The band's official single from the record, "Holly Jolly Christmas" kicks off the record and it's a big band styled take on the classic Burl Ives song that is still among the most-played Christmas songs of the year. The band's take on "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" is simply enchanting and it, too, is full of big band splendor and an engaging vocal from Charles Kelley, a vocal that shows off his soulful, natural rasp.
Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" is given a nice, soft vocal reading from Hillary Scott with gentle harmony from Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley. It's a smart decision for as good a vocalist as Hillary Scott is, she's not in the same league as Carey so to have the song be as brash and 'diva' as the original would be to fall-short. Kelley's reading of "I'll Be Home For Christmas" is drenched with the hopeful lonesomeness that's required to give the tune its proper due. The band takes on Donny Hatheway's "This Christmas" and once agains showcases the natural southern styled soul that's part of Lady Antebellum's DNA.
And throughout the rest of the record, including their original title track and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", the band balances tradition with their modern, soulful country style and it works well to make On This Winter's Night a thoroughly enjoyable holiday album and clearly at the center of what's the heart of Christmas, fun, festive and joyfulness.
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