DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Dan + Shay ‘Own’ The Holiday

Dan + Shay

There is a bonanza of Nashville Christmas music this year.

Dolly, Vince & Amy and Brett Eldredge have updated and/or expanded versions of their classic holiday collections. Monument and Pinecastle have both released all-star compilations of their lists’ offerings. Starship rocker Mickey Thomas came to Music City to record a Christmas album. Home Free, Alicia Witt and Cat Cohen also have new collections.

The ruler this year is Dan + Shay, whose jumbo Christmas serving is today’s counter. Give Chapel Hart a special nod for having the cutest new Christmas tune.

Since November 1st, I have received 78 Christmas singles from Nashville artists. We’d be here for a week if I went through them all. Just so you know, there are four new versions of “O Holy Night,” three new renditions of “Christmas In Dixie,” and three Spanish-language holiday treats. The most exciting new titles appear to be “All I Want for Christmas Is an Open Bar” by Drew Green, “Naughty List” by Trace Adkins, “Santa You Can Skip Our House” by Jessica Lynn, “Layaway Mama” by Adam Chaffins and “Single Bells” by Lee Brice.

Have a good holiday.

MASON RAMSEY / “Silent Night”
Author: Franz Xaver Gruber/Joseph Mohr; Producer: Dan Fernandez; Label: Atlantic Records
– The 11-year-old who yodeled to fame at Walmart is now a mature vocalist with a smooth baritone delivery. His reverent take on this beautiful ballad is at just the right tempo. It is taken from his debut holiday EP, Merry Christmas baby.

GABBY BARRETT / “The First Noel”
Author: public domain; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This here American Idol alumna has released her first Christmas album, carols and candles. It’s a mix of traditional tunes, classic pop compositions and a few new elements. Accompanied by piano, acoustic guitar and strings, she performs this old British carol with heartfelt sincerity. It’s become something of a holiday favorite of hers — she introduced a live version of it on a CMA Christmas TV special four years ago.

LITTLE BIG TOWN / “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”
Author: Hugh Martin/Ralph Blane; Manufacturers: small city, Wayne Kirkpatrick; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– This golden-voiced quartet has its first Yule LP this year, aptly titled Christmas record. And I mean “LP:” You can buy it on vinyl. Karen’s lead vocals on this sweet classic have a shimmering tone. Kimberly strikes on soprano harmony followed by Jimi and Philip to create a lovely, subdued, layered sound. Though is the word. The song was introduced by Judy Garland in the 1943 film Meet me in St. Louis.

KEVIN JONAS SR. / “Clear set glow”
Authors: Amy Stroup/Bob DiPiero/David Kalmussky/Kevin Jonas Sr; Producer: David Kalmussky; Label: Red Van Records
– This light hearted toe tapper is taken from his holiday EP, Joy to the world. He is sometimes called “Papa Jonas” and is joined here by “Mama” Denise Jonas. Their world-famous sons must be proud, especially since Nick obviously inspired the shoot.

DAN + SHAY / “Official Christmas”
Authors: Dan Smyers/Dave Barnes/Jordan Reynolds/Nicolle Galyon; Manufacturers: Dan Smyers, Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Shay Mooney’s tenor voice was born for this season. He sounds like a warm woolen sweater on a cold night. Dan Smyers’ production sparkles and dazzles with Christmas cheer. This is the exuberant title track to a fabulous double album of Christmas music. From this year, this duo owns the holiday.

AUTHENTIC UNLIMITED / “Christmas Time Is Here”
Authors: Lee Mendelson/Vincent Guaraldi; Producer: Authentic Unlimited; Label: Billy Blue Records
– These guys have the bluegrass Christmas album to get. Authentic Unlimited is this year’s IBMA Vocal Group of the Year, and this is a smart way to hear why. Their playing and singing on this tender, jazzy, minor-key ballad is pristinely perfect.

CHAPEL HART / “Come Santa Claus”
Authors: Chapel Hart/Dan Needham/Tre Corley; Manufacturers: Chapel Hart, Dan Needham, Tre Corley; Label: Origins/Hitmaker Music Group
– Hartfelt Family Christmas is the debut album from this trio. It features celebrity guests Vince Gill, Rissi Palmer, The Isaacs, Darius Rucker, T. Graham Brown, Jason Crabb and Gretchen Wilson. On its lead-off single, the three girls go it alone, complete with sleigh bells, glockenspiel, a solid rhythm section and a jaunty “girl group” vibe. Rock on, ladies.

SCOTTY McCREERY / “Feel Like The Holidays”
Authors: Bobby Hamrick/Derek George/Frank Rogers/Jeremy Bussey/Monty Criswell; Manufacturers: Aaron Eshuis, Derek Wells, Frank Rogers; Brand: Triple Tigers
– McCreery takes this jazzy, upbeat ditty for a soft spin in his best pop baritone mode.

BEN FOLDS & LINDSEY KRAFT / “We Could Have It Here”
Authors: Leg Folds/Lindsey Kraft; Producer: Ben Folds; Label: New West Records
– Sleigh is the first Christmas album by this acclaimed pop singer-songwriter. He originally thought he would do cover tunes, but aside from “The Christmas Song,” the collection is primarily originals. He is joined by his co-writer Lindsey Kraft on this delicately intricate confection. Very well done and highly recommended.

THE MILK CARTON CHILDREN / “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”
Authors: Hugh Martin/Ralph Blaine; Producer: The Milk Carton Kids; Label: Far Cry Records
– This Americana star duo’s seasonal album is called Christmas in minor. Their soft, sharp arrangement of this classic is wistful and gentle. So is the rest of the 10-song collection.

Robert K. Oermann is a longtime contributor to MusicRow. He is a respected music critic, author and historian.

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