Elvis Presley
White Christmas

THE REVIEW

For some time now, one of my most recurring Christmas traditions has been to dust off, during the holidays, the album "White Christmas" by Elvis Presley. And year after year, I find it increasingly beautiful and intense. There are many songs: 25 tracks are a bit too many to be appreciated all at first listen. The album therefore requires several careful listens.

This album includes songs from Elvis's third album, "Elvis' Christmas Album," released in 1957, which was a huge success, remaining in the top spot of the U.S. chart for four weeks and receiving 9 platinum records, plus other songs recorded in the following years, between the late '60s and early '70s. In most cases, these are traditional tracks like the famous "White Christmas" "Silent Night" "O Come All Ye Faithful" "Winter Wonderland" and "Merry Christmas Baby." Additionally, there are 3 unreleased episodes written specifically for Elvis, namely; "Santa Claus Is Back In Town," a song with a soul-blues feel but strong rock nuances. The rockabilly "Santa Bring My Baby Back to Me," which is the liveliest and most vibrant track on the album, and the poignant "Mama Like the Roses," the only non-strictly Christmas song on the album since it was originally the B-side of the 1970 single "The Wonder of You." The song portrays with great sensitivity the figure of a mother who loved roses, tending them lovingly in her garden. After her death, the children bring a bouquet of roses to their mother's grave every Mother's Day. Although Elvis is known as the king of rock, this album demonstrates how comfortable he is in interpretations that verge on the soul. Because most of the songs are ballads, almost like church hymns. But The King's voice is beautiful and enveloping, especially in "The First Noel" "On a Snowy Christmas Night" and "Take My Hand Precious Lord." The least convincing turns out to be "White Christmas," a song attempted by many artists but rarely rendered in a way that wasn't soporific. If you don't know this album, I suggest you listen to it.

In this period, it is truly a delight. And I take this opportunity to wish everyone in the DeBaser community a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Until next time...

p.s. Since I didn't do a track-by-track, I'm listing the album's tracklist below in case you're interested in looking for any of them.

1.: Santa Claus Is Back In Town

2.: White Christmas

3.: Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)

4.: I'll Be Home For Christmas

5.: Blue Christmas

6.: Santa Bring My Baby Back To Me

7.: O Little Town Of Bethlehem

8.: Silent Night

9.: There'll Be Peace In The Valley (For Me)

10.: I Believe

11.: Take My Hand Precious Lord

12.: It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)

13.: O Come All Ye Faithful

14.: First Noel

15.: On A Snowy Christmas Night

16.: Winter Wonderland

17.: Wonderful World Of Christmas

18.: It Won't Seem Like Christmas (Without You)

19.: I'll Be Home On Christmas Day

20.: If I Get Home On Christmas Day

21.: Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees

22.: Merry Christmas Baby

23.: Silver Bells

24.: Mama Liked The Rose

25.: If Every Day Was Like Christmas