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This is solid album, but none of the tracks jumps out at me as particularly memorable. Messina seems to have a good voice for Christmas music, but it never really takes this album to where it ought to go.

I'd give it a B or a B-.

For comparison's sake, I would give Loveless an A+, and Womack a B. Womack's should have been better -- she has a superb voice for Christmas material, but decided, wrongly in my view, to make this a wind instrument dominated album, rather than a string dominated work.

Listen to Womack's, "Nothing But A Child" from several years' back -- and compare it to what appears on her current Christmas album ... you'll see what I mean.

Loveless' album is only the best Christmas album by a female. Enough said.

Back to Messina ... it's worth getting, but don't expect it to knock your socks off.


A voice made for caroling...   November 17, 2002
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

I know it's still kind of early yet, but Jo Dee's (finally!) holiday CD has got me in the spirit. The only thing more exciting than the CD is her upcoming Christmas tour!

Jo Dee seems to stretch out her voice more than usual and at the same time, it is soft (most noticeable on "I'll Be Home For Christmas"). "Sleigh Ride" is playful and upbeat, and her version of "Let it Snow" is trademark Jo Dee sassy, especially cute on both is the pause...then giggle at the end. Another very cool thing is the children used as background singers on "Winter Wonderland". Slightly more experienced background singers join Jo Dee on "What Child is This" (Kenny Rogers) and "Silver Bells" (Vince Gill)

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" gives me chills when I hear it, it is just Jo Dee and a piano - it is very touching in its simplicity. Jo Dee co-wrote "Keep the Faith" in her usual style of rising above hardships - it is the best song on the CD! Also original is the title track, about the hope of the season.

Masterfully produced with always wonderful work by the Nashville String Machine, Jo Dee's holiday CD is heads above the others. Her personal story and the pictures in the liner notes make this truly a must-have!


Not typical Jo Dee but very nice   August 31, 2003
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Jo Dee built her success on predominately up-tempo songs recorded in a contemporary country style. I therefore expected that any Christmas album would reflect that, but I realized from other reviews that this album is not like that at all. In fact, this is a generally mellow album, with an orchestral backing used sparingly but effectively. The result is an album that bears no relation to the contemporary country scene, but is nevertheless a very enjoyable listening experience - at least to me, though some country fans will inevitably be alienated. While this is different from Jo Dee's other work, it is an easy-listening musical style that I appreciate in a different way.

Jo Dee demonstrates that she can sing with restraint as she works her way through a succession of classic Christmas songs. Only towards the end of the set does she loosen up, but even then she does not use the full power of her voice, which is on her other albums. After all the classics, the album ends with two excellent original songs.

Jo Dee's die-hard fans will accept this change of style as a contrast to her other albums, as will those (like me) with eclectic tastes. If you are looking for a contemporary country Christmas album, this is not it. Likewise, Jo Dee's less committed fans may hesitate. If in doubt, you might be wise to listen to some of it before buying. I thought long and hard before buying this but I'm very glad I did.


Probably the Best Christmas Album You'll Ever Own!   November 3, 2002
 3 out of 4 found this review helpful

After a disapointing Season for Romance by Lee Ann Womack, this album brings us back to counrty. Jo Dee Messina's A Joyful Noise is a traditional country Christmas album without the twang. She brings her emotions into it, even laughing during Let it Snow. It is a wonderful collection of the Christmas classics. The duets with Vince Gil and Kenny Rogers only add to the fun. This album should rank right up with Martina McBride's White Christmas in your collection!


Really good disc   November 22, 2002
 2 out of 4 found this review helpful

This is a very strong holiday album, worthy of keeping. It is not my favorite of the new holiday offerings, but if you are picking up a few additions this year, pick this one up.

(If you must keep it to one disc, I would say, go for Lee Ann Womack's "The Season for Romance")

Jo Dee is confident enough in her strong voice that she doesn't destroy songs with verbal gymnastics, just to prove that she can. (Gee, can't we all think of a few singers guilty of that offense?) I'll praise anyone with a strong, powerful voice that doesn't HAVE to beat me over the head with it on every tune. She sings each song APPROPRIATELY. hmm..

This will go down well as a classic. It's not too country to play for those who don't listen to country. It has a more classic appeal. If the turntable is dead or discarded, and the older generations are missing their old favorites, I doubt that they will complain when you toss this disc in the CD player.