I love Christmas music, and I have about 60 CDs, which, while not a huge collection is probably more than the average person. I think that most good artists that have wanted to make a Christmas album have made something enjoyable, but there are few that are what I would call masterpieces.
In that category of beginning to end masterpieces that have the ability to conjure the most beautiful Christmas thoughts and emotions, I will nominate only three:
Glen Campbell - Christmas. (On the Icon Label) It was out of print for many years and only available from England for around $100.00 for the CD. It was originally called "That Christmas Feeling". His voice, the song selection and the arrangements are just impeccable.
The Carpenters - Christmas Collection. What can I say? It is just a beautiful 2 disc set Lovingly arranged by Richard with wonderful orchestrations and Karen's heavenly vocals.
Randy Travis - Old Time Christmas. I am not even a fan of country music, but this disc transcends the genre. It's just beautiful and his voice is sublime. This one is also what I would consider a real demonstration quality recording. Not a very long collection, but every song a gem.
As much as I love many orchestral collections as well as collections of classic vocalists like Andy Williams, Johnny Mathis and of course Nat King Cole, whose classic disc I don't really list because we all know it so well; For me, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without these three.
