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.


Excellent easy-listening Christmas music   November 17, 2002
Peter Durward Harris (Leicester England)
6 out of 6 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.


A truly remarkable album from LeeAnn   October 31, 2002
6 out of 6 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"!


She hopes you sing too   December 19, 2005
Amanda Richards (Georgetown, Guyana)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Lee Ann Womack puts the traditional spin back into Christmas music with this old-style country Christmas album. This is one of those “relaxing around the living room after dinner” Holiday albums, when you’re too stuffed to move a muscle.

The most corny (and forgettable) track is the duet with Harry Connick Jr., but apart from that, songs like “The Season for Romance”, “Let it Snow/Winter Wonderland”, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, and “The Christmas Song” are enough to set the mood for a lazy evening.

Relax with Lee Ann, and sing along if you can, but she doesn’t expect you to dance this time.


Amanda Richards, December 19, 2005



A surprising sound   December 6, 2002
GordonH (Michigan)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

I'm not a big country music fan, but I loved "I Hope You Dance" and decided to get Lee Ann's Christmas album. It has significant jazz and adult contemporary influences. Not at all what I expected, but very, very nice. There's a good selection of songs and her voice is crystal clear. Highly recommended!