View source for Acoustic Hearts of Winter

{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2025}}
{{Infobox album
| name       = Acoustic Hearts of Winter
| type       = studio
| artist     = [[Aly & AJ]]
| cover      = Aly & AJ - Acoustic Hearts of Winter.jpg
| border     = yes
| alt        =
| released   = September 26, 2006
| recorded   = Summer 2006
| venue      =
| studio     = [[Conway Studios]] (Hollywood, California)
* Rock Mafia Studios (Santa Monica, California)
| genre      = {{flatlist|
*[[Christmas music|Christmas]]
*[[folk-pop]]
*[[pop rock]]}}
| length     = 29:40
| label      = [[Hollywood Records|Hollywood]]
| producer   = {{flatlist|
*[[Antonina Armato]]
*Gerry Cagle {{small|([[executive producer|exec.]])}}
*[[Tim James (music producer)|Tim James]]
*Carrie Michalka {{small|(exec.)}}}}
| chronology = [[Aly & AJ]]
| prev_title = [[Into the Rush]]
| prev_year  = 2005
| next_title = [[Insomniatic]]
| next_year  = 2007
| misc       = {{Singles
 | name        = Acoustic Hearts of Winter
 | type        = studio
 | single1     = [[Greatest Time of Year]]
 | single1date = November 21, 2006
}}
}}

'''''Acoustic Hearts of Winter''''' is a [[Christmas music|Christmas album]] and the second [[studio album]] by American pop [[duet (music)|duo]] [[Aly & AJ]]. The album was released on September 26, 2006 in the United States, via [[Hollywood Records]]. The album was conceived as a project after completing the deluxe edition of their debut album, ''[[Into the Rush]]'' (2005). All production of the album was done by [[Antonina Armato]] and [[Tim James (music producer)|Tim James]]. The majority of songs are [[cover versions]] of religious [[Christmas carols]] or contemporary classics. Two originals appear on the set, which were written by Aly & AJ with Armato and James. Musically, the album has an instrument-driven acoustic feel, primarily by guitar. It utilizes [[pop music|pop]] music influences on Christmas music. The album sold 110,000 copies in the United States.<ref name=africa>{{cite web|url=http://www.entertainmentafrica.co.za/ea-music/view/rel/7957 |title=Aly and AJ - Acoustic Hearts of Winter: review |publisher=Entertainment Africa |access-date=2010-04-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113100107/http://www.entertainmentafrica.co.za/ea-music/view/rel/7957 |archive-date=2016-01-13 }}</ref>

The album received generally positive reviews, with critics complimenting the lyrical content of the original songs and the overall sound. ''Acoustic Hearts of Winter'' debuted on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] at 78, and peaked on the [[Top Holiday Albums]] chart at 14. It was the second best-selling holiday album of 2006. The sole single from the album, "[[Greatest Time of Year]]", used to promote ''[[The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause]]'', peaked at 96 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]. Aly & AJ promoted the album mainly on ''[[CD USA]]'' and at the 2006 [[Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade]]. In 2007, the album was re-released with three new traditional cover songs.

==Background==
During the summer of 2006, after wrapping up the production and recording of their debut album, ''[[Into the Rush]]'', Aly & AJ began recording their first Christmas album.<ref name="Norwich">{{cite book| last = Norwich| first = Grace|title = Amped Up: The Official Biography|publisher=[[Grosset & Dunlap]] | location = [[New York City, New York]] | date = 2007|isbn = 978-1-101-09832-5}}</ref> [[Antonina Armato]] and [[Tim James (music producer)|Tim James]] who worked on the duo's debut album and several other Disney-related acts, were recruited to executive produce the effort.<ref name="Norwich"/> They anticipated finishing the album by the end of the summer, in order for it to be released for the holiday season.<ref name="Norwich"/> Aly & AJ thought it ironic that they were prepping a Christmas album during the hottest days of the year.<ref name="Norwich"/> Alyson Michalka told the ''[[Saginaw News]]'' that producers Armato and James filled the studio with Christmas decorations, Christmas cookies, and a tree with gifts to open after they were done, in order for them to get in the Christmas spirit.<ref name="Norwich"/>

