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Lee Ann Womack definitely takes the high road for this collection of Christmas standards, with a couple of new songs (title cut and "Forever Christmas Eve"). The CD is a bit more jazzy than country (perhaps an homage to one of her influences Etta James), with its BIG horns throughout "The Man With the Bag" and "Let it Snow/Winter Wonderland".

The duet with Harry Connick Jr. on "Baby It's Cold Outside" is destined to become a classic - they contrast perfectly and Lee Ann is as sassy as she was for "I'll Think of a Reason Later". The title song is about the unexpected, but wonderful yuletide bliss that will "get you if you give it half a chance". In my opinion, Lee Ann's version of "Silent Night" is the best since Stevie Nicks' in the 80s. Then the CD closes with the highlight - "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve" - a transport right from the 40s.

Lee Ann Womack is one of the best voices ever and her holiday CD is nothing less than spectacular.


You don't like country? So what? Buy this anyway!   November 22, 2002
 6 out of 8 found this review helpful

Lee Ann Womack reaches back into a bygone era, assisted on "Baby It's Cold Outside" by Harry Connick, Jr., to make a timeless Christmas disc. Shock your grandparents, and put some music that they haven't heard, but will appreciate in the CD player this Christmas. She has such a beautiful voice, and really respects the songs that she sings. She is confident enough to not just play with songs to demonstrate just how great her voice is, and destroy the meaning of the songs. This will be in my most played Christmas discs pile for years to come. It is classy and beautifully done.


A truly remarkable album from LeeAnn   October 31, 2002
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

One would expect LeeAnn Womack's first go at a christmas album to be nothing short of lovely. And it is lovely. Not only does this southern bell add her own unique touch to holiday favorites, but she also gives us 2 new songs to cheer about. Both of the CD's original tunes were co-written by top Nashville songwriter Greg Barnhill, known for his haunting hit for Trisha Yearwood "Walk Away Joe". Lucky LeeAnn! The two original tunes, especially the title track, are timeless masterpieces, sure to be enjoyed by all. LeeAnn Womack might as well add another 'hit' record to her accomplishments. Buy "A Season for Romance"!


Excellent easy-listening Christmas music   November 17, 2002
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

In 2002, five major country artists released Christmas albums - an unusually high number - but they are all enjoyable and different in their own ways. For example, Patty Loveless' album is much more upbeat, and much more traditional-sounding. Lee Ann has chosen to go for a more relaxed, easy listening style which has little to do with country music. This will not please any country fans who were disappointed by Lee Ann's other 2002 album, Something worth leaving behind. For the rest of us, who enjoy that album, this is another masterpiece.

As with Patty's album, this includes many Christmas standards, but only Silent night appears on both. On this album, there are just two new songs, including the title track which sets the mood of the album. Rather like Carly Simon's Christmas album (another great 2002 release that I've also reviewed), this may be best appreciated in the quieter moments of Christmas, though it would be great at any time.

Lee Ann chose to include the rarely-recorded first verse of White Christmas (setting the scene in Beverlry Hills and ending with the line - It's December the 24th and I am longing to be up north) - Irving Berlin would be proud of her, and so am I. Lee Ann is one of my favorite singers, whatever style she sings, having proved her ability to sing coountry, pop and easy-listening with equal brilliance.

This is an excellent Christmas album which is likely to appeal more to Carly Simon fans than Patty Loveless fans, but I feel privileged to be a fan of all three.


Leisurely, romantic Christmas   November 6, 2002
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Aside from an angelic, sparse take on "Silent Night" and the festive, change of pace romp "The Man With The Bag," Lee Ann Womack's Season For Romance is dominated by leisurely paced renditions of modern yuletide classics. The two new compositions (the title track, "Forever Christmas Eve') are exquisitely rendered, amorous odes that make strong bids for future classic status. The only track that disappoints is Womack's duet with Harry Connick Jr. on "Baby It's Cold Outside." While they blend nicely on the rare moments that they sing together, Connick sounds half asleep on his responsive vocals.