Finding a good Christmas compilation CD is not as easy as it sounds.
Nearly every noteworthy artist seems to have a holiday themed album out, which makes choosing just one a difficult task.
The Now! compilation albums have been around for years now.
Known for producing albums that feature “top 40” hits, the franchise has become the standard in assembling a collection of hits onto one album.
Years ago, the Now! franchise wandered into holiday territory with Now That’s What I Call Christmas!.
The blend of old and new songs and artists turned out to be the perfect mix, setting the bar for all Christmas compilation albums to follow.
The third and the most recent installment, Now That’s What I Call Christmas! Volume 3, sticks with their successful formula and combines the old with the new and ends up producing a wonderful blend of holiday music.
The first CD features the timeless classics that any age group will recognize with songs like Nat King Cole’s O Come Ye Faithful and Frank Sinatra’s Jingle Bells.
Arguably two of the greatest Christmas singers of all time kick off the album with a mood that will inspire hot chocolate and a warm fire.
The album features other songs from old singers such as Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, Ella Fitzgerald, Johnny Cash, Louis Armstrong and many others.
Keeping on with the holiday cheer, the second album rolls along with the original theme song from Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas.
“You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch,” the song goes. “You really are a heel. You’re as cuddly as a cactus; you’re as charming as an eel, Mr. Grinch.”
The deep vocals of this song will surely bring many the hint of nostalgia for Christmases past and remind listeners of holiday childhood memories.
Where the second album gets really interesting is in the later half.The eclectic mix of musicians all have a go at their Christmas renditions and really prove why these albums have become so unique and well received.
From Celine Dion to Mariah Carey and even Relient K, the second album proves that there is a Christmas song for everyone.
Whether you prefer the old Christmas songs or the new, Now That’s What I Call Christmas! Volume 3 is the perfect compilation album to get you into the holiday cheer.
Twenty minutes in, you’ll have the tree lights on, 40 minutes in, you’ll have the eggnog out and 60 minutes in, you’ll realize why Christmas really is “the most wonderful time of the year.”
To purchase your copy of Now That’s What I Call Christmas! Volume 3, visit iTunes.