==Composition==
{{listen|filename=Joytotheworldalyaj.ogg|title="Joy to the World" 
|description=A sample of "Joy to the World", a part of the album's traditional [[Christmas carol]]s, utilizing several instruments and having an acoustic feel. 
|pos= left
|format=[[Ogg]]}}
''Acoustic Hearts of Winter'' is musically based on [[Christmas music]] with [[pop music|pop]], [[pop rock]] and [[teen pop]] inclinations.<ref name="Collar">{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r855927|pure_url=yes}}|title=Acoustic Hearts of Winter - Aly & AJ|first=Matt|last=Collar|work=[[Allmusic]]|publisher=Rovi Corporation|access-date=2010-11-20}}</ref> All songs were produced by [[Antonina Armato]] and [[Tim James (music producer)|Tim James]]. Aly & AJ, along with executive producers Armato and James, adapted and arranged most of the cover songs on the album.<ref name="Linernotes"/> Many of the songs incorporate heavy instrumentation, such as [[guitar]], [[cello]], [[percussion]], [[bass (music)|bass]], and [[piano]].<ref name="Linernotes"/> The album is mainly composed of [[cover versions]] of [[Christmas carols]] and contemporary holiday classics, while two original numbers are included. "[[Joy to the World]]", "[[We Three Kings]]", "[[The First Noel]]", "[[God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen]]", and "[[Silent Night]]" are religious traditional carols.<ref name="Collar"/> Also included are the traditional "[[Deck the Halls]]", as well as "[[I'll Be Home for Christmas]]",  "[[The Little Drummer Boy]]", originally performed by [[Harry Simeone]] and "[[Let It Snow]]", notably performed by [[Vaughan Monroe]].<ref name="Linernotes">Aly & AJ ''Acoustic Hearts of Winter'' (Liner notes) [[Hollywood Records|Hollywood]]. (2006).</ref>

The album's opening number "[[Greatest Time of Year]]", the first of the album's two originals, was written by Aly & AJ, Armato, and James.<ref name="Linernotes"/> The second original and closing track, "[[Not This Year]]" is a reflection about past Christmases, and how the current is different. According to the duo, the song is dedicated to their grandmother Carmen, who died on Christmas Eve a few years previous.<ref name="Linernotes"/> On the 2007 edition of the album exclusively available at retailer [[Target Corporation|Target]], the traditionals "[[We Wish You a Merry Christmas]]" and "[[Winter Wonderland]]" were bonus tracks, as well as "[[Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree]]", originally performed by [[Brenda Lee]].<ref name="Linernotes"/>

==Reception==

===Critical reception===
{{Music ratings
|rev1      = [[Allmusic]]
|rev1Score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="Collar"/>
|rev2      = Jesus Freak Hideout 
|rev2Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="Leasure"/>
|rev3      = ''[[Tampa Bay Times]]''
|rev3Score = C+<ref name="SP times"/>
}}
Matt Collar of [[Allmusic]] complimented the classic Christmas songs composed in a "light, contemporary pop fashion," noting Aly & AJ's original songs as standouts on the album.<ref name="Collar"/> Logan Leasure of Jesus Freak Hideout commended Aly & AJ's "powerhouse" vocals on the tracks, but said carols such as "The First Noel" and "Deck the Halls" were a bit boring, due to the acoustic feel of the set.<ref name="Leasure">{{cite web|url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/AcousticHeartsofWinter.asp|title=Jesusfreakhideout.com: Aly & AJ, "Acoustic Hearts of Winter" Review|work=Jesus Freak Hideout|first=Logan|last=Leasure|date=2006-12-12|access-date=2010-11-21}}</ref> Overall, Leasure said "This album has its good share of standout tracks that are sure to satisfy any fan of modern Christmas music."<ref name="Leasure"/> He specifically pointed out "Little Drummer Boy" and the impressive lyrical content of "Not This Year.<ref name="Leasure"/> ''[[Tampa Bay Times]]'' critic Sean Daly praised the duo's original songs, on which they "ditch the wispy routine".<ref name="SP times"/> On the other hand, he viewed the rest of the album as "flat and forgettable".<ref name="SP times">{{cite web|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2006/11/23/Weekend/Pop__Download_this__S.shtml|title=Pop: Download this, Santa|last=Daly|first=Sean|work=[[Tampa Bay Times]]|publisher=[[Times Publishing Company]]|date=2006-11-23|access-date=2012-04-19}}</ref>

===Chart performance===
On the chart dated November 25, 2006, nearly two months after initial release, ''Acoustic Hearts of Winter'' debuted at number 114 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Top 200 Albums {{!}} Billboard 200 chart |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2006-11-25 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=January 29, 2020 |date=November 25, 2006}}</ref> The album rose to its peak position of 78 the following week.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Top 200 Albums {{!}} Billboard 200 chart |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2006-12-02 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=January 29, 2020 |date=December 2, 2006}}</ref> It remained inside the top half of the chart for three weeks, and maintained a position inside the top 200 albums for seven weeks.<ref name="Billboard200"/> On the ''Billboard'' [[Top Holiday Albums]] chart, on the chart issued November 25, 2006, the album debuted at number 20.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Top Holiday Albums : Page 1 |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/holiday-albums/2006-11-25 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=January 29, 2020 |date=November 25, 2006 }}{{subscription required}}</ref> A week later, it moved up to number 14, where it peaked, and spent 14 weeks on the chart.<ref name="BillboardHoliday"/> ''Acoustic Hearts of Winter'' was the second best-selling Holiday album of the 2006 holiday season.<ref name="Norwich"/> During the 2007 and 2008 holiday seasons, the album re-entered the Holiday Albums chart at 45 and 28, respectively.<ref name="BillboardHoliday"/> The album had sold 110,000 copies in the United States to date.<ref name=africa/>

