Get ready to put a little holiday in your heart, readers! The only American vocal powerhouse, LeAnn Rimes, is taking the day and setting the mood for the entire season. With a genre-spanning career that has flourished for over three magnificent decades, Rimes is an internationally celebrated, multi-platinum force of nature. And now, she’s unwrapped the gift we’ve all been waiting for: her sixteen-song album, Greatest Hits Christmas, released on November 7th! Featuring collaborations and spanning her incredible festive history, this collection is set to be the soundtrack of your holidays. Let’s dive into the history, the high notes, and the holiday magic!

At one, we have “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”. The track springs to life immediately — a snappy tempo with percussive sleigh-bell punctuation and a short, punchy melodic riff that signals a 1950s rock-n-roll holiday vibe. The theme evokes straightforward party-season joy: pictures of dancing around the tree and holiday togetherness. The arrangement leans retro — driving backbeat, prominent rhythmic guitar or piano comping, and tight backing vocals that support LeAnn without crowding her. Her lead vocal rides the beat with rhythmic clarity and playful inflection, emphasizing phrasing over heavy ornamentation.

Next up is “You and Me and Christmas”. The song opens with an intimate and immediate — a warm, mid-tempo piano or acoustic guitar figure sets a cozy scene before the verse. This song describes a personal, romantic holiday moment; the lyrics focus on companionship and the small rituals that make the season meaningful. Musically, the arrangements are restrained to keep the focus on storytelling — light strings or pads swell in the chorus to lift the emotional center. LeAnn’s delivery is conversational at first, then blossoms into a more sustained, emotionally pointed chorus.

The third song is called “River (Joni Mitchell cover)”. The song opens with quiet and reflective, a sparse piano or clean guitar establishes the song’s melancholy intro, with space in the arrangement. Musically, the song is wistful and yearning; the winter setting becomes a metaphor for longing and the wish to escape. The arrangement favors minimalism, letting melodic lines and harmonic color breathe; her phrasing leans on subtle dynamic shading, drawing out vulnerability in the verse and delivering a plaintive, rounded tone in the chorus.

The fourth song is called “All I Want for Christmas Is You (single mix). This song opens with a punchy and festive — a bright hook or percussive hit announces the song, quickly moving into a pop-forward groove. The song is an exuberant, single-minded holiday love — unabashed and celebratory. The song is constructed as a radio-friendly pop arrangement: driving rhythm section, layered harmonies in the chorus, and production touches that accent the hook. LeAnn approaches the melody with both warmth and a pop-cleartop edge, balancing showmanship with vocal control.

Up next is “That Spirit of Christmas (feat. Aloe Blacc)”. The introduction feels soulful and slightly cinematic — a warm pad or organ tone plus a steady midtempo groove invites the duet. The theme is a communal and gospel-tinged — the lyrics emphasize generosity, hope, and shared celebration. This song is a blend of pop, soul, and light gospel: call-and-response backing vocals, a rolling low end, and tasteful horn or synth accents. LeAnn and Aloe Blacc trade lines and harmonize; their contrasting timbres create a conversational duet that underlines the song’s inclusive message.

“I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” is the song that follows. The intro of this song is whimsical and playful — a jaunty piano motif or xylophoneish color sets a childlike scene immediately. The song describes a novelty and silliness — the lyrics are tongue-in-cheek and nostalgic. This track embraces theatricality: bouncy rhythms, jaunty instrumentation, and light background vocal responses. LeAnn leans into character in her vocal delivery, using playful phrasing and articulation to sell the humor.

Next is “Little Drummer Boy”. The song opens with a percussive and direct heartbeat-like drum pattern or sparse percussion that introduces the motif. The theme is that of humble giving and reverence — the drummer’s simple offering becomes central. This arrangement builds from sparse percussion into a fuller choral texture: layered vocals and reverent harmonies. LeAnn’s approach is restrained and respectful; the dynamics are carefully shaped so the vocal crescendos feel earned.

“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” is the next song. It opens with clean guitar or piano chords with a gentle rhythmic push, setting a contemplative mood. The theme is hopeful but politically conscious — the song mixes plea and optimism, looking for peace. Musically, the song is a poignant arrangement combining acoustic elements with soft pads and supportive harmonies. LeAnn’s vocal emphasizes clarity and sincerity, letting the melody’s melancholic edges come through without over-sentiment.

“I Still Believe in Santa Claus (North Pole mix)”. The song opens the “North Pole mix” tag suggests a remixed intro — bright bells, a modern percussive pulse, or subtle electronic sheen open the track. The theme of the song is about childlike faith and wonder — an assertion of belief in the magic of the season. Musically, this version blends classic pop-Christmas melodies with contemporary production flourishes: punchier low end, glossy backing vocal stacks, and lively rhythmic shaping. LeAnn keeps an affectionate tone, riding the beat while delivering the melody with sparkle.

