Various Artists

At first I was thinking that ten artists on one CD was a bit much. I’ve never really been a fan of compilations and special projects. I typically lean toward focusing on one artist at a time, giving them all a fair share at a good listen over a span of a couple songs. Even on top of that, I’m definitely not fond of most Christmas music, mainly because it’s all already been said. All that’s usually left is a remake of an oldie or a cheesy nostalgic. Ten Out of Tenn: Christmas, however, threw me for a loop. Never have I heard ten completely different artists compliment each other so effectively, much less on a Christmas CD. Not only so, but it made me feel like I knew each of the artists. Every one of these Nashville stars has a unique way of making the listener feel welcome to come and listen; like sitting down with an old friend listening to stories of the good ol’ days. You won’t find perfectly rounded or polished vocals here. Instead, you’ll hear sounds that seem familiar and approachable. Even without the musical “perfection,” quality and entertainment are never sacrificed.

The album starts with “Cinnamon and Chocolate.” What an awesome twist and breath of fresh air for a Christmas song. Easy vocals by Aussie Butterfly Boucher and a choir-like background give this album a great kickoff. Not too soft, not too loud; just perfect. The song resembles any other reflective old time classic like “White Christmas” or Nat King Cole’s “Christmas Song.” I don’t want to talk too much about this song anymore because it’s just one you have to hear. It’s one that got played more than its fair share of times (a.k.a. go buy the album and listen to it yourself, really).

Another strong point on this album has got to be Jeremy Lister’s “Santa’s Lost His Mojo.” As soon as the end of the second verse you’ll already find yourself singing along. Lister tells the short, uncomplicated, beautifully-rhymed story of how St. Nick has lost a little bit of momentum and maybe a little motivation for doing his ancient job. A little snippet from “Deck the Halls” brings it home as you go into the bridge. If you haven’t been won over by the bridge then I guess this just isn’t your song. Otherwise, addiction will force you to keep this song on repeat (not to mention keep you giggling).

An awesome, minor-key remake of “Little Drummer Boy” is performed by Erin McCarley and co-written by K.S. Rhoads, whom I will speak of momentarily. The classic starts out with a dark piano line by Rhoads and is soon accompanied by McCarley’s easy, relaxed, and beautiful Sarah McLachlanesque voice. Beautiful and creative instrumentals keep this song from causing the listener to be completely depressed from its key. This could very well be one of my favorite remakes of any song…ever. Holy creativity!

Let’s come back to Mr. Rhoads. This guy pulls out the other side of Christmas. While everyone else is singing of happy holidays and joyful noises, K.S. speaks to those who aren’t too fond of Christmas because of old, not-so-happy memories of parents fighting on Christmas. Appropriately titled “Why Are Mom and Daddy Fighting on Christmas,” Rhoads somehow in a cheery-sounding way communicates the other forgotten emotion of Christmas. Filled with beautiful instrumentals and almost haunting choir parts, this song will keep you entertained, while at the same time make you think.

Tyler James and Andy Davis, the reasons I wanted this CD in the first place, do a great job keeping it real on this album. Davis, like Rhoads, highlights the gloomier side of the holidays for some. He sings of not wanting to be alone “on the most wonderful time of the year.” It’s beautifully communicated with a sing-a-long-able chorus that will definitely get stuck in your head. He’s got the kind of voice that you can listen to all day. James, on the other hand, highlights the nostalgia of the holidays with “Sentimental Christmas.” Somewhat reminiscent of what you would hear on a Target commercial. It just makes me happy; there is no other way of putting it. This song, along with Davis’ “Christmas Time,” get my votes for most friendly and easiest listening.

On one kind of sour note, Griffin House and Matthew Perryman Jones don’t really deliver on their respective renditions of “O Holy Night” and “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” Both are original arrangement wise, but nothing is really special about either. They are the two tracks on this album I didn’t mind skipping over. If you like your Christmas songs performed the same way for the millionth time, they both would probably work perfectly for you.

All in all, I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed these guys (and girls). Truthfully, it took a couple listens before I really started liking them, but now I can’t get the songs out of my head and I love it. This will be an album that I will listen to throughout the year. It’s too good to only pull it off the shelf for Christmas. It’s one of my favorite CD’s overall, ever. I’m giving it a 9 out of 10 because 10 out of 10 would be cheesy.

Tagged as: Ten Out of Tenn: Christmas

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