“A Charlie Brown Christmas” Featuring the Famous Peanuts Characters: Original Soundtrack

Not for me thanks, maybe more of an American tradition? At face value, the music is bland piano ballads, some of which have a vaguely festive feel.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS ALBUM OF ALL TIME

Give this a few more years or so and I'm sure it will outstrip Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue" for best selling jazz album of all time. It's ubiquitous and beloved and probably many children's first exposure to jazz. Had this not been attached to a children's holiday special, I believe much of the music herein would still have made a lasting cultural impact in much the same way as "Cast Your Fate To The Wind."

Happy Holidays from a "cool jazz" (the genre) album better than any "cool jazz" album on the main list.

Gold standard of Christmas tunes, which is maybe damning with faint praise a bit. Very nice arrangements, though, with the exception of Christmas Time is Here, which is a terrible song and a miserable slog.

The Peanuts cartoon was a little while before my time, so the only exposure I really had was the holiday specials. I remember the music always being the notable highlight of those.

High ratings everywhere for this album, which is surprising for a Christmas album. But attach the jazz label and suddenly it gets prestige. Strip that away and you're still left with "O Christmas Tree" and holiday standards, just with better chord voicings.
That being said, Guaraldi's playing is superb. Clear influences from Oscar Peterson and Bill Evans. Fred Marshall on bass and Jerry Granelli on drums make this a pleasant listening experience.
This could belong on a 1001 albums list because of its cultural impact, not just the music. The Charlie Brown Christmas special is iconic, and this soundtrack introduced jazz to millions of kids.
Not something I listen to, even at Christmas, but I respect what it is and what it represents. 2 stars for personal enjoyment, 4.5 stars for impact and importance. Lands at 3.5 overall.

Great Xmas album, if we need two Xmas albums on the list I agree with this one.

What a treat for Christmas Day! The perfect smooth jazz album to pop on while hosting Christmas dinner. This album is fantastic.

Favorite songs: Linus and Lucy, "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing", O Tannenbaum, The Christmas Song, Greensleeves, Christmas Time is Here

Least favorite songs: What Child Is This

5/5

Classic. Better than I anticipated 4/5

As classic as they come. And actually with a lot of chops, not overly saccharine. Good shit.

I’m not into Christmas music but I’ll make an exception for this.