Classic Christmas

George Strait’s fourth Christmas album is truly old-school, with all 10 of its holiday standards dating back to the 19th century or earlier. “Up On the Housetop” two-steps over sweet steel guitar, playful piano and even some jingle bells, while “Jingle Bells” itself finds Strait delivering lines about dashing through the snow over a rhythm that evokes the deserts of Texas. “Silent Night”, however, is appropriately hushed, its cooed vocal harmonies backed by softly tapping drums and weeping guitar.