Sara Evans, ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’ – Song Review

Sara Evans' version of 'I'll Be Home For Christmas' is almost a duet with a warbling steel guitar. Her spirit is enough to carry this classic, and vocally she reminds listeners how skilled she is at controlling her big country voice. The whiny steel grows tiresome by song's end, but not before that.

"I'll be home for Christmas / You can count on me / Please have snow and mistletoe / And presents under the tree," she sings after the song's introduction. Lyrically, there are few differences between this version and most others one is familiar with.

"Christmas Eve will find me / Where the love light beams / I'll be home for Christmas / If only in my dreams," Evans cries out as the song closes. Balancing a touring career with her flock of kids has no doubt left the beauty yearning for home on an important night. Maybe not on Christmas night, but the emotion is the same and it comes through loud and clear on this cut from the 'A Very Country Christmas' album.

The production stands out. Acoustic guitar picking and a gentle piano back Evans throughout the song. A calming solo fills in during the song's bridge. It's warm and reassuring. Some may like the traditional sound the steel guitar brings, but Evans has never been the most traditional of country artists. It's heavy handed, but there are more than enough reasons to enjoy this song.

Listen to Sara Evans, 'I'll Be Home For Christmas'