LeAnn Rimes is a rare voice that feels woven into modern music history. A global, multi-platinum artist with over three decades of genre-crossing success, she brings unmatched emotional clarity to everything she sings. From country to pop to adult contemporary, her voice has always carried warmth, power, and an unmistakable sense of sincerity.
Her album, ‘Greatest Hits Christmas,’ released on November 7 last year, is a celebration and a reflection. Co-executive produced by Rimes and Darrell Brown, the album blends classic holiday staples, modern pop favorites, spiritual hymns, and playful originals. The production balances rich orchestration, contemporary pop polish, gospel influences, and festive dance remixes, allowing Rimes’ voice to be the emotional center throughout. Stay with me as I explore the album.
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” opens the album with playful confidence. Rimes’ delivery is flirtatious and buoyant, swinging effortlessly while keeping her signature warmth front and center. The arrangement feels classic but refreshed, making it an ideal entry point into the album’s joyful spirit. The instrumentation adds a splendid touch, complementing Rimes’ vocals well.
The second track, “You And Me And Christmas,” is a tender, contemporary holiday love song that leans into intimacy. Rimes sings with gentle phrasing and emotional ease, emphasizing togetherness over spectacle. Her vocals are soothing and draw you in with a mesmerizing performance. This song is a cozy fireside moment, grounded in connection and simplicity.
Joni Mitchell’s melancholic winter classic, “River,” becomes a quiet moment of reflection. Rimes’ voice is restrained and aching, allowing the lyric’s emotional weight to breathe. The sparse instrumentation highlights her interpretive strength and emotional honesty, resulting in an addictive song.
Rather than trying to outshine the song’s legacy, Rimes makes “All I Want For Christmas Is You” her own through vocal clarity and emotional sincerity. Her tone is bright yet controlled, playful without being overdone, giving the song a polished, personal glow. This song had all it takes to envelop me as a listener. All the elements came together beautifully.
The fifth song, “That Spirit Of Christmas,” is a soulful and heartfelt track that leans into gratitude and generosity. Rimes’ phrasing is rich with feeling, supported by warm keys and subtle gospel influences that elevate the message of compassion and hope. The instrumentation throughout added depth and emotion, while the vocals served as a steady anchor, guiding us through.
“I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas” is the album’s pure fun. Rimes taps into childlike wonder with a wink and a smile, proving she can be playful without losing sophistication. The performance feels joyful and intentionally lighthearted. The trumpet in the instrumentation is electrifying and elevates the song to new heights.
Coming off as the record’s seventh song, “Little Drummer Boy” is a reverent rendition that demonstrates Rimes’ control and dynamic precision. The build is slow and respectful, with percussion and choral textures supporting a prayerful and grounded vocal performance. This is a track to replay after it ends, as it wraps you into its world and soundscape.
Sung with conviction and emotional clarity, Rimes emphasizes “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”‘s timeless plea for peace. Her delivery balances vulnerability with quiet strength, allowing the lyric’s message to resonate without excess. As the song progresses, the melodies gradually emerge and hypnotize, creating a gentle groove that envelops you.
Nostalgic yet modern, “I Still Believe In Santa Claus – North Pole Mix” bridges childhood magic and adult warmth. The remix elements add sparkle, while Rimes’s vocal keeps it rooted in sincerity rather than novelty. Her vocals were pure, and she sang the song brilliantly. I got goosebumps from that. She had quite nice control of the song. I was thrilled trying to process everything.
Bright and celebratory, “Today Is Christmas – Holiday Theme for NBC’s TODAY” feels tailor-made for morning joy. Rimes’ voice is uplifting and clear, supported by festive production that radiates optimism and communal cheer. From when it began to the end, this track left me with a happy face, tapping my feet and moving my head to the catchy beat.
One of the album’s emotional anchors, “Celebrate Me Home,” centers on belonging and return. Rimes sings with lived-in emotion, her voice carrying longing and comfort. The arrangement is gentle, letting the lyric lead. Rimes’s performance was stunning from start to finish. I felt the emotion and soul she put into each note.
The twelfth track, “Joy: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / Hark! The Herald Angels Sing / Angels We Have Heard on High – The Jolly Remix” is a bold, creative medley that fuses tradition with playful modernity. Rimes navigates the shifts effortlessly, honoring the sacred roots while embracing festive energy and rhythmic reinvention.
Dramatic and cinematic, “Carol Of The Bells – Rung Out Remix” leans into atmosphere and tension. Rimes’ vocals cut through the layered production with clarity, giving the classic carol a thrilling, contemporary edge.
Warm and encouraging, “Put A Little Holiday In Your Heart” feels like a gentle reminder rather than a command. Rimes’ delivery is kind and inviting, supported by glowing instrumentation that reinforces its message of generosity.
Thoughtful and reflective, “There’s No Such Thing” explores belief, doubt, and emotional nuance. Rimes sings with maturity and subtlety, making it one of the album’s quieter, more introspective moments.
With “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Dave Audé Remix,” the album closes on a festive high. This dance-leaning remix adds sparkle and movement while keeping Rimes’s vocal front and center. It’s celebratory, fun, and unapologetically joyful.
“Greatest Hits Christmas,” as an album, is a celebration and a reflection. Co-executive produced by Rimes and longtime collaborator Darrell Brown, it blends classic holiday staples, modern pop favorites, spiritual hymns, and playful originals. The production balances rich orchestration, contemporary pop polish, gospel influences, and festive dance remixes, which allow Rimes’ voice to remain the emotional center throughout.
Greatest Hits Christmas feels like a curated journey through LeAnn Rimes’ life, voice, and evolving relationship with the season. Her vocals remain effortless yet deeply expressive, while the production smartly bridges tradition and modernity. This is an album that honors nostalgia, embraces joy, and invites us to feel the magic and meaning of Christmas.
Listen to the “Greatest Hits Christmas” album on Spotify
Follow LeAnn Rime here for more information
