2 MORE SLEEPS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!
Discover my top 10 albums of 2020 here
Discover my top 10 albums of 2019 here
This is the 9th year that I have spent 60 days (since October 26th) scouring the furthest reaches of the North Pole for brand new Christmas songs, EPs and albums to comment on, luxuriate in and share with fellow Santa-philes like myself. The Covid Christmas of 2020 saw a mammoth influx of new festive music - so much so that I was often doing 2 or 3 reviews a day. This year seems to be back to normal in terms of output - but one thing that struck me was the diversity of albums on offer. All different facets of musical genres were explored, all with the goal of bringing some holiday cheer. All I featured on this site are marvellous, but here are some of my favourites...
Counting down 10-2 (in alphabetical order because it is just too hard to whittle down):
Todd's lovely holiday opus shone a new light into the oft forgotten crevices of Christmas, seeking out meaning that has been lost and sharing his emotions for the world to hear. The real gift of this collection of carefully curated classics and new future favourite oldies was that, through his voice and the folk-pop arrangements, Todd doesn't tell you how to feel - he lets you live each sentiment alongside him.
Best song? The lovely sing-along vibes of Welcome Home...
Kristin's always had a wonderfully expressive voice and here she really immersed herself in the narratives of the songs, going from reverent to whimsical, playful to seductive, sometimes at the drop of a hat (or key change). It made for a charming collection of old favourites bought to life in sparkling new ways. Call it A Very Schmigadoon Christmas...
Best song? Soaring A/C ballad, The Stories That You Told...
A couple of years ago, we all basked in the glory of his first Christmas album, Glow. Brett returned with a second set of seasonal songs - and Mr Christmas brought a delightful old school yule vibe. From the nostalgia of the charming cover art to the influences of Brett's favourite music in the arrangements, this was an instantly timeless treat that will make you feel glad tidings of great joy.
Best song? The feel good aura of Feels Like Christmas...
This was Ms Jones first seasonal set of songs (and hopefully not her last); a set where she added her own original compositions to some carefully selected standards. Jazzy arrangements bring to life an array of emotions that reflected that while we live in complicated, unsettled times, there is still a sense of child like wonder to be found in the most wonderful time of the year.
Best song? The intimate warmth of Christmas Calling (Jolly Jones)...
It is always a treat to have a new Christmas album that provides a different take on the season - so much better when it is New Found Glory celebrating the holidays their way with 11 original compositions. December's Here sees the group deliver their much-loved sound with a little festive sparkle whilst crafting lyrics that cover every facet of the holidays...
Best song? The wistful balladry of For Christmas Sake...
So thrilling to get a Yuletide album from an actual musical theatre icon like Mr Owen-Jones. It should really come as no surprise that the voice of iconic characters like Jean Valjean and Phantom can make the songs of Santa's spotify playlist sound so beautifully vintage whilst breathing something new into them. He's definitely going on the nice list this year...
Best song? His delightful duet with Kerry Ellis on That Holiday Feeling...
I'm sure one of the Annies said they would never do a Christmas album and yet here we are! Lucky us for the change of heart because Hell Of A Holiday contained wry humour, pithy observations and their knack for blending eclectic elements of country music into their own melodic style. They seemed to be having a rollicking time with it - and so did we.
Best song? The sparkling single, Snow Globe...
This was the album that introduced me to Amanda Shires, so eternally grateful for that. For those that know Amanda she clearly needs no introduction - for Brits like me, she is a successful singer/songwriter with a wealth of nominations, awards and a Grammy under her belt. For Christmas was her first holiday collection and a right bobby dazzler it is too...
Best song? The power balladry of Wish For You...
Another artist I discovered via the magic of Christmas music! Everything Is Christmas revealed Julia's love for the most wonderful time of the year and balanced it with the more poignant and sorrowful memories we may associate with each and every December. It was beautifully done and an album that will no doubt stand the test of time...
Best song? The poignantly hopeful Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas...
Favourite album(s) of the year:
Of course I can't pick just one - and honestly every album on this list is a favourite; I've written about them as lovingly as I could, espoused their virtues as loudly as I could and played them over and over again. These three, however, I just related to a tiny bit more...
I've been waiting for Darren to share his festive wisdom with us ever since the days he played Blaine in Glee. He delivered musical gifts galore - the album's punny title and fabulously fun cover art was just the icing on this very delicious mellifluous cake. He captured the very essence of Christmas and became a natural narrator of its many stories. Utterly exquisite.
Best songs? Home Alone's Somewhere In My Memory & his frolic with Adam Lambert on The Man With The Bag...
I discovered Ms Reeves album late in the season, but a holiday album is for life - not just the year you find it. More The Merrier swathed Sarah's engaging voice in charming arrangements that added nuance to the melodic stories she was sharing. She balanced a sense of fun with a solemn reverence for the season that made the music shine like the brightest lights on the tree...
Best songs? That gorgeous title track as well as the wonderfully hopeful and romantic ode, Sentimental...
If I had to pick an absolute favourite, it would be this one. Ms Stevens crafted 8 original songs that showcased her canny insight into a whole spectrum of human emotions. She also breathed new life into three Christmas classics and let her soulful pop voice send the music past seventh heaven to cloud nine. It was and is a journey that should be savoured each and every year...
Best songs? The playfulness of That Old Red Sleigh alongside the graceful elegance of Christmas In My Heart...
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