Artist: Lady A
Title: On This Winter’s Night - Vol. 2 (Big Machine Label Group)
You might like if you enjoy: Little Big Town, Sugarland, The Band Perry
Tell me more: Lady A’s Dave Heywood said the trio relished an opportunity to craft another Christmas album because they gained new holiday perspectives after becoming parents over the past decade. That wisdom helped the group write the stirring, family-centric ballad “Christmas Through Your Eyes” (among four tracks originally on a 2020 deluxe edition of Vol. 1) and the upbeat “Wouldn’t Be Christmas,” about longing to be with loved ones. Both are standouts on this terrific collection.
Elsewhere, “Winter Wonderland” is given a soulful, organ-drenched treatment; George Michael’s “Last Christmas” works as a contemplative ballad with warm vocals from Hillary Scott and Charles Kelley; The Beach Boys’ “Little Saint Nick” and Paul McCartney & Wings’ “Wonderful Christmastime” are totally fun and perfect fit for Lady A’s harmonic blend. Kelly imbues the Ray Charles popularized “That Spirit of Christmas” (from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” soundtrack) with some relaxed grit. Ricky Scaggs and Chris Tomlin contribute guest vocals to “Why We Sing Silent Noel” and “Silent Night” respectively.
Information: ladyamusic.com
Artist: Brad Paisley
Title: Snow Globe Town (Mercury Nashville)
You might like if you enjoy: Blake Shelton, Gary Allan, Keith Urban
Tell me more: After Brad Paisley was commissioned to write a few tunes for the new Hallmark Channel movie “A Grand Ole Opry Christmas” (premiering Nov. 29; Paisley also makes a cameo appearance), the West Virgina native enjoyed the assignment so much he penned more holiday tunes with the goal of making an album that felt like “a town that is magical this time of year.” Everything was recorded in less than a week using Paisley’s touring band and top Nashville session players. His 18-year-old son Huck designed the album cover art.
Clocking in at just under an hour, Snow Globe Town includes 16 tracks frequently infused with Paisley’s dexterous electric guitar work and trademark humor (a twangy “Lit” and rollicking “That Crazy Elf” describe embarrassing, awkward family situations arising around this season and how to cope with them. Hint: alcohol is usually involved). Among the standards, “My Favorite Things” is done as a blues number in 6/8 time; “Marshmallow World” could soundtrack a honky tonk two-step; “Jingle Bell Rock” is rocking as only Paisley can. Standouts include the optimistic “Counting Down the Days,” an inspiring “Leave the Christmas Lights on For Me” (where a father races to make it home from work on time), and the poignant ballad “Last Year” (about a lost loved one) featuring singer/radio host Kelleigh Bannen. Overall, this is a fine addition to any country music fan’s Christmas playlist.
George Paul
