It’s that time of year again- yes, jingle your bells and deck the hall because it’s Christmas time! As an avid music listener, I listened to many popular Christmas albums and picked my top five.
- “Merry Christmas” by Mariah Carey
The first song on the album is a cover of the classic, “Silent Night,” but what really stands out in this album is Carey’s own original song, “All I Want for Christmas is You.” When I think of Christmas, this song immediately comes to mind. This is definitely an iconic song in holiday culture and the lyrics are immediately recognizable. Carey has two other original songs on the album; “Miss You Most (at Christmas Time)” and “Jesus Born on This Day,” both slower paced. Carey covers many other Christmas songs, notably “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” one of my personal favorites. This is definitely the ultimate holiday album to play in the car, parties or just at home on Christmas Day.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/merry-christmas/id585972750
- “Elvis’ Christmas album” by Elvis Presley
The king of Rock and Roll has a Christmas album, and it does not disappoint. I was sold when I heard the first track, “Santa Claus is Back in Town.” Presley’s style comes through this song, yet you get a Christmassy feeling with the original lyrics and music. “Santa Bring my Baby Back (to Me)” is another original song by Presley. It’s upbeat and has distinct lyrics – it’s sure to put you in a good mood. The rest of the album is covers of traditional songs. Presley, like Carey, covers “Silent Night,” but adds his own special flavor.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/elvis-christmas-album/id676288305
- “Christmas Kisses” by Ariana Grande
I didn’t know Grande had any Christmas music, but after hearing it, I wonder why it’s not more popular, especially considering Grande’s current success. The collection of five songs is too short to be classified as an album, so it’s called an EP. She covers “Last Christmas” and “Santa Baby” with a hint of R&B. The other three songs are original, and out of those I was most surprised by “Santa Tell Me.” It has a catchy Christmas jingle with modern and creative lyrics.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/christmas-kisses-ep/id776101988
- “What a Wonderful Christmas” by Louis Armstrong
This review wouldn’t be complete without the classic Armstrong. This probably isn’t the album to blast in your car but it definitely has some good material. The album wouldn’t be complete without a prestigious cover of “Jingle Bells” and “Santa Baby”.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/what-a-wonderful-christmas/id3444355
- “A Charlie Brown Christmas” by Vince Guaraldi
The Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack is just as good as the movie we all love. I had to include it in this list because it’s such a classic. Just listening to “Linus and Lucy” reminded me of being a kid. The album has become extremely popular over the years since it was released in December 1965 selling over 3 million copies in the U.S.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/charlie-brown-christmas-expanded/id565257786
- “Top 15 Greatest Christmas Songs: Solo Piano Instrumentals of Holiday Classic Carols” by Robbins Island Music Group by Robbins Island Music Group
This last album is just a simple collection of good old fashioned Christmas carols, because sometimes that’s all you need is a classic tune and a piano.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/christmas-carols/id268211529