After Otis Redding's startling achievements, things actually get better! On "I'll Make Everyday Christmas (For My Woman)," Joe Tex turns in one of the best vocal performances of his career, making the birth of his savior seem insignificant compared to his own monumental erotic devotion. In a similar vein, William Bell's "Every Day Will Be Like A Holiday" paints an impossibly idyllic picture of love - and features a standout performance from MG's guitarist Steve Cropper. Solomon Burke's "Presents For Christmas" is an uplifting, magnanimous plea for benevolence befitting the man called "The King of Rock 'n' Soul." Quite to the contrary, saxophonist King Curtis turns mere carols into monumental acts of seduction.

The 1994 CD reissue of Soul Christmas adds three bonus tracks, including "All I Want For Christmas Is You" (the original b-side to Carla Thomas' sexy "Gee Whiz, It's Christmas"), and astute liner notes by Jimmy Guterman. It also appends "Original" to its title in a largely failed attempt to avoid confusion with Soul Christmas (1991). That disc, another Atlantic/Atco compilation, overlaps to a great extent with the original album. Though fine in its own right, the newer disc lacks the pure brilliance of the Original Soul Christmas. On the other hand, the 1991 Soul Christmas expands the scope, collecting 20 tracks spanning more than 20 years. Beginning with the Drifters' drop-dead doo-wop reading of "White Christmas" (1954), Soul Christmas chronicles the very evolution of soul music, concluding with Luther Vandross' disco-fied "May Christmas Bring You Happiness" (1976) - one of several songs rescued from the long out-of-print, sorely-missed Cotillion LP, Funky Christmas (1976).

Add to those riches Brook Benton's "Soul Santa" (1971), a racially-balanced reverie recorded in the same style as his gorgeous "Rainy Night In Georgia." Or, the Sweet Inspirations' stately interpretation of William Bell's "Every Day Will Be Like A Holiday." Or, Donny Hathaway's "This Christmas" (1970), one of the last Christmas standards ever written. Ultimately, the second Soul Christmas becomes almost as requisite for soul aficionados as its distinguished predecessor. [top of page]