The Beach Boys' Christmas Album (1964)

The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album

• Perhaps one of the greatest Christmas albums ever released (and easily in my top 3 favorites), this is one I look forward to listening to every year. The entire album fits together so smoothly, and the harmonies are absolutely amazing. The A side of this album is almost entirely written by Brian and Mike, and the original songs are super good. Several of the songs have their early 60’s surf sound, but still with a Christmas-y feel to it. The B side contains some great traditional classics, and though they are cliche Christmas songs, they are performed beautifully. The album opens with “Little Saint Nick”, which is in my top 3 favorite Christmas songs of all time, as well as in my top 10 of greatest Christmas songs ever written. It has such gorgeous harmonies, along with a great upbeat melody. “The Man With All the Toys” follows, and it has such a catchy tune that always gets stuck in my head. “Santa’s Bears” and “Merry Christmas, Baby” are both great, and like always, have great harmonies. “Christmas Day” had Al on the lead vocals, and this is truly one of his best sung songs. His voice is pure gold, and it is ALWAYS spot on. He makes it sound so smooth and connected, but still giving it his own sound. Side A ends with “Frosty the Snowman”, and this particular version is my favorite version of this song. It has a beautiful string arrangement both in the introduction and in between each verse. There is also a big band feel in this song, it remains strong throughout the B side of the album. The first track of the B side is “We Three Kings of Orient Are”, and this rendition is AMAZING. The harmonies are constant and bold, and though the guys are all singing different notes, the group still has one sound. This is one of my favorites on the album, and it almost has a haunting, ominous feel, as well as a grateful and blessed feel. The next track is “Blue Christmas”, which Brian solo’s on. In fact, I actually like this version better than the original by Elvis, and it’s one of my favorite solo’s done by Brian. You get to hear his beautiful, soothing vocals, and this song is a highlight of his career to me. “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” has an awesome, playful, circus-y feel to it, almost like you’re at a Christmas carnival. “White Christmas” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” have amazing harmonies, and like I said before, you can hear each Beach Boys, as well as their overall sound as one band. It’s truly mind-blowing. The album ends with “Auld Lang Syne”, which has a relaxing sound of farewell and celebration, as well as a goodbye/thank you message from Dennis. It was a great, happy note to end the album on, and it leaves you with a feeling of joy. A great feeling of great joy. Overall, I would highly recommend this album, and everyone should experience it at least once. The first half is festive and bouncy, then moves into the second half, which is more slow-paced and relaxing. The perfect album to listen to around the Christmas tree with a fire going. This album is officially Berry Approved, so go listen to it now!