As Christmas approaches, you’re going to start getting yourself in the Christmas state of mind, so here’s some albums that are perfect for just that, including some old favorites, and maybe a few more that are ready to be added into the Christmas music rotation.
Merry Christmas by Mariah Carey
Starting off strong with an album that almost everyone knows and loves. Chances are that you’ve heard at least one of the ten songs from this album, as it includes All I Want for Christmas Is You and Christmas (Baby Please Come Home). This was Carey’s first Christmas album released on October 1998, and it’s safe to say that it got everyone holly and jolly, starting down their countdowns to Christmas.
A Charlie Brown Christmas by Vince Guaraldi
One of my personal favorites, A Charlie Brown Christmas was released periodically throughout December 1965, and it goes hand in hand with the television special, you guessed it, A Charlie Brown Christmas. This album is a peaceful listen, one I find myself falling asleep to while snow falls outside or one I can listen to while baking cookies and drinking hot chocolate. Although a majority of this album is just simply covers of popular Christmas songs over a quiet piano and a jazzy composition, this is surely a classic that will get you feeling like you’re a child during Christmastime all over again.
Home for Christmas by *NSYNC
Like many others, this was an album I grew up listening to with my parents, it’s a very enjoyable pop album. It contains three traditional Christmas songs, which were The First Noel, The Christmas Song and O Holy Night. The rest were all original, including their hit single, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays. This was only NSYNC’s second album, released in November 1998, and it was quite a success due to their growing popularity. If you’re looking for a perfect boy-band based holiday album, this one is your perfect match.
Merry Christmas Lil Mama: The Gift That Keeps On Giving by Chance the Rapper and Jeremih
This album hit fairly close to home as it’s performed by Chicago’s very own Chance the Rapper and Jeremih. Chance has overall been a big part of where I get my music taste from, and when first listening to this album back in 2020, it was really cool to hear Chance and Jeremih over a holiday beat together. This is a perfect mix of holiday cheer and a classic Chance style album, which is perfect for rap lovers that enjoy a bit of the spirit of the season.
Music Inspired by Illumination & Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch by Tyler, the Creator
Christmas wouldn’t be the same without hearing about the story of the Grinch, and even though Tyler has had some hot Christmas takes in the past, in 2018 he came together with the animated Grinch movie to create a ten minute long extended play. The reworked version of You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch was featured on this album, and it was really interesting to hear how Tyler adapted Thurl Ravenscroft’s version. This EP is a quick listen, and it’s a good one to listen to during the Christmas season.
Christmas Album – The Jackson 5
Closing with yet another classic album, The Jackson 5’s Christmas Album is a fun, high energy, lyrical listen. You can very easily catch yourself singing to the quintet’s chart topping single, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town. Released in October 1970, A personal favorite of mine off of this album is I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, since it perfectly describes the innocence of a child, specifically during Christmastime. The 5’s angelic voices blend so well together in order to create such an uplifting Christmas album that really just warms your heart as you continue to listen.
These six are just a few of my favorite albums to listen to during wintertime, and hopefully they’ll have the same effect on you as they do on me, have a Merry Chritstmas and a Happy New Year!