==Promotion==
{{listen|filename=Greatesttimeofyear.ogg|title="Greatest Time of Year" 
|description="Greatest Time of Year", a contemporary Christmas song utilizing [[pop rock]] and [[teen pop]] elements, was used to promote ''[[The Santa Clause 3]]'' and peaked at ninety-six on the Hot 100.  
|pos= right
|format=[[Ogg]]}}
"[[Greatest Time of Year]]" was used to promote the Disney-affiliated film, ''[[The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1541722/20060926/ludacris.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070105193419/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1541722/20060926/ludacris.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 5, 2007|title=New Releases: Ludacris, Janet Jackson, Aly & AJ, Mewithoutyou, Scissor Sisters, My Morning Jacket & More|first=Kurt|last=Orzeck|date=2006-09-26|work=[[MTV News]]|publisher=MTV Networks (Viacom)|access-date=2010-11-21}}</ref> On November 21, 2006, it was released as a single on the [[iTunes Store]] in conjunction with [[Radio Disney]], as the song was packaged with an interview with the duo on the station.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://musicbrainz.org/release/6141b5dd-5f7b-45c4-aa5f-0aaa4560ffe0.html|title=Release: Greatest Time of Year - MusicBrainz|work=[[MusicBrainz]]|access-date=2010-11-21}}</ref> The song first appeared on the [[Bubbling Under Hot 100|''Billboard'' Bubbling Under Hot 100]] chart on the December 2, 2006 issue.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Greatest Time Of Year Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100) |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/aly-aj/chart-history/hbu/ |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> Propelled by its debut at number 67 on the [[Hot Digital Songs]] chart,<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Greatest Time Of Year Chart History (Digital Song Sales) |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/aly-aj/chart-history/hds/ |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> "Greatest Time of Year" debuted at number 96 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Top 100 Songs {{!}} Billboard Hot 100 Chart |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2006-12-09 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=January 29, 2020 |date=December 9, 2006}}</ref> Additionally, it peaked at number 72 on the [[Pop 100]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Aly & AJ {{!}} Awards |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/aly-aj-mn0000390185/awards |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=January 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130917225327/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/aly-aj-mn0000390185/awards |archive-date=September 17, 2013}}</ref> Two music videos were developed for the song, one that is intercut with scenes from the film, and a second, which solely features the sisters.

The duo performed the "Greatest Time of Year" live on ''[[CD USA]]''.<ref>{{Cite episode| title = Christmas Special: The Dan Band, Aly & Aj| series = CD USA| series-link = CD USA| season = 1| number = 49 }}</ref> Additionally they performed it at the 2006 [[Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://disney.go.com/disneyfans/insider/article/20061219|title=We Love a (Walt Disney World Christmas) Parade|date=2006-12-19|work=[[Disney|Disney.com]]|publisher=Disney|access-date=2010-11-21}}</ref> and in 2007 on tour as an opening act for [[Miley Cyrus]] on [[Best of Both Worlds Tour (Miley Cyrus)|The Best of Both Worlds Tour]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1046856/aly-aj-writing-new-songs-plot-films|title=Aly & AJ Writing New Songs, Plot Films|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=2010-11-21|publisher=Prometheus Global Media}}</ref> Also in 2007, the album was re-released as a deluxe edition by [[Target Corporation|Target]], and included covers of the traditional Christmas song "[[We Wish You a Merry Christmas]]" as well as "[[Winter Wonderland]]" and "[[Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree]]."<ref name="Ultratop"/> Variations of "Greatest Time of Year" are also included on the [[Walt Disney Records]] compilation albums ''[[Disney Channel Holiday]]'' (2007), and ''[[All Wrapped Up]]'' (2008).<ref>{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=a-disney-channel-holiday-r1213633|pure_url=yes}}|title=A Disney Channel Holiday - Various Artists|work=[[Allmusic]]|publisher=Rovi Corporation|access-date=2010-11-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=all-wrapped-up-r1585267|pure_url=yes}}|title=All Wrapped Up - Various Artists|work=[[Allmusic]]|publisher=Rovi Corporation|access-date=2010-11-21}}</ref>

