Elvis' Christmas Album

Elvis begins his 1957 Christmas collection with a run of festive favorites that look to the recent past (the gently swinging “Here Comes Santa Claus” and “White Christmas”) and the raucous rock ‘n’ roll present (“Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me)” and “Santa Claus Is Back in Town”). Then, after a couple of sober carols (“Silent Night” being particularly reverent), there’s a suite of gospel hymns, including the showstopper “Take My Hand, Precious Lord,” all sung with the total sincerity of a true believer.