The entire album is a classic.


A true classic   February 11, 2004
B. W. Fairbanks (Lakewood, OH United States)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

One of the few "rock and roll" Christmas albums I can stomach, "Elvis' Christmas Album" was recorded in the heat of summer 1957 and was regarded as an act of blashphemy upon its release later in the year.

How dare this ducktailed rock and roller with his pink Cadillacs and sexually suggestive performing style...this pelvis thrusting pied piper of indecency...this...this...multi-millionaire juvenile delinquent, record "White Christmas"? Even the song's composer, Irving Berlin, was upset and asked radio stations not to play Presley's version.

There are moments on this disc when the King seems to playfully mock the sentiments of some of these songs as if to taunt his critics, but for the most part he sounds sincere and never fails to be anything but superb. He breathes startling new life into "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem" and makes "I'll Be Home for Christmas" his own. "Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane") is delightful, and "Santa Claus is Back in Town" is as raunchy in its way as his recording of "One Night."

The album is padded out with four sublime gospel recordings originally released on the "Peace in the Valley" EP that break the lighthearted mood a bit, but also place the focus on the season's true meaning.

This is a true classic, but Elvis fans who can't get enough of the King in yuletide mode might be advised to pick up one of the Christmas compilations (there are several) that include all of Presley's seasonal recordings.


Classic!   December 26, 2003
Alexander J. Cervantes (Fresno, CA USA)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

This is the best pop/rock/gospel Christmas album ever produced. Elvis' favorite time of the year was the Christmas holiday season and his favorite kind of music was Gospel. Therefore, this album is the best of Elvis' most loved music. Elvis' voice projects his sincerity in "O Little Town Of Bethlehem" and in "Peace In The Valley" which was his mother's favorite gospel song. His fervor and sensitivity are revealed in "I Believe" and in "It Is No Secret." Elvis also demonstrates his playfulness in "Santa Bring My Baby Back To Me" and in "Here Comes Santa Claus." Of course, his versions of "Blue Christmas" and "White Christmas" are perennial favorites. If fact, it would not seem like Christmas without Elvis Christmas music. If Elvis was concerned about providing a gift that carried his sentiments of the Christmas season, this album is it. One can enjoy this album all through the year.


Santa Claus is comin' down your chimney tonight!   December 15, 2004
Johnny Heering (Bethel, CT United States)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

This was Elvis's first Christmas album, recorded in 1957. It's a certifiable classic. Side one featured Elvis doing secular Christmas songs. "Santa Claus is Back in Town" is an awesome blues song that features D.J. Fontana's best drumming ever, arguably. "White Christmas" is a fine performance that owes a lot to the Drifters' version. "Here Comes Santa Claus" is a cool rockabilly style performance. "I'll Be Home For Christmas" is a good ballad. "Blue Christmas" is Elvis's best Christmas song, and it made everyone forget the original Ernest Tubb version. Side one closed with the original pop rocker "Santa Bring My Baby Back". Side two of the album featured religious songs. However, only two of the songs are actual Christmas songs. The last four songs are taken from the previously released "Peace in the Valley" EP. But when the songs are as great as these four are, why complain? I highly recommend this CD.