Danny Gokey - "Tennessee Christmas"
By: Matt Bjorke
One of Danny Gokey’s biggest strengths on American Idol was his ability to inject a lot of emotion into some strongly written ballads and it is even something he showcased on the Top 40 hit “I Will Not Say Goodbye.” With his version of Amy Grant’s “Tennessee Christmas,” a song she wrote with her then-husband Gary Chapman, Danny uses that strength to fantastic effect on his version of the song that was also previously recorded by Alabama, Lee Greenwood and Steve Wariner.
If there ever was a song to showcase Danny Gokey’s potential as a country music balladeer (he’s kinda like a modern more vocally powerful version of Greenwood, in all honesty), it is "Tennessee Christmas." The production is laid-back, acoustic and down-right perfect giving a natural pocket where Danny ‘s voice is able to shine without ever reaching operatic ‘diva’ moments. This is thekind of joyful, relaxing holiday music that fits well between the sugary up-tempo classics like “Holly Jolly Christmas” and “Winter Wonderland” so as to not bash in our heads wondering why we’re out shopping over and over again.
This is an expertly made tune and if this is an indication of where Danny Gokey’s country music future is heading, then count me in an even bigger fan of his chances of success in country music, even if he lands far closer to the ‘pop’ side of the large country tent than in the traditional side.
You can support Danny Gokey by purchasing this single at Amazon | iTunes | eMusic.
READER'S COMMENTS
vuitton bag says:
Posted: Saturday, February 12, 2011
Bravo, this excellent phrase is necessary just by the way
louis vuitton damier says:
Posted: Friday, February 11, 2011
It is good when so!
Cindy Swanson says:
Posted: Monday, November 29, 2010
By the way, count me among those who would love Danny to do a full-length Christmas CD. There are so many songs he would sound fantastic doing!
Cindy Swanson says:
Posted: Monday, November 29, 2010
I totally agree, Matt...love this version of the song! It's a breath of fresh air this Christmas season.
nashvilleforyou says:
Posted: Sunday, November 28, 2010
This is a wonderful redition of Tennessee Christmas and I love it! I purchased it on itunes the very first day it was available. I also had the opportunity to hear Danny sing it live on Nov 20th and the live version was also incredible and stunning! Thank you Matt for another great review. I hope people purchase this single for the holidays and it gets some airplay on Country Radio. Those that have not discovered the beauty of Danny's voice, are missing out!
Janet says:
Posted: Saturday, November 27, 2010
Danny Gokey is an amazing singer! And many fans have wanted him to do a Christmas song. :) He did amazing on this! Ive listened to it dozens of times and i cant wait to hear him sing it live
KarenMary17 says:
Posted: Saturday, November 27, 2010
I was so lucky to hear Tennessee Christmas live about a week ago. I have seen Danny many times and I was really hoping I'd get to hear it. He did not disappoint! So amazing! Danny's infectious energy keeps me coming back (and gifting his music) over and over again!
Happyhexer says:
Posted: Saturday, November 27, 2010
BTW, Kristie, I am one of those "people that would never have listened to this genre if not for [Danny] and they have become fans of all kinds of country music." My musical tastes are eclectic and range from Metallica to Adam Lambert -- (see, AB, you are not alone!) -- to (in the country world) George Strait, Alan Jackson, Jamey Johnson, Blake Shelton, Chris Young, Little Big Town, and on and on. And, of course, Danny Gokey! In fact, I'd like to start a movement -- Music Lovers Against Genre Tyranny! Good music transcends genres. (P.S.) Cindee, Danny is one of the few artists I know who sounds better live. Can't say what you might expect at the Opry. That seems like a more formal setting and I haven't heard Danny perform there (yet!) But I've heard him in other settings and he's really worth seeing in concert.
