Christmas to Christmas
Toby Keith's got a big heart, judging by the songs he's written and the songs he's chosen to sing onChristmas to Christmas. Many show concern for the homeless ("Santa I'm Right Here") or disdain for the crass commercialization of the season--told through the voice of a small girl ("Jesus Gets Jealous of Santa Claus")--and other timely sentiments. Trouble is, Keith's not a great songwriter (although he's not bad storyteller). What adds to his shortcomings as a wordsmith are his melody lines, which generally sound punch pressed from that crass commercialized Nashville mold. Keith fans will enjoy the selections, however, and nearly anyone can appreciate the fact that he chose not to make a record of the same tired old standards played in the tired old contemporary-country way.--Martin Keller