[.ca] Christmas with Tammy

One of Tammy's Best Efforts:
This album was initially recorded in 1970 when Tammy Wynette was at the peak of her vocal powers. The ten track set is divided into two parts, the first half of which is comprised of hymns like "Silent Night" and "Joy To The World." The second half is far more interesting (and color coded) with modern holiday classics like "Blue Christmas" and "White Christmas" joined by the Carmen Taylor originals "One Happy Christmas" and "Let's Put Christ Back In Christmas." Best of all is "(Merry Christmas) We Must Be Having One," the definitive Tammy carol, as her tearful voice turns the routine festivitites into an ultra-emotional occasion. There have been a number of Wynette reissues released since her death, but this is easily the most moving. It should never have fallen out of print.

One for Tammy's fans everywhere:
Tammy is the kind of singer that most people have definite views about, one way or the other. This collection will not change anybody's mind, although the mood of the songs on the album is much happier than many of her hit songs. This album has been re-issued several times, varying between ten and twelve tracks. Gentle shepherd and Lonely Christmas call seem to be the tracks that are sometimes omitted. Even without those two, this is still brilliant. Many of the songs will be familiar to you, but you could never mistake Tammy's distinctive versions of them for anybody else's. Blue Christmas reminds us that Tammy is good at singing the sad songs, but elsewhere the mood varies between contentment and outright happiness. The songs cover both the spiritual and the festive aspects of Christmas. I was surprised that no children's songs were included, as I know that Tammy enjoyed singing about and for them (Bedtime story and Kids say the darndest things are two of her classic songs). Despite the absence of Santa, sleighs and reindeer, this is still a great album. If, like me, you love Tammy's music, you will love this album. If not, look elsewhere.

• Silent Night
• O Little Town of Bethlehem
• It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
• Joy to the World
• Away in a Manger
• Gentle Shepherd \o*\c
• Blue Christmas
• (Merry Christmas) We Must Be Having One
• White Christmas
• One Happy Christmas
• Lonely Christmas Call \o*\c
• Let's Put Christ Back in Christmas