"Elvis recorded 20 Christmas songs during his career. 19 of them are on this CD in addition to 4 Gospel songs which were included on his 1957 Christmas album.
This collection combines the 1957 version of Elvis' Christmas album and his 1971 "The Wonderful World of Christmas" album. This is an excellent collection with one omission, it leaves off his recording of "If Every Day was Like Christmas" which was released as a single in 1966 and included on the 1970 repackaging of his Christmas album.
The songs recorded for the 1957 Elvis Christmas album are outstanding! Elvis is in top form for these songs and several of them have become Christmas classics still receiving radio play 50 years after they were recorded!
The rest of the songs from his 1971 "The Wonderful World of Christmas" album are good but not in the same class as the earlier recordings. Elvis' voice seems strained on a few songs and in general the material is not has strong as his earlier recordings. But still they are very good and certainly worthy of listening to during the Christmas season.
However, I would recommend that you buy the Elvis "White Christmas" (if you can still find it) or "If Every Day Was Like Christmas" CDs instead of this one; I think they are a better value. "White Christmas" includes every song on this CD plus "If Every Day was Like Christmas" and "Mama Liked The Roses" which were included on the 1970 edition of his Christmas album. The "If Every Day Was Like Christmas" CD does not include the 4 Gospel songs here, but it does include all 20 Elvis Christmas songs plus 4 alternate versions making it the most comprehensive Elvis Christmas CD available. Or if you really want an Elvis Christmas and Gospel collection you could spend a few extra bucks on his "Christmas Peace" release which includes his 20 Christmas songs in addition to 20 Gospel songs on 2 CDs.
"
Xmas DVD's
Mildred H. Anderson | Clearwater, FL USA | 01/04/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is the best. It brought back a lot of memories and has many of the Xmas carols that Elvis sang that are still being played over the air these days."
Fantastic Elvis Christmas Collection
mistermaxxx@yahoo.com | usa | 12/03/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've always dug Elvis Presley's stuff,but to me it can be argued that his best stuff was either His Gospel stuff or His christmas stuff. this collection combines all of his Christmas songs. every Christmas I play Elvis's Christmas Music. His Voice is Soulful&he captures the feelings of that time of the year."
Songs remain timeless
B. W. Klijnsmit | Netherlands | 12/26/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Known as the King of Rock and Roll,Elvis surely showed his musical talent
in preforming these great Christmas ballads.A must for everyone who likes
traditional and up beat Chrismas songs"
Elvis Christmas
bookworm Donna | Georgia | 01/19/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It just isn't Christmas until you have heard Elvis sing Blue Christmas on the radio. A must have for all Elvis fans!!"