It’s the holiday season, and you’re going to the mall anyway, so how about stuffing a stocking with these new Christmas albums? Diamond Rio, The Star Still Shines These guys must love A Charlie Brown Christmas as much as we do, presenting both “Christmas Time Is Here” and an instrumental jam, “Christmas Is Coming.” Toby Keith, A Classic Christmas A generous helping of religious songs on one disc and secular singalongs on the other, this is Toby Keith’s second Christmas package, following a batch of originals in 1995. Larry the Cable Guy, Christmastime in Larryland Somebody has spiked the holiday punch lines. Listen to this one when the kids aren’t around. There’s a DVD version, as well. Raul Malo, Marshmallow World & Other Holiday Favorites If your favorite thing to open at Christmas is another bottle of vodka, shake up your holiday party with this disc. “Feliz Navidad” is always a kick. Martina McBride, White Christmas A blend of solemn hymns and perky holiday favorites, this reissued disc adds four new songs to its wish list. It’s wrapped in a new album cover, too. Mindy Smith, My Holiday The sensitive, spiritual songwriter turns in a quiet, soothing Christmas disc with a few new songs. Alison Krauss harmonizes on “Away in a Manger.” Taylor Swift, Sounds of the Season Thanks to this teen star, a new generation of sensitive girls may discover the melancholy but oh-so-melodic “Last Christmas.” She also includes two original holiday songs. Pam Tillis, Just in Time for Christmas You don’t have to see her Christmas show at Opryland Hotel to buy this lovely CD, but if you can somehow get to Nashville, an irresistibly warm and fuzzy feeling awaits you. Randy Travis, Songs of the Season He wraps his rich baritone around “O Holy Night,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain” and “Joy to the World,” along with a new song he wrote, “Our King.” Conway Twitty, A Twismas Story The country legend loaded up the sleigh with squeaky Twitty Birds for a holiday album released in 1983. After growing up with the kid-friendly album, Twitty’s granddaughter is now featured on the CD reissue. Various Artists, Hear Something Country – Christmas Carrie Underwood asks, “Do You Hear What I Hear?” We sure do — Christmas songs from Brad Paisley, Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Kellie Pickler and many more. Various Artists, Mary Did You Know?: 17 Inspirational Christmas Songs From Today’s Top Country Artists Josh Turner, Joe Nichols and LeAnn Rimes are among the country stars inspired to share the true meaning of Christmas. Wynonna and Kenny Rogers sing the title track.Country Music Photo Gallery
The first country vocalist to win American Idol, Carrie Underwood grew up in the small town of Checotah, OK, and started singing with her church at the tender age of three. Throughout her childhood, she also performed at functions for the Lion’s Club and Old Settlers Day, eventually grading to festival gigs in several states. Along with developing her singing, Underwood learned to play guitar and piano. She graduated from high school as her class salutatorian and majored in mass communication at Northeastern State College with an eye on a career in broadcast journalism, but continued her singing career throughout her studies.