A December to Remember cover

A December to Remember

Aaron Tippin · 2001

42 min · 12 tracks

A festive blend of traditional carols and original tunes wrapped in Aaron Tippin's warm, country-infused vocals.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    He Said That He Was Jesus — This track stands out for its poignant narrative, reflecting on faith and humility through the lens of a Christmas story. Its thought-provoking lyrics resonate deeply with listeners seeking meaning during the holiday season.
  • →
    A December to Remember — The title track encapsulates the album's spirit, blending nostalgic imagery with a modern country sound that evokes warmth and togetherness. It's a highlight that perfectly captures the essence of holiday memories.
  • →
    It's Way Too Close to Christmas to Be This Far From You — This song combines humor and longing, creating a relatable narrative for anyone missing loved ones during the holidays. Its catchy melody makes it a memorable stand-out on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album effectively combines original and traditional songs, though it doesn't stand out significantly in the holiday genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a lively rendition of 'Jingle Bell Rock' and maintains an upbeat tempo through the first half.
  • Several tracks feature traditional holiday melodies, while others introduce original lyrics that blend country themes with Christmas spirit.
  • The final three tracks slow down significantly, creating a reflective mood as the album concludes.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • festive sing-alongs with friends
  • warm holiday nostalgia and cheer
  • short bursts of seasonal joy
  • heartfelt moments by the fire
  • family gatherings filled with laughter

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking intense emotional depth
  • prefer contemporary sounds over tradition

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2001, A December to Remember is Aaron Tippin's first holiday album, following a streak of successful country hits throughout the late '90s. At this point in his career, he was solidifying his status as a prominent voice in country music, having recently released albums like What This Country Needs (2000).
Stylistic neighbors
Travis Tritt· Alan Jackson· Joe Diffie

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Jingle Bell Rock 2:04
  • 2 Blue Christmas 3:03
  • 3 It's a Good Thing Santa Ain't Single 3:07
  • 4 Christmas Is the Warmest Time of the Year 2:41
  • 5 He Said That He Was Jesus 4:29
  • 6 Away in a Manger 3:02
  • 7 The Year That Santa Never Came 3:09
  • 8 Run Rudolph 3:05
  • 9 It's Way Too Close to Christmas to Be This Far From You 3:46
  • 10 Mama's Gettin' Ready for Christmas 3:20
  • 11 A December to Remember 3:42
  • 12 Silent Night 6:56

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata