Review of Jo Dee Messina : A Joyful Noise
Just when you resign yourself to the fact that everything's probably been done in the world of holiday albums, a disc like A Joyful Noise comes along. Not that there's exactly anything new about the collection: with the exception of two originals, including the title track, the choices are all classics. But Jo Dee Messina brings a unique charm, warmth, and subtle sexiness to standards like "The Christmas Song" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," attributes that are often missing from yuletide releases. As a vocalist, Messina could teach today's pop divas a thing or two about how to create memorable vocals without resorting to histrionics. Vince Gill shows up to add even more charm on a duet of "Silver Bells." The nifty arrangements certainly count for a lot, and something like the haunting harmonica solo on "Let It Snow!" is truly unique to recordings of that particular song. But in the end, it's Messina's wonderful voice, spirit, and personality that make this the finest Christmas release of 2002. --Bill Holdship

Users's Reviews - Jo Dee Messina : Good Christmas CD----Need More Orignal Christmas Songs
I love Jo Dee Messina but this was not my faviorte Christmas CD. How many artists can possibly do a Christmas album? They all seem to have the same songs on them. I have Leann Rimes Christmas CD and love it because there are more orignal works on it than other CD's. But still this is a great CD for the Christmas season.

Your latest reviews - Jo Dee Messina : Great contemporary country debut album
Jo Dee grew up listening to country music, her favorites including the Judds, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Reba McEntire and Hank Williams Jr (she's clearly got impeccable taste). As a teenager, Jo Dee sang in bars at weekends supported by her brother on drums and her sister on bass guitar. Legend has it that she eventually secured a recording contract partly because of her red hair, but she is also a fine singer of contemporary country music who has a knack for selecting (or writing) great songs and that, ultimately, is what matters.

Many of the songs are up-tempo although Jo can sing slower songs too, when she chooses to. Heads Carolina tails California is an up-tempo song about somebody looking for adventure. In contrast is the outstanding ballad, He'd never seen Julie cry.

Jo Dee co-wrote Wing and a prayer (about the end of a relationship) but otherwise left the songwriting to others, apparently listening to over a thousand songs in deciding what to include on the album.

The closing track, Another shoulder at the wheel, is a cover of a song previously recorded by the Forester sisters - not that many people would notice, since the album on which the original version appeared (I got a date) was not a huge seller.

Although only two of the tracks (You're not in Kansas anymore, Heads Carolina tails California) made it on to her greatest hits collection, there are many great songs here. Overall, this album is not has strong as the follow-up (I'm alright) but it is a very impressive debut. By all means, begin your Jo Dee collection with I'm alright - or Greatest hits - but don't overlook this one.