It’s a little hard to rock around the Christmas tree without any holiday music jamming in the background. So whether your holiday traditions involve baking cookies or simply wrapping an abundance of presents at the last minute, these holiday albums will keep you feeling festive through whatever the holiday season has in store for you!
A Tori Kelly Christmas by Tori Kelly
If you haven’t heard her name by now, you’re missing out. Tori Kelly has been slowly climbing her way up the music charts in the last few years, with her vocals (excuse the shameless pun), singing for themselves. Kelly’s style is a mixture of R&B, soul, and pop, and her spin on classics, such as Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, almost always results in songs that are better than the originals.
This Christmas album includes covers of many fan favorites, such as Silent Night, Sleigh Ride, and O Holy Night, while also sprinkling in some original tunes like Gift That Keeps on Giving. So whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it here!
A Very Trainor Christmas by Meghan Trainor
She’s perhaps one of the most upbeat vocalists on this list, and her Christmas album pulls out all the stops in matching her positive tone. Meghan Trainor is a body-positive, feminist lyricist that is true to her own message, speaking to the masses in a way that many singers don’t. On top of that, she is a vocal chameleon, able to take on just about any musical genre, including doo-wop, R&B, soul, and many others. So when it comes to her holiday album, you can bet it brings the variety.
Again, she inserts classics, such as Last Christmas and It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas, but she also adds in six originals, including My Kind of Present. So if you want some variety, this is the holiday album for you.
My Gift by Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood is a country powerhouse that has blessed us with hit after hit. On top of that, she’s been largely credited with bringing new faces into the world of country music, bridging the gap between country and pop in a way that draws fans of both genres.
As with other Christmas albums, Underwood covers classics such as The Little Drummer Boy, but adds her own flair to each, including vocals from her son, Isaiah.
We Need Christmas by Maddie & Tae
When it comes to choosing a title for a holiday album, country/pop duo Maddie & Tae absolutely nailed it.
The album is short and to the point, but extremely effective in spreading some holiday cheer. It features covers that everyone loves, including Holly Jolly Christmas and Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) as well as two originals: We Need Christmas and Merry Married Christmas. Judging by the title, you can expect this album to be upbeat, energetic, and most importantly, a happy juxtaposition to the dumpster fire that has been 2020.
This year has taken a lot out of all of us, and a little joy feels very needed. So hang that mistletoe, deck the halls, and get ready for a not-so-silent night, because these Christmas albums are the perfect way to crank up your holiday spirit.