If there’s one album that embodies the spirit of Christmas without the modern fluff and frills, it’s "Christmas" by The Oak Ridge Boys. Released in 1982, this harmonious gem captures the essence of the holiday season in a way only a group of seasoned country and gospel crooners could do. Recorded in the United States during a time when country was king and the world was still grasping traditional values, this album transports listeners back to an era of true Christmas spirit.
The Oak Ridge Boys, a powerhouse quartet in the world of country, saw fit not just to remind us why family and faith are crucial innards of the holiday table but to also give each word weight by setting it to perfect harmony. They gave a voice to those who believed in Christmas as something deeper than consumerism—a radical notion today, but perfectly sane for folks like them. Nowadays, the waters are muddied with holiday-themed albums that might jingle with holiday cheer but often lack the enduring substance that The Oak Ridge Boys deliver in this unforgettable collection.
This album is a solid gold journey through Christmas classics that don’t require any modern liberal auto-tuning or electronic remastering to make up for what’s usually played on a loop at some over-commercialized shopping mall. Starting with uplifting tracks like "Christmas is Paintin’ the Town" and "Christmas Carol", the album draws listeners in with its familiarity and stays with nostalgia that rings true from start to finish. This isn't music for folks who want to replace Rudolph with commercials selling secular brands; it's for those who remember what Christmas really stands for.
The Oak Ridge Boys crafted "Christmas" with timeless appeal, tapping into the best that country music had to offer while giving space for traditional carols like "O Holy Night" and "Away in a Manger". These aren’t just songs; they are declarations set in song form, pulling at the threads of faith and tradition that have always held this nation together, especially during the holiday season. In the 80s, there was no arguing that country music served as the backbone for heartland folks and traditionalists alike—a banner under which they'd readily unite.
And let’s talk about the musical prowess here! Let’s give credit where it’s due: The harmonization on this album is stunning. It’s everything but robotic, unlike the redundant synths modern day producers insist on weaving into music as if to create some universal sameness. Nothing about The Oak Ridge Boys is "the same"; their ability to bring out genuine emotions through music survives the test of time. The Oak Ridge Boys deliver their ballads with raw emotion and impeccable talent, staying true to the country roots which they genuinely represent.
With "Jingle Bells" and "A Christmas Song", the album strikes a balance between energy and reverence, keeping things festive while aligning with the genuine spirit of the season. The stuff that’s often missing when holiday albums go all bells and whistles without the faith foundation. These are beautifully crafted songs that remind us to gather together in song and celebration, much like how families would sing carols together to keep tradition burning brightly.
For all its festivity and warmth, The Oak Ridge Boys’ "Christmas" album is also an unapologetic nod to the American way of celebrating Christmas. It champions a cultural backbone that gave rise to a nation proud of its beliefs and traditions. It's an album that reminds all of us, whether we sit by a fireplace sipping cocoa or at a lively Christmas soup kitchen, about the importance of unity, family, and the timeless teachings of the season.
That's what sets the album apart from the garish, commercially-driven oddities that, let's face it, often falter as art. There's depth here, a genuine depth—something that’s often overlooked by modern liberal critics more focused on worldly gains than seasonal joy. The Oak Ridge Boys hit every note not just because they wanted to sell records, but because they believed in the music they made. Because they believed in Christmas.