Happyhexer says:
Posted: Saturday, November 27, 2010
Well, I'm late to the party, as usual. Thanks for an on-the-money review, Matt. I think I'm liking many of the same aspects of the song that you are. I prefer less production, which lets Danny's voice take center stage, as it does in "Tennessee Christmas." I can really hear a song like this on country radio. Danny's take on the song is low-key and relaxing but still manages to pique and maintain interest. His vocals are restrained and mellow, but that only highlights the texture of his voice. In fact, what amazes me about Danny is how he can display different aspects of the timbre/tonal quality to his voice from song to song. Many artists can vary their pitch or volume, but not many have voices that are multifaceted. I hope country radio will embrace Danny. So what if he ends up closer to the pop end of things? He would hardly be alone in that. The country umbrella ought to be broad enough to include both ends of the spectrum, much as the pop/rock umbrella incorporates a wide variety of sounds.
Kristie says:
Posted: Saturday, November 27, 2010
I think Country music is LUCKY to have Danny! What an amazing voice and person who has already done so much for people in need in Nashville and Milwaukee thru his nonprofit Sophiasheart.org. He has brought in alot of people that would never have listened to this genre if not for him and they have become fans of all kinds of country music. I think, if given a chance by country radio Program Directors, he'll have a long successful career in Country music and even have some crossover success -what's so bad about that? May bring in even more new fans for Country!
Kathy says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
Matt, I couldn't agree with you more. Ballads are Danny's strong suit, and he brings a soulfulness to "Tennessee Christmas" that is uniquely his own. I like that his voice is pure and unaffected. If that predisposes him to the pop side of country vs the traditional side, then it's all right with me! Thanks for another insightful and well written review.
Lizzy says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
I love Danny's version of Tennessee Christmas. I highly recommend it as an addition to your Holiday collection and I hope I hear it soon on my radio station.
Cheryl says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
I couldn't agree with you more, Matt. I love Danny's version of this song. He shows his tender side. Keeps it simple while still putting his own Danny signature on the song. Very well done indeed.
Josie says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
Matt, I am always so pleased when you write about Danny because it seems to me that you really appreciate what is special about him and the strengths that he brings to country music. I was excited to hear that Danny was recording a Christmas song and I was really pleased when I heard it. I think his voice brings complexity and interest to this simple and sweet melody - it sounds great and I know it's going to be repeated many times on my Christmas playlist.
Erik says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
Enough talking about Adam and the idols and comparing their sucess. This is a country blog can we please just talk about Danny?
Cheyne says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
In as far as "staying power", I do think both Adam and Danny will have that. It goes back to why they were highly touted by the show. I think each of them is unique enough to carve out their own niche. That said, I do think Kris will have a harder time. I like Kris, but he's in a very competitive genre where there are lot of people that does what he does, including David Cook and now Lee Dewyze.
rowansmom2010 says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
AB, I wish I could edit my last post. I stuck my foot in my mouth and I apologize. I'm an Adam fan as well as a Danny fan, and you are probably right. Of course as a primarily Danny fan, I'd love to see him the most long lasting, but I wish all the idols well and will be happy if they're all successes in their respective genres. Sometimes I get a little OTT in my praise and sometimes forget that other people may be fans of others, and I have to watch that tendency. Also it's not even fair to compare the season 8 idols because they are all so far away from the competition now and all have their own careers and should not be lumped in together because they are not competing anymore. But I still think it's tempting for Idol fans to do that. My bad, and I hope you'll accept my apology.
stef says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
This is a very pretty song in both Danny's version and Amy Grant's but I like the strength in Danny's version and that cool raspy edge he has on his vocals. Hope to hear it on my country radio station, they've already started to sprinkle in a few Christmas tunes the past day or two. ITA on the AI stuff, not sure how Adam Lambert or Kris Allen have much to do with Danny Gokey's holiday single for country radio. All three of them are doing well, hopefully that will continue.
AB says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
Rowansmon, not understanding you. Why do you think that Adam will be yesterday's news. Would it be because he is the first idol ever to have an international tour off of his first album? Or would it be because his 1st headling tour was mostly sold out? Would it be because the media loves him? Or because he is selling very well? You say Adam and Danny cannot be compared because they are not in the same genre but you say Danny will be a success and Adam will fade. Look, yes I am an Adam fan but I have really come to like what I have seen of Danny's performances and am liking him more and more every day. I wish him great success because he really seems like a great guy. I would never hope that he is yeasterday's news because I think he has worked hard to prove that he can be a country singer when some doubted that he could. He has proved the naysayers wrong. So good luck to Danny!
