Now That's What I Call Christmas, Vol. 3 [Compilation]

When the original NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL CHRISTMAS was released in 2001, it was an amazing collection of old and new holiday clasics. The second CD in the series a couple years later was nearly as good. With Vol. 3, the song selection is a bit spottier. And how could it not be? All of the true classic Christmas songs were on the first two volumes. The only glaring omission from the series so far is the Harry Simeone Chorale's "The Little Drummer Boy," which is included here in a version by Peggy Lee. The closest thing to a classic this time out is the Chipmunks' No. 1 novelty song "The Chipmunk Song" from 1958.

One sign that the series is running out of steam is when they begin repeating songs from the first two volumes but done by different artists. But seriously, does Celine Dion improve on Jose Feliciano's "Feliz Navidad"? I love Johnny Cash, but leave "Jingle Bell Rock" to Bobby Helms. And while The Beach Boy's "Little Saint Nick" is a terrific song--it was already included on Vol. 1.[ Although it should be noted that Vol. 3 uses the LP version and Vol. 1 uses the superior single version.]

There are some terrific songs here. Alison Krauss's "Shimmy Down the Chimney" was released as a Christmas single two years ago. [And is otherwise only available on Capitol Records' SHIMMY DOWN THE CHIMNEY: A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS.] Dean Martin's "Baby, It's Cold Outside" is full of charm. Judy Garland certainly evokes the sentiment of the season with "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." And Relient K provide a super charged version of the usually staid "12 Days of Christmas." Overall, this is an enjoyable collection; it's just not as essential as the first two volumes. [Running Time - Disc 1 42:42, Disc 2 65:10]

It doesn't take a rocket scientist (or record producer) to figure out the allure that the "Now" albums series have held for nearly a decade. With each volume of "Now That's What I Call Music," the sales numbers are staggering. It's no wonder that they've latched the series of successes onto Broadway, Soundtracks and Christmas music. In this third incarnation for the holidays there is literally something for everyone. This two-disc-36-track set offers us everything from the traditionalist great American singers, such as Sinatra, Bennett, Garland and Mathis, to the contemporary styles of Aguilera, Mariah Carey, Rihanna and the Pussycat Dolls. Disc One kick off with Nat King Cole's "O Come All Ye Faithful" and explores Dean Martin's "Baby, It's Cold Outside," Andy Williams' "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year," Johnny Cash's "Blue Christmas," as well as Judy Garland's haunting version of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas." In between those artists are other superstars of yesteryear, such as Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, Ella Fitzgerald, Gene Autry, Peggy Lee, Burl Ives, Louis Armstrong, Brenda Lee and, of course, The Chimpmunks' 1958 novelty, "The Chimpmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)." Disc Two offers us the Christmas music that began a 60's movement of popular rock, pop and soul artists, such as The Beach Boys' "Little Saint Nick," and takes us all the way to 2006 with Reliant K's "12 Days Of Christmas." In between those decades, "Now" serves up Smokey Robinson & The Miracles' "Noel," Al Green's "O Holy Night," Dianne Reeves' own splendid recording of "Christmas Time Is Here," Cyndi Lauper's "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" and Celine Dion's "Feliz Navidad." In between those contemporary classic performers we are also invited to hear such favorite recording artists as The Jackson 5, Kenny Rogers, Alison Krauss, Gloria Estefan, Jessica Simpson, Ne-Yo, and Stacie Orrico. Whether you're holding a gathering for twelve, twenty or two hundred, there's something on this collection for everyone. Just press "Random" on your CD carousel and let the music of the most wonderful time of the year take you away. This set is a can't-miss.

I absolutely love the first 2 installments from this Now collection. I was so excited to see what was going to be on the 3rd release. What a dissapointment... All of the tracks are mediocre and they even have the nerve to include 2 songs included on the previous version. Little Saint Nick by The Beach Boys and Winter Wonderland by Louis Armstrong. What!? Would they include duplicate songs on the regular Now Hits CD's??? I think not. If you don't have Now Christmas 1 or 2, I highly suggest getting those versus the lame 3 installment. I can't wait until next year to see if they improve or just keep trying to sell the public the same songs as 1, 2, and 3. Merry Christmas!