Julianne Hough "Sounds of the Season" Universal Music

By Melissa Barnes

‘Tis the season for spending time with loved ones, baking Christmas cookies and mistletoe! And what holiday season would be complete without a holiday collection to go along with it? This, my friends, is where Miss Julianne Hough comes in. Hough released her very own 8-song holiday EP this past October that was also a part of the NBC Sounds of the Season Series.

Hough puts her own country spin on such holiday classics as “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Feliz Navidad” and “Rockin Around the Christmas Tree.” Phil Vassar joins Hough on “It Wasn’t His Child/Mary Did You Know,” which was one of my favorites from the album. I thought Hough’s voice was sweet as a sugar cookie on “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” As a matter of fact I think that is the very quality I like most about her. On most every song her voice has a very pure, innocent and sweet sound to it.

The one song I could have done without, however, was “Santa Baby”. I have never heard a version of this song I actually liked and unfortunately this one was no exception. I found it to be a bit on the cheesy side. Overall, it’s a great album and it definitely put me in the Christmas spirit. Unfortunately it also reminded me of how behind I am with my Christmas cards and wrapping.

Check out more reviews by Melissa at www.themusiccitymuse.com.