Ah, the Holidays: a time for friends gathering, hot chocolate, family bonding, gift-giving, and plenty of over-the-top meals. Of course, what stirs the holiday spirit most is the heart-warming holiday music you’ll be spinning. Check out FanLabel’s list of the Top 10 Christmas Album Releases for this holiday season to set just the right ambiance.
1. John Legend – “A Legendary Christmas”
John Legend’s sixth studio album, “A Legendary Christmas” gifts the ears with a 14-song tracklist – six original songs and eight covers. Featuring Stevie Wonder playing the harmonica on the first song, “What Christmas Means to Me,” and Esperanza Spalding featured on “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” this album is fueled with the perfect amount of talent to get you into the holiday spirit. Legend recently kicked off his “Legendary Christmas” tour that goes through Dec. 30.
2. Jessie J – “This Christmas Day”
This album is at a jolly 11 tracks, including 10 Christmas classics and one original song titled, “This Christmas Day,” which also takes the title of the album itself. With Boyz II Men featured on “Winter Wonderland,” and Babyface on “The Christmas Song,” this project is perfectly fun for the season.
3. Pentatonix – “Christmas is Here”
A cappella group, Pentatonix, have released their fourth holiday-themed album, “Christmas is Here.” Following their single “Making Christmas,” a song originally from “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” the full album was released at the end of October. Both Kelly Clarkson and Maren Morris are featured, bringing listeners a true angelic vocal experience. The group is touring through Dec. 22.
4. Ingrid Michaelson – “Ingrid Michaelson’s Songs For The Season”
The next chapter following her holiday “Snowfall EP,” Ingrid Michaelson’s “Songs for the Season” includes 11 covers and one original song titled, “Happy, Happy Christmas.” While staying true to the classics, Michaelson still provides an element of individuality. The album also features Leslie Odom Jr., Christina Perri, and Grace Vanderwaal. She hitg the stage on Nov. 26, and will continue touring through Dec. 17. If you’re looking for a classic sound with a modern touch, this is the album to go with.
5. Martina McBride – “It’s The Holiday Season”
Martina McBride brings us nine classics with her new album, “It’s the Holiday Season.” Recorded at Capitol Studios, where many works by Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra were also recorded, she drew a lot of influence from the big band sound. McBride embarked on her tour on Nov. 23, where she’ll be performing with a full symphony through Dec. 8. “It’s the Holiday Season” is an album the whole family can enjoy.
6. David Archuleta – “Winter In The Air”
David Archuleta has been a long way since his start on “American Idol.” His second holiday-themed work, “Winter in the Air,” includes a variety of classics with three originals co-written by the singer. He also recently released a Christmas EP titled, “Navidad,” a four-song collection of songs in Spanish. Archuleta kicked off his tour on Nov. 26, and will be performing through Dec. 21.
7. Gwen Stefani – “You Make It Feel Like Christmas (Deluxe Edition)”
After releasing the standard edition last winter that made its debut at No. 1 on Billboard’s Holiday Albums Chart, Gwen Stefani gives us five new tracks with the deluxe edition of “You Make It Feel Like Christmas.” Three covers along with two original songs have been added to the tracklist. For those looking to complete their Gwen Stefani holiday experience, this is a noteworthy release.
8. Lindsey Stirling – “Warmer In The Winter (Deluxe Edition)”
With the deluxe edition release of her album, “Warmer in the Winter,” violinist Lindsey Stirling brings listeners another five tracks to enjoy (or seven with the Target edition of the album). The new edition has a variety of covers. Stirling began The Wanderland Tour on Nov. 23, performing through Dec. 22. If you’re looking for string music with a twist this holiday, “Warmer in the Winter” is the album to go with.
9. Various – “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Soundtrack”
Illumination Entertainment’s “The Grinch” brought a fresh take on the classic Dr. Seuss tale. Perhaps the freshest part of the adaptation is the soundtrack on which Tyler, The Creator is featured, along with Pentatonix, Run-D.M.C., Danny Elfman, and many more. This soundtrack is perfect for both Dr. Seuss and Tyler, The Creator fans alike.
10. Christmas Covered – Various (Warner Music)
The “Christmas Covered” digital compilation dropped on Nov. 23, and features a range of up-and-coming artists. At 21 tracks, this assortment of covers just may be the perfect addition to your holiday season.
