Rating: 4 Pulses

It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s even better when one gets to start the holiday season with an album such as Holiday Noise, Volume 2.

The offering, a compilation of Christmas songs performed by artists from around the Nashville area, has a melodic style similar to that of other classic Christmas albums but with a flavor all its own. Each song contained on this disc is fit to each artist’s individual style, giving the album a variety of sounds.

The CD began as a way to reunite old friends who had performed together in the past. The first volume of the album was cherished by many in the Nashville community. Appropriately, with this new and second volume, the artists have continued to keep the spirit of the holidays at heart and also provided local music fans with an album they can share with family and friends during the Christmas season.

From a lyrical standpoint, these are songs most already know and can sing along to. Classic yuletide tunes such as Stephen Gordon’s rendition of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and Brooke Waggoner’s “Christmas Moon” give the release a taste of tradition. On the other hand, for more of a modern ambiance, Justin Caldwell’s funky interpretation of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” may prove a favorite, while “White Christmas” by Graham Stone has a pleasing soul sound. Meanwhile, Erika Chambers’ “Song of Mary” offers listeners a soothing harmonic sound, with just a touch of bluegrass.

This album has everything a holiday lover would look for in a Christmas album, and with the artists giving their own flavor to each of the songs, a variety of listeners will be pleased by the wonderful talent each of these artists have.

To sample the release or learn more about its performers, visit click here.