I've listened to this album several times now and each time I've enjoyed it more than the previous time. Dylan takes us on a journey through popular Christmas songs and Christian classics.
He starts that journey with "Here Comes Santa Claus" and ends the album with "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and the final words, "Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in." With a final "Amen" added for good measure. From pop culture to the heart of what it means to be a Christian. One word, "terrific!"
I have no doubt that Dylan was keenly aware of the song order on this album as he weaves in and out of popular culture and Christian classics, no song on the album is more fun than "Must Be Santa." Yet it is the carols that drew me in as Dylan's faith shines through in the feeling he puts into them.
This may not be the easy listening Christmas album that everyone will be playing this year but this is a great album for fans of Bob Dylan or for those who like to hear a slightly different take on the old carols. Buy the album, its a complete set of songs that should be listened to together.
