"Take a deep breath. Relax. Over the Rhine's Darkest Night of the Year is the Christmas disc of the year and destined to become a classic. This is not a loud collection of rock-n-roll holiday tunes to help speed shopping or tree decorating. This disc is peace on earth. Curl up with someone you love, or enjoy some quiet time alone; The Darkest Night of the Year is the perfect soundtrack. The album starts as if far away and indiscernible and comes into focus, setting the mood for simplicity and beauty. All of the arrangements show creativity and freshness where most Christmas albums go for the ordinary and the expected. A delightful collection of traditional carols and original compositions, all with the signature OtR ambience. Let the lower lights be burning..."
- Ed Rock, Net Central

"Best local release of 1996".
- The Cincinnati Enquirer

"This delicate moody collection isn't new (it was released in 1996), but it doesn't matter. You simply must hear the evocative renditions of these selections by the critically-acclaimed Cincinnati band."
- Dave Urbanski