About.com Rating

The Bottom Line

Dwight Yoakam makes a living on singing some of the saddest songs ever laid down by even a country artist, and he carries that tradition with him to "Come On Christmas," the title track of which is quite possibly the most depressing holiday song ever recorded. Still, the warmly faithful and honest heart beating in Yoakam's chest shows in the rest of the album, and it speaks from the very soul.




Pros

• "Silver Bells"
• "Away In A Manger"
• "Santa Can't Stay"

Cons

• "Come On Christmas"

Description

• Dwight Yoakam's only Christmas album.
• Recorded in 1997 on Reprise (Warner) Records.
• Produced by Pete Anderson.

Guide Review - Dwight Yoakam - Come On, Christmas

If you can make it through the dirge-like title track of this disc, which can be difficult if you look to Christmas music for good cheer, then you'll find some gems in the following nine tracks. Dwight Yoakam is certainly the king of sad country music, but the first time I listened to "Come On Christmas" I wanted to start crying. Fortunately, I held on for track two, the always- infectious "Run Run Rudolph," and then discovered my very favorite version of "Silver Bells" ever recorded.

Dwight balances a good combination of traditional and modern Christmas music with this disc, giving soulful renditions of "Silent Night" and "Away In A Manger" side- by-side with a very Elvis-y take on "Santa Claus Is Back In Town" (ho ho ho, baby), and "Here Comes Santa Claus." He closes the disc with an original, very modern redneck song, "Santa Can't Stay," about a broken home, a drunk daddy, and mama's new boyfriend.

I've heard negative reactions to "Santa Can't Stay" from even Dwight fans, but I rather like the song. It deals in truths, and Dwight Yoakam never shies away from the truth.

All in all, "Come On Christmas" is as complex a holiday album as Yoakam is a performer; rich with subtle layers from the sorrowful to the joyous, he captures every essence of the season. And even if you're not prepared for the sad parts, you can't deny sometimes they're there, and Yoakam tells it as he sees it.