas Day  10. Silver Bells  11. Kung Pao Buckaroo Holiday  12. Outro

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