Jean says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
Why are people even talking about American Idol? Who cares? Gokey is a country singer now, and I think it is stupid and just invites hate to be comparing him to the other Idols. He's left that behind and just trying to have his own career. Good luck to them all.
rowansmom2010 says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
Oops, didn't realize that would default to my other username. My first post was under "Toonces," lol
rowansmom2010 says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
AB, lol, Danny's not likely to reach Adam's level of success any time soon, but you can't even really compare them being they are completely different artists and not even in the same genre. I like Adam, and am glad he's doing well too--I always wanted an Adam/Danny finale, just like TPTB wanted. What I really meant was that Danny is the real winner in that I think his music will prove to have the most staying power of the season 8 Top 3 and his success will continue to grow over time. Yes, of course I was devastated when he was eliminated in 3rd place but in retrospect I think it's the best thing that could have happened to him, for many reasons. Long after Adam and Kris are yesterday's news, Danny will still be very current and relevant. I agree with you he may well overtake Kris's success, especially if he wins an ACA next month. He will definitely get a second album and he says he's already writing for it. I wonder who his co-writes are going to be. Danny's music moves me in a way few idols since David Cook have been able to do, and I think Danny's voice affects me more profoundly even than DC's. He's grown enormously as an artist since season 8--it's really incredible.
Kathy Leeman says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
I love this review as it reflects how I felt when listening to this song also. I love Danny's voice and how he made it his own. Will definitely be listening to it during the holiday season.
iluvmusic331 says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
Matt - thanks for a great review. I agree, Danny really shines on this type of ballady song. His vocals on Tennessee Christmas are tender and warm, not overpowering at all. Simply beautiful. It will be a welcome addition to the plethora of Christmas music soon hitting the airwaves. Definitely worthy of purchase so as to enjoy it at whim. It's a keeper!
AB says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
Toonces, I sort of agree with you about Danny and season 8. While I doubt that he will overtake Adam with his string of gold and platium singles and alubum domestically and internationaly, I think he will overtake Kris. Danny is a much better singer and performer and seems to put butts in the seats at his headlining concerts. If he had released at the same time as Kris, I really think he would be ahead by now.
Lori says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
Thank you for this excellent review! Danny's voice is brilliantly showcased in this song. It has already become a most-played song in my music collection and will remain a favorite for many years to come.
Brandon says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
Cindee--as someone who has now seen Danny Gokey live four times, I can tell you that not only is he a fantastic vocalist live, but he is also an outstanding and energetic performer. He and his band definitely know how to put on a lively and fun show! He's definitely worth seeing again and again--and he's a super nice guy, too. Very down-to-earth and personable, and he actually takes the time to remember his fans and their names. Have a great time at his Opry show, and hopefully you'll get to experience a full show soon!
Kathy says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
Matt, Your review of Tennessee Christmas by Danny Gokey is spot on. He infuses the song with his gorgeous voice making the lyrics tender, but rich at the same time. He is a great and welcome addition to country music.
Cheyne says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
Matt, thanks. You've always been spot on when it comes to Danny. Tennessee Christmas really suites Danny's voice as a modern country pop artist. Great job.
lucysfave says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
Danny Gokey's Tennessee Christmas is already on my iPod and its part of my 2010 Christmas music collection! I sure hope Danny treats us to a full album of Christmas songs next year. This song has such a warm, gentle sound--but still distinctly Gokey. Love it. Thanks for the review Matt, I hope to hear it on Country Radio for years to come!
Randy says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
Oh, ok Bonny, I see you were referring to Matt's "opera diva" comment. I guess I took it to mean Danny's vocal power that he does not use in this song, yet still shines.
abigail says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
Matt you are right on the money. What I like most about Danny is the fact that he injects a lot of emotion into his singing.
asics85 says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
Cindee, I heard Danny sing this song live last week, and I was at the Opry last time Danny played there...you money is wisely spent. His voice is even better live....you will not believe how incredible he sounds in person...you are in for a treat!
