Album: Elvis' Christmas Album

Overview
"Elvis' Christmas Album" is a 1957 holiday album launched by American artist and actor Elvis Presley. The album contains a mix of standard Christmas tunes, gospel songs, and newly-recorded product. As the very first Christmas album by Elvis, it set the stage for his iconic profession and is considered among the best-selling vacation albums of perpetuity. With over 19 million copies sold worldwide, "Elvis' Christmas Album" remains the very popular Christmas album in the United States.

Background and Recording
Following the success of his earlier albums, Elvis Presley launched his very first holiday-themed album on October 15, 1957. The album was tape-recorded in Hollywood during 2 sessions in September of that year. The first session, held on September 5-7, included recordings of traditional Christmas songs, while the 2nd session, on September 11-12, concentrated on gospel songs. Backed by the popular Jordanaires, Elvis' enthusiastic renditions of these tunes showcased his special vocal abilities, effectively bridging the space between traditional holiday music and the emerging rock-and-roll category.

Track Listing
"Elvis' Christmas Album" includes twelve tracks in overall, with a balance between traditional Christmas songs, gospel tunes, and brand-new structures. The album's tracklist consists of:

1. "Santa Claus Is Back in Town"-- A bluesy, rock and roll-infused Christmas song written particularly for Elvis by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.
2. "White Christmas"-- Elvis' rendition of the Bing Crosby timeless written by Irving Berlin.
3. "Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)"-- A cover of the Gene Autry holiday hit, initially released in 1947.
4. "I'll Be Home for Christmas"-- A sincere cover of the emotional ballad popularized by Bing Crosby.
5. "Blue Christmas"-- Elvis' psychological take on the vacation blues traditional, which has considering that turned into one of his signature tunes.
6. "Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me)"-- Another Leiber/Stoller composition written specifically for Presley's vacation album.
7. "O Little Town of Bethlehem"-- Elvis' relaxing interpretation of the standard Christmas carol.
8. "Silent Night"-- A tender rendition of the ageless hymn, including Elvis' unique vocal stylings.
9. "(There'll Be) Peace in the Valley (For Me)"-- Presley's passionate recording of this Thomas A. Dorsey gospel tune, which turned into one of his most precious efficiencies.
10. "I Believe"-- An effective cover of the popular mid-50s inspiring tune, showing Elvis' gospel roots.
11. "Take My Hand, Precious Lord"-- Another Dorsey gospel structure, additional showcasing Presley's spiritual side.
12. "It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)"-- A compelling performance by Elvis of this Stuart Hamblen gospel song, a fitting conclusion to the album.

Critical Reception and Legacy
"Elvis' Christmas Album" received combined evaluations from critics, with some applauding Elvis' special mix of genres and meaningful singing, while others felt his rock and roll twist on particular classics bordered on blasphemy. Regardless of these criticisms, the album's undisputed commercial success and ageless appeal have actually solidified its place in music history.

In subsequent years, "Elvis' Christmas Album" has actually been reissued several times with different tracklist modifications and extra tunes. The album's enduring appeal speaks to the universal charm of Elvis Presley's voice, which remains synonymous with Christmas for generations of fans. Today, "Elvis' Christmas Album" stands as a testimony to the King of Rock and Roll's unrivaled contribution to the holiday music canon.