The leaves have just changed and it seems like hints of summertime weather still linger in the air. Many haven’t even come up with a Halloween costume yet. October seems like it just barely started. Is it really time to start thinking about snow and all those crazy holidays we have coming up?

It may seem a tad too soon for chestnuts roasting on an open fire and sleigh bells ringlin’ and jinglin’. But for artists like Scotty McCreery, Christmas comes early this year with the release of his Christmas album “Christmas with Scotty McCreery.”

The album features all kinds of Christmas classics from “Winter Wonderland” to “Mary Did You Know?” Each song features McCreery’s country twang and Nashville sound, features that won him many a fan in his American Idol glory days and the songs he covers on this album will not disappoint his diehard fans.

“Let It Snow” features classic country guitar licks and of course, McCreery’s deep bass voice, putting a southern twist on an old classic.

Scotty’s deep melodic voice shines through on some of the slower songs on the album such as “The First Noel,” “O Holy Night”, and “Mary Did You Know?” The true meaning and beauty of the season are represented in these songs and portrayed even further by Scotty’s signature voice.

One of my favorites on the album is “Christmas In Heaven.” It sounds like a normal country ballad, with a holiday twist. The lyrics are beautiful, touching, and emotional. Anyone can relate to missing someone they have lost, especially around Christmastime. “I wonder what Christmas in Heaven is like,” Scotty croons. I would be lying if I said I didn’t shed a tear or two.

“Holly Jolly Christmas,” “The Christmas Song,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “Jingle Bells,” classic Christmas tunes, are turned country by Scotty and his band. Steel guitars and fiddles replace trumpets and flutes, typical Christmas instrument in true country fashion.

“Christmas Comin’ Round Again” is the only original song on the album. With a chorus of hallelujahs marking every verse, the song describes the meaning of Christmas and how it truly is a time of love and family, despite all the craziness surrounding the holiday. It’s a message that everyone can relate to, especially when many of us get consumed with the commercial qualities of the holidays.

The album wraps up in true Southern fashion: with an Elvis cover. McCreery’s voice is eerily similar to the King himself. “Santa Claus Is Back In Town” is the perfect ending to a country fried Christmas album.

So, who’s ready for Christmas now?