Cindee says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
Sure hope Danny sings his version of Tennessee Christmas at his next performance at The Grand Ol'Opry in December. I'm really looking forward to hearing this guy and if he's half as good in person as he is on his CD, I'll be glad I spent the money to see him.
Randy says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
Bonny- I agree, he uses what he has well. But a little confused by your comment; this isn't an opera song. Its a country song- it should be stripped down and free of a lot of vocal frills, unlike opera It is a cover song of Amy Grant's Tennessee Christmas (and much better than the original, IMO)
Toonces says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
I'm not a big fan of Christmas music, but this understated and tender version of the Amy Grant classic is beautiful and fitting without making me want to toss my cookies. I love the softness of Danny's voice here and the way the emotion still comes through. Like many of Danny's songs, this brought tears to my eyes. I predict big things for Danny and I'm so glad he was nominated for the ACA New/Breakthrough Artist award. I hope he wins. In my way of thinking, Danny is the real winner of American Idol, season 8.
Pam says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
Matt of course he didn't listen to the song. Just a hater. In fact; probably an American Idol hater, non-country fan who picked up your review from Twitter. If you don't like Christmas songs, fine; but there is really nothing to criticize about this song- well made, nice voice and vocal ability.
Erik says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
mountainman, I respect your opinion. I personally think Danny is an amazing singer. I can understand you not liking him because to you he's not "country" but he definitly doesn't stink. Who says you have to have an country/southern accent and be from the south to be a country artist? That's just as bad as saying you have to be African American to sing R&B/soul music and rap and that has been disproven by many white artist. Anyways I'm glad you stated your opinion because that's what the comments section is for I just wanted to share how i felt.
Bonny says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
Of course Danny doesn't sing it in operatic stye. While he can sing he certainly does not have the ability to sing it operatic. But he uses what he has very well, but you would have to have off the chart talent to take it there.
Matt B. says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
Mountainman, Have you heard this song? Did you listen to the sample? It's a very good version of "Tennessee Christmas" and like I said in the review, a great antidote to super sugary stuff on radio during this time of the year.
mountainman says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
What a JOKE..this guy stinks. are you people serious. Matt come on, I have always trusted your opinions, did they pay you to write this. so disappointed.
Sherry says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
I am a huge fan of Danny Gokey. I could hear him sing all day long, his voice is just amazing, IMO, he is one of the best male singers in music today. For me, every song he sings is as good or better than the original version. I love his version of Tennessee Christmas and am hoping country radio will play it.
Des says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
Never thought a simple and quite plain Christmas song could turn out to be a very warm and heartfelt one, like Danny's version of Tennessee Christmas. I love it!!! Thanks for the great review!
asics85 says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
Danny has given us a beautiful rendition of this wonderful Amy Grant classic! Danny's smoooth voice is a perfect match for the simple lyrics that remind the listener of the joy of being home for the holidays....where ever home may be.
Randy says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
Always have liked Gokey's voice and it shines here. To be honest; never liked Amy Grant's "Tennessee Christmas"- boring- but his version infuses the song with interest and a little roughness.
Erika says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
Danny delivered a stunning rendition of the song, absolutely beautiful. Thanks Matt for this great review!
Cheryl says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
One of the best holiday songs of the season.
Al says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
Gokey's version of Tennessee Christmas is the best I've heard.
Upsnodowns says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
I had the pleasure of hearing Danny Gokey sing this "Tennessee Christmas" live. This song and Danny's voce are a match made in heaven. Danny is known for his power notes and vocal riffs - he shines when his voice soars. This song shows Danny is equally adept at tender ballads. I recommend anyone who has not heard Danny's recent album listen to "Crazy Not To". It too shows that Danny's vocals are a perfect fit for country ballads. Like you, Matt, I believe Danny has a great chance at success in country and I consider it a bonus that he "leans on the "pop" side of the genre.
Erik says:
Posted: Friday, November 26, 2010
I love it! The softer side of Danny's voice is perfection! It doesn't matter that he's not born and raised in Tennessee, because neither was Alabama, Lee Greenwood, Steve Wariner, or Amy Grant and she wrote the song! It's about the love and serenity around Christmas time.
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