The tenth song is called “Today Is Christmas (Holiday Theme for NBC’s “TODAY”)”.  This song opens in an anthemic and polished, immediate melodic line or motif that reads well as a short broadcast theme. This song features bright, communal celebration — designed to feel uplifting and universally festive. Musically, it’s concise, broadcast-friendly structure: clear hooks, a steady tempo, and a bright arrangement that balances pop sheen with acoustic warmth. LeAnn’s vocals are confident and direct, aimed at immediate impact and singalong appeal.

Next is “Celebrate Me Home (feat. Gavin DeGraw)”. The song opens with an atmospheric soft pad or piano that ushers in the vocal, creating a sense of homeward longing. Musically, the song is returning, belonging, and the comfort of home — a warm, emotional duet about coming back to what matters. Musically, mid-to-slow ballad treatment with layered harmonies and tasteful instrumental swells. The duet dynamic emphasizes conversational phrasing — Gavin’s rasp against LeAnn’s clearer tone — giving the chorus emotional lift through blended timbre and harmonized lines.

“Joy: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / Hark the Herald Angels Sing / Angels We Have Heard on High (The Jolly Remix)” is the next song on the album. The song opens with a lively and celebratory — the remix label implies a rhythmic hi-energy intro with choral stabs or percussion. The song features a medley of carols reimagined for a party/joyful setting — traditional texts presented with a modern holiday bounce. Musically, the song has an inventive arrangement that stitches three carols into a continuous arrangement; production leans on bright rhythmic propulsion, vocal layering, and possibly programmed beats or remix flourishes. LeAnn’s voice functions both as a solo storyteller and as part of a choir texture, alternating lead lines with group hooks.

At number 13, we have “Carol of the Bells (Rung Out remix)”. The song immediately pursues percussive and bell-centric — the “Rung Out” name suggests bells and a ringing, rhythmic arrangement. The song is a tradition reframed — the hypnotic ostinato of the carol becomes a rhythmic engine. Musically, rhythmically driven remix that uses the original’s tight melodic fragments as repeating motifs; production likely emphasizes clarity and a crisp low-end for modern appeal. LeAnn’s performance treats the melody as an instrument of rhythm as well as melody, often riding short phrases to heighten tension.

“Put a Little Holiday in Your Heart. The song opens with a gently upbeat acoustic guitar or piano with a light rhythmic pulse, creating a friendly, optimistic opening. This song is an exhortation to share warmth and goodwill; simple, heartwarming advice. It features a classic pop-country holiday arrangement: warm midrange instruments, a steady backbeat, and backing harmonies that accent the chorus. LeAnn’s vocal centers on storytelling with tasteful ornamentation, aiming for warmth rather than vocal acrobatics.

The second-to-last song is “There’s No Such Thing (feat. Luke Evans). The song opens with cinematic and intimate and perhaps a single instrument or soft string line introduces the vocal entry. Thematically, it focuses on emotional reflection, possibly addressing loss or the bittersweet elements of the season; the duet framing suggests a dialogue or answering perspective. This song is a ballad arrangement with orchestral touches and a focus on duet interplay — call/response lines and harmonized climaxes. LeAnn and Luke Evans provide contrasting colors: her crystalline tone against his richer baritone (or cinematic timbre), which deepens the song’s emotional palette.

The final track is “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree (Dave Audé remix). This song opens with a club-ready and immediate — a remixer’s intro with build, electronic percussion, and effervescent synth hits. This song has the same party-mood as track 1, now refracted through a dance/electronic lens for late-night or upbeat playlists. It had EDM/remix elements: pulsing kick, synthesized fills, and chopped vocal moments; the arrangement reimagines the classic groove for a modern dancefloor while preserving the core melodic hook. LeAnn’s vocal is treated as the pop anchor — often looped, layered, or punctuated by production moves to heighten energy.

And now, she’s unwrapped the gift we’ve all been waiting for: her sixteen-song album, Greatest Hits Christmas, released on November 7th! Featuring collaborations and spanning her incredible festive history, this collection is set to be the soundtrack of your holidays. Let’s dive into the history, the high notes, and the holiday magic!. In her own words, Rimes describes this 16-song journey as “a gathering of big and small moments, glittering and grounded,” reflecting how she views Christmas throughout her life. This isn’t just background music; it’s a deeply personal invitation. “I hope when you listen, you feel the joy, the ache, the wonder, and the warmth that I’ve always felt singing these songs. And more than anything, I hope it brings you closer to yourself and the people you love.” This emotional depth, co-executive produced by Rimes and her longtime collaborator Darrell Brown, guarantees a project of the highest caliber. Greatest Hits Christmas is a joyful, heartfelt invitation to celebrate the season with one of the most beloved voices in contemporary music—a voice that has truly become synonymous with holiday warmth and wonder.

Stream the “ Greatest Hits Christmas” album on Spotify. 

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