==Track listing==
{{track listing
|total_length = 29:46

| title1 = [[Greatest Time of Year]]
| writer1 = {{hlist|[[Aly Michalka]]|[[AJ Michalka]]|[[Antonina Armato]]|[[Tim James (musician)|Tim James]]}}
| length1 = 3:41

| title2 = [[Joy to the World]]
| writer2 = {{hlist|[[George Frideric Handel]]|[[Lowell Mason]]|[[Isaac Watts]]{{ref|a|[a]}}}}
| length2 = 2:52

| title3 = [[We Three Kings]]
| writer3 = [[John Henry Hopkins Jr.]]{{ref|a|[a]}}
| length3 = 2:54

| title4 = [[The First Noel]]
| writer4 = Traditional
| length4 = 1:44

| title5 = [[God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen]]
| writer5 = Traditional
| length5 = 2:33

| title6 = [[Silent Night]]
| writer6 = {{hlist|[[Joseph Mohr]]|[[Franz Gruber (musician)|Franz X. Gruber]]{{ref|a|[a]}}}}
| length6 = 3:05

| title7 = [[I'll Be Home for Christmas]]
| writer7 = {{hlist|[[Kim Gannon]]|[[Walter Kent]]|[[Buck Ram]]}}
| length7 = 2:44

| title8 = [[Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!|Let It Snow]]
| writer8 = {{hlist|[[Jule Styne]]|[[Sammy Cahn]]}}
| length8 = 2:08

| title9 = [[Deck the Halls]]
| writer9 = Traditional
| length9 = 1:54

| title10 = [[Little Drummer Boy]]
| writer10 = {{hlist|[[Katherine Kennicott Davis|Katherine Davis]]|Henry Onorati|[[Harry Simeone]]}}
| length10 = 2:37

| title11 = [[Not This Year]]
| writer11 = {{hlist|Michalka|Michalka|Armato|James}}
| length11 = 3:24}}

{{track listing
| headline = [[Target Corporation|Target]] bonus tracks<ref name="Ultratop">{{cite web|url=https://www.ultratop.be/fr/album/b9eb/Aly-&-AJ-Acoustic-Hearts-of-Winter|title=Aly & AJ - Acoustic Hearts of Winter|work=ultratop.be|publisher=Hung Medien|access-date=2010-11-21}}</ref>
|total_length = 35:56

| title12 = [[We Wish You a Merry Christmas]]
| writer12 = Traditional
| length12 = 1:22

| title13 = [[Winter Wonderland]]
| writer13 = [[Richard Bernhard Smith|Richard B. Smith]]
| length13 = 2:43

| title14 = [[Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree]]
| writer14 = [[Johnny Marks]]
| length14 = 2:05}}

* {{sup|{{note|a|[a]}}}} writer credited as ''Traditional''

== Personnel ==
Credits adapted from the album's liner notes.<ref name="Linernotes"/>
{{div col}}
* [[Aly Michalka]] – vocals 
* [[AJ Michalka]] – vocals 
* [[Jamie Muhoberac]] – keyboards (1, 11), acoustic piano (2-9), [[Wurlitzer electric piano]] (2-9)
* [[Tim Pierce]] – guitars 
* [[Dean Parks]] – guitars (2-9)
* Sean Hurley – bass
* [[The Dead Daisies|Dorian Crozier]] – drums (1, 10, 11)
* [[Luis Conte]] – percussion (2-9)
* Bob Zimmitti – [[vibraphone]] (8)
* Cameron Stone – cello (3-6)
{{div col end}}

=== Production ===
* Carrie Michalka – executive production
* Gerry Cagle – executive production
* [[Jon Lind]] – A&R
* [[Antonina Armato]] – producer
* [[Tim James (musician)|Tim James]] – producer, mixing 
* Paul Palmer – mixing 
* Ross Hogarth – engineer 
* Nigel Lundemo – engineer 
* [[Stephen Marcussen]] – mastering at [[Stephen Marcussen|Marcussen Mastering]] (Hollywood, California)
* Christi Parker – A&R coordinator 
* David Snow – creative director
* Aly Michalka – butterfly logo trademark design 
* Keith Munyon – photography

==Charts==
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! scope="col" | Chart 
! scope="col" |Peak<br />position
|-
{{album chart|Billboard200|78|artist=Aly AJ|rowheader=true|access-date=January 29, 2020|refname="Billboard200"}}
|-
{{album chart|BillboardHoliday|14|artist=Aly AJ|rowheader=true|access-date=January 29, 2020|refname="BillboardHoliday"}}
|}

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20061114163724/http://hollywoodrecords.go.com/ecd/alyandaj-acousticheartsofwinter.html Official Hollywood Records: Acoustic Heart of Winter]

{{Aly & AJ}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Good article}}

[[Category:2006 Christmas albums]]
[[Category:Aly & AJ albums]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Rock Mafia]]
[[Category:Christmas albums by American artists]]
[[Category:Pop Christmas albums]]
[[Category:Hollywood Records albums]]