Featuring 's "Wall of Sound" in its prime and his early stable of artists, , , and stands as inarguably the greatest record of all time. believed he could produce a record for the holidays that would capture not only the essence of the Christmas spirit, but also be a masterpiece that would stand against any work these artists had already done. He succeeded on every level, with all four groups/singers recording some of their most memorable performances. This is the album by which all later releases had to be judged, and it has inspired a host of imitators. ~ Dennis MacDonald