Merry Christmas Radio

Faith Hill threw the coolest party of the scorching CMA Music Festival week for about 130 industry folks who were given an exclusive first listen to her upcoming Christmas album, Joy to the World.

As snow quietly fell on video screens throughout the Global Cafe on Friday, partygoers consumed iced gingerbread men and mini peppermint ice cream cones while festivalgoers sweated in the 90-degree heat outside. Tables were adorned with centerpieces featuring Christmas ornaments. 

“We planned that, a Christmas record on the hottest day in Nashville for the year or maybe the last few years,” joked Hill, who was in the lineup for the Friday night LP Field show. It was her first scheduled appearance at the festival in a decade.

Hill began recording the Christmas album about three years ago, but then took a break to tour for much of two years before finishing it. She recently played the completed album for executives at her label, Warner Bros. Records.

“It’s so very special to me, very spiritual, kind of a throwback to the 1950s-’60s Christmas music,” she said of the album, which has soaring orchestrations and impressive vocals.

She was joined by the Nashville Symphony and conductor David Campbell, as well as producers Byron Gallimore and Dann Huff.

“We just had the best time making this album. You’re going to hear the London Boys Choir and they were phenomenal,” she said.

The album’s single is “A Baby Changes Everything,” which was written by Craig Wiseman; his wife, KK Wiseman; and Tim Nichols. “It’s an extraordinary piece of work,” Hill said. ” … (KK) is a minister and it originated from a sermon that she was going to present to a church.”

Hill was joined at the event by her three daughters. “My daughters Maggie and Audrey were going to come down here and serve you guys ice cream, but they said, ‘They’ve already eaten ice cream. What do we do? This is really boring,’ ” Hill said with a laugh.

The 36-minute album contains songs such as “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Little Drummer Boy.”