Christmas in America cover

Christmas in America

Kenny Rogers · 1989

31 min · 14 tracks · country music

A warm blend of traditional carols and original compositions, wrapped in Kenny Rogers' signature smooth vocals.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Christmas in America Start here — This title track serves as both a poignant reflection on American values during the holiday season and a signature piece that encapsulates the album's thematic essence.
  • →
    Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas — Rogers delivers an emotive rendition of this classic, infusing it with warmth and nostalgia that resonates deeply with listeners, enhancing its timeless quality.
  • →
    Winter Wonderland — His upbeat interpretation of this festive favorite showcases Rogers' versatility while bringing a sense of joy and celebration to 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 blends familiar carols with original songs, creating a cohesive yet conventional holiday experience.

What we noticed

  • Each track maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout.
  • The arrangements often include lush instrumentation, with strings and soft percussion complementing Rogers' smooth vocal delivery.
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 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

  • steady festive flow throughout
  • heartwarming storytelling charm
  • ideal for cozy gatherings
  • nostalgic reflections on tradition

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced listening
  • seek modern sensibilities

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Beloved holiday album that resonates with dedicated fans during the festive season.
Themes
American holiday spirit· nostalgic winter scenes
Career context
By 1989, Kenny Rogers was a well-established artist, having achieved significant commercial success with his previous albums like 'The Gambler'. 'Christmas in America' marked his first holiday-themed release, showcasing his ability to blend country and pop sensibilities within the festive genre.
Stylistic neighbors
John Denver· Glen Campbell· James Taylor

Tracklist

  • 1 Christmas in America Start here 3:02
  • 2 Winter Wonderland 2:10
  • 3 I’ll Be Home for Christmas 3:05
  • 4 Silver Bells 3:56
  • 5 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas 3:27
  • 6 Christmas in America (reprise) 1:03
  • 7 Joy to the World 1:56
  • 8 Away in a Manger 1:23
  • 9 O Little Town of Bethlehem 2:42
  • 10 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 1:25
  • 11 The First Noel 2:42
  • 12 Christmas in America (Segue) 0:22
  • 13 What Child Is This 1:50
  • 14 Silent Night 2:27

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata