The Christmas album is a rock-solid tradition in American popular music. With A Christmas Gift For You, that idea was first applied to the teen market. Producer Phil Spector was absolute supremacist of American pop music in 1963 and the artists from his stable (The Crystals, The Ronettes, Bobby Soxx & The Blue Jeans) were unabashed. Although his massive pop hits were labeled by the critics of
… the time as simplistic and little subtle, many of those songs have stood the test of time well. The songs on Spector's Christmas album are also brimming with youthful energy and soul. It is said that Spector put his heart and soul into it and for many of his fans - including his most important follower Brian Wilson - this album is the pinnacle of his oeuvre. In the parlando of the last song Silent Night we get a glimpse into the producer's megalomaniacal psyche as he elaborately conveys his sentimental Christmas wish to his fans. (MS)more
