Sending You a Little Christmas cover

Sending You a Little Christmas

Johnny Mathis · 2007

43 min · 12 tracks · pop music

A warm blend of traditional holiday classics delivered with Mathis's signature smooth vocals and lush arrangements.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) Start here — Mathis's rendition of this timeless classic showcases his velvety voice and impeccable phrasing, making it a standout track that embodies the spirit of Christmas.
  • →
    Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas — This track highlights Mathis's emotional delivery, transforming the familiar lyrics into a heartfelt invitation for reflection and warmth during the holiday season.
  • →
    Sending You a Little Christmas — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of love and connection, featuring Mathis's smooth vocal style paired with an uplifting melody that resonates with listeners.

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

Mathis delivers classic holiday songs with smooth vocals and rich arrangements, though it doesn't significantly innovate within the genre.

What we noticed

  • The album features lush orchestral arrangements that accompany Mathis's smooth vocal delivery, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
  • Each track maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, with the exception of 'Decorate the Night,' which introduces a slightly more upbeat feel.
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

  • steady festive warmth throughout
  • nostalgic holiday sing-alongs
  • cozy background for gatherings
  • velvety vocals for relaxation
  • heartfelt moments of reflection

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy party tracks
  • prefer modern upbeat arrangements

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Continues Mathis's legacy with a return to holiday music, showcasing his enduring appeal.
Themes
Christmas nostalgia· warm holiday gatherings· velvety vocal warmth
Career context
By 2007, Johnny Mathis was a beloved figure in the music world, having spent over five decades in the industry. 'Sending You a Little Christmas' marked his return to holiday music after a long hiatus since his last Christmas album, showcasing his enduring appeal and ability to evoke nostalgia.
Stylistic neighbors
Perry Como· Frank Sinatra· Nat King Cole

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

    The shift from hopeful wishes to a gentle reminder of togetherness evokes both nostalgia and warmth.

    This transition deepens the emotional impact, inviting listeners to reflect on their own connections during the holidays.

Tracklist

  • 1 The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) Start here 3:55
  • 2 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas 3:40
  • 3 This Christmas 4:04
  • 4 Sending You a Little Christmas 3:52
  • 5 Mary’s Boy Child 3:09
  • 6 This Is A Time For Love 4:03
  • 7 Do You Hear What I Hear 3:51
  • 8 Home for the Holidays 3:06
  • 9 Merry Christmas Darling 3:12
  • 10 Decorate the Night 3:32
  • 11 I’ll Be Home for Christmas / White Christmas 3:36
  • 12 Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep) 3:25

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata