The Beach Boys' Christmas Album

Opening with five Beach Boys originals (including "Christmas Day," with Al Jardine's first lead vocal), The Beach Boys' Christmas Album starts like any other Beach Boys album, with tight-knit harmonies and a pop-rock band providing the instrumental backing. The remaining seven standards, however, include The Four Freshmen's arranger, Dick Reynolds, handling the orchestral backing for tunes such as "Frosty the Snowman," "We Three Kings of Orient Are," and "White Christmas." The mix between the joyful and the solemn makes for a well-rounded collection for those who enjoy holiday fare. "Auld Lang Syne" is an interesting a cappella piece arranged by Brian Wilson, interrupted briefly by Denny Wilson wishing everyone a Merry Christmas on behalf of the band.