One of the best country Christmas albums, this smart blend of old and new songs doesn't have a traditional carol in the bunch. He starts off strong with the rocking "Honky Tonk Christmas" and then sings a gorgeous duet with
Alison Krauss. He adds his voice to a previously taped track by the late
Keith Whitley on "There's a New Kid in Town" and does a credible job with
Merle Haggard's "If We Make It Through December." Save for a silly duet with the cartoon
Chipmunks, this is a fabulous album. ~ Brian Mansfield