New Christmas Single Round-up 2010

We've collected a rundown of new singles that have been released to radio and to digital retail stores like iTunes and Amazon.  We feature our thoughts on ten new singles/eps from the likes of Darius Rucker, Jaron, Carter's Chord and Steel Magnolia.

It’s that time of year again, time for our Christmas single round-up.  While there have been few Christmas albums released this year (Shelby Lynne, Point of Grace and Lady Antebellum being the ‘biggest’ ones), there still are a few singles and EPs worth giving a holler to here.

Steel Magnolia – “It’s Christmas Time”

This fantastic new duo (who will finally release their debut album in a month) have recorded a romantic and sweet Christmas tune(that’s different from Joey+Rory’s 2009 single of the same name) that fits well within the modern tunes like “Last Christmas” and “All I Want For Christmas Is You” with the jazzier tunes like “Baby It’s Cold Outside.”  This one could probably do well on AC-oriented Christmas stations in addition to country radio stations.

You can support Steel Magnolia by purchasing this single at Amazon | iTunes.

Marthia Sides – “Angels in the Snow”

This song is well-written ballad but sad Christmas tune that focuses on the pure joy of children and their love of snow and their love of making angels in the snow.  Anyone who lost a child between holiday seasons will relate to this song, even if it’s not as joyful as some other Christmas songs out there.

You can support Marthia by purchasing this single at Amazon | iTunes.

Darius Rucker – “Candy Cane Christmas”

Technically a single from 2009, this tune is nonetheless worthy of getting attention this year.  A newly written tune (by Darius with Frank Rogers and Steve Leslie), “Candy Cane Christmas” nonetheless has a classic Christmas melody and with Darius’ classic vocal here, it really makes me think that 2011 needs to have a Holiday recording from Darius.  He’s just really good at this (although he’s great at everything, really). 

You can support Darius by purchasing this single at Amazon | iTunes.

Stephen Cochran – “Alone on Christmas”

As a combat Marine veteran, Stephen Cochran is no stranger to the lyrics of “Alone on Christmas.” He realizes that his loneliness on Christmas is something that’s for the greater good of his family.  Tightly produced and written, “Alone On Christmas” showcases the Military wife’s prospective of this type of loneliness as well through the fantastic vocals of Annabelle Bainum.  It’s a good duet and one that’s attached to a great cause as all of the proceeds from the sale of “Alone on Christmas” will go to the Semper Fi Fund, a veteran charity.

You can support the Semper Fi Fund by purchasing this single at Amazon | iTunes.

Jaron & the Long Road to Love – “What Christmas Is To Me”

Singer/songwriter Jaron and his ‘band’ present this new Christmas song and the happiness found in the melody here showcases the way Christmas gives family reason to be together. It’s a song that brings back memories of my own childhood Christmas sessions with family and brings some fond memories of the dearly departed family members.  It’s definitely one that many fans of Christmas music will find enjoyable.

You can support Jaron by purchasing this single at Amazon | iTunes.

DJ Miller - "Snowman In Birmingham"

Signed to the independent label Evergreen Records, DJ Miller shows off his considerable and promising talent with a vocal that comes off as a mix between the classicism of George Strait with the modernism R&B flair of David Nail.  This well-written ballad fits nicely in with all the 'big named' new holiday singles released this year. 

Click here to listen to the complete song.

You can support DJ Miller by purchasing this single at Amazon | iTunes.

Carter’s Chord – "Christmas EP"

The Show Dog-Universal trio may not have released any new albums in 2010 but they’ve not given us their fantastic Christmas EP that runs through four Christmas classics.  The playful “Santa Baby” (which rivals the recent version from Kellie Pickler while being more ‘country’ melodically) is matched by the sweet rendition of “Snowed In.”  The latter song showcases the Robertson sister’s fantastic familial harmonies (recalling The Judds).  “Up On The House Top” is a classic holiday Christmas tune and is as spirited as ever here while the fantastic hymn “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” is given a tastefully rootsy and rustic direction. 

You can support Carter’s Chord by purchasing this EP at Amazon | iTunes.

Little Big Town – “Go Tell It On The Mountain”

Like the single from Darius, this tune was released in 2009 but it too deserves a shot in the spotlight as the song is once again a fantastic showcase of the quartet’s unmatched vocal harmonies. They truly sell like one on the tune. 

You can support Little Big Town by purchasing this single at Amazon | iTunes.

Jason Michael Carroll – "Christmas On The Farm"

For his first project on his own Stray Records label, Jason Michael Carroll has chosen to release the fantastic Christmas on the Farm, which includes the title track as a radio single.  The song will hit home for anyone who ‘sits around the table telling stories and strumming guitars.’  The song is jovial and a perfect addition to yuletide Country Radio playlists.  Click here to read the rest of our review of the EP.

You Can Support Jason Michael Carroll by purchasing this EP at Amazon | iTunes.

Rachel Holder - "Christmas Eve"

This big-voiced teenaged newcomer has chosen to release this spirited ballad as her debut single.  Produced by Elmer Cole, Kevin Moore, Wilbur Rimes and Chuck Howard, "Christmas Eve" is a tasteful, nicely executed track that certainly gives hope for the newcomer's upcoming non-holiday material.  If you like "All I Want For Christmas Is You," you're sure to enjoy this one too.

Click here to watch the music video for this song.

You can support Rachel Holder by purchasing this single at Amazon | iTunes.



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