Not So Silent Night...Christmas with REO Speedwagon
REO Speedwagon · 2009
56 min · 16 tracks · rock music
A rock-infused holiday album that marries classic Christmas tunes with REO Speedwagon's signature melodic flair.
Top tracks — play these first
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Happy Xmas (War Is Over) — This track stands out for its poignant message of peace, resonating with the spirit of the holidays while showcasing the band's emotive vocal harmonies.
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Little Drummer Boy — REO Speedwagon's rendition breathes new life into this classic, balancing heartfelt lyrics with a robust rock arrangement that highlights their musical prowess.
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I Believe in Santa Claus — The original song adds a playful element to the album, capturing the whimsical joy of Christmas while blending seamlessly with the established carols.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album offers a solid but conventional take on holiday classics, blending rock elements without significant innovation.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of electric guitars and rock instrumentation across all tracks, giving traditional Christmas songs a modern edge.
- Each track maintains a similar mid-tempo pace, with few variations in dynamics or arrangement throughout the record.
- Several songs incorporate harmonized vocals typical of REO Speedwagon's style, particularly in the choruses, enhancing their melodic appeal.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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5/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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4/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady holiday background ambiance
- nostalgic reinterpretations of classics
- warmth for family gatherings
- joyful celebration of traditions
Maybe skip if you
- seeking experimental or avant-garde
- prefer high-energy dance tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2009, 'Not So Silent Night...Christmas with REO Speedwagon' marks the band's foray into the holiday music genre after decades of success in rock. This was their first Christmas album, showcasing their adaptability and enduring appeal as a classic rock band amid changing musical landscapes.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
The lyrics shift from a reflective tone to an urgent call for peace and unity is striking.
This transition emphasizes the social relevance of the song, transforming it from a mere holiday tune into a broader commentary on hope and community.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The First Noel 0:58
- 2 Winter Wonderland 3:03
- 3 Silent Night 3:44
- 4 Deck the Halls 3:26
- 5 Little Drummer Boy 3:51
- 6 The White Snows of Winter 2:56
- 7 Angels We Have Heard on High (Gloria) 4:16
- 8 Children Go Where I Send Thee 4:04
- 9 I'll Be Home for Christmas 3:47
- 10 God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen 3:52
- 11 Happy Xmas (War Is Over) 4:23
- 12 Blue Christmas 3:57
- 13 Joy to the World 3:42
- 14 Sleigh Ride 3:47
- 15 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing 4:12
- 16 I Believe in Santa Claus 2:45
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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