If you've been wanting Darius Rucker underneath your Christmas tree, the multi-talented singer-songwriter just made your wish come true. He's released "Home for the Holidays," his very first Christmas CD.
The 12-track album showcases Rucker's special renditions of revered holiday classics, such as "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow," "Winter Wonderland" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas." In addition to these classics, the award-winning performer has co-written two brand new songs, "What God Wants for Christmas" and "Candy Cane Christmas." And he's added a seasonal favorite, "Baby, It's Cold Outside," featuring special guest Sheryl Crow.
In discussing "Home for the Holidays," Rucker said in a press release, "We wanted to make one of those records that a fan of r&b music would put it on and go, 'That's a good Christmas record!' And a fan of country music would put it on and go, 'That's a good Christmas record.' And a fan of pop music would put it on and go, 'That's a pretty cool Christmas record!'
"I'm hoping it's one of those records that people just love. I want fans to love it and play it for their kids. I'm hoping that there's some kid who is two years old today, and when he's 14 and they ask him what reminds him of Christmas, he says, 'The Darius Rucker Christmas record.' That would be awesome!"
While recording his Christmas album, Rucker was also working on his fourth solo county album, to be released in early 2015. The album's debut single "Homegrown Honey" is currently climbing the charts.
All three of his previous country albums debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Album chart and have produced a total of six No. 1 singles, including "Wagon Wheel," "Come Back Song," "This," "Alright," "It Won't Be Like This For Long" and "Don't Think I Don't Think About It."
Here's the "Home For The Holidays" track listing:
1. "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow"
2. "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"
3. "What God Wants For Christmas" written by Darius Rucker, Frank Rogers and Monty Criswell
4. "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch"
5. "Baby, It's Cold Outside" (featuring Sheryl Crow)
6. "I'll Be Home For Christmas"
7. "O Come, All Ye Faithful"
8. "Winter Wonderland"
9. "Candy Cane Christmas" written by Darius Rucker, Frank Rogers and Steve Leslie
10. "Please Come Home For Christmas"
11. "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"
12. "White Christmas"
