12 days of Christmas: 5 new holiday albums
Every December, the world is treated with a gift from the music industry: a new set of Christmas tunes from artists of all genres. 2018 has been no different, with many well-known (and not-so-well-known) artists releasing their takes on the classic holiday album.
With so many options, what should you listen to this season? Here are five albums that will satisfy whatever musical cravings you have this December.
When you are ready for some Christmas bangers
“Christmas Party” by RuPaul
Unless you have been following RuPaul for a while, you may not realize that this year’s “Christmas Party” is his third Christmas album and 12th studio album. “Christmas Party” features remixes of previously released songs, as well as some new tracks.
With jams like “Hey Sis, It’s Christmas” and “Christmas Cookies 2.0,” there will not be a dull moment in your holiday season with this album. So, if you’re the type of person who wants to hit the clubs with your fellow queens, just turn this on and you’ll be yelling “YASSSS!” for the rest of the night.
When you’re feeling nostalgic, and not sure if you’re happy or sad about that
“Songs for the Season” by Ingrid Michaelson
Maybe you’re reminiscing on simpler Christmases gone by, or maybe you just need some mellow sounds to chill after braving the crowds to buy that last overpriced toy (without which you’d definitely ruin your nephew’s Christmas). Whatever the reason, Ingrid’s got you covered with this album full of all sorts of emotions.
These songs will have you reliving the good old days when all you had to worry about was what you would play at recess that day. Michaelson’s album consists of classics like “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “White Christmas,” as well as two original songs. One of the songs that will have you feeling all the feels is a very mellow take on “All I Want for Christmas Is You” with Leslie Odom Jr. Whatever holiday emotions you’re feeling, flip on this album and enjoy.
When you want to fall in love with your junior high crush again
“Winter in the Air” by David Archuleta
To the joy of hundreds of women throughout Utah, David Archuleta has released a second Christmas album this year, complete with a tour that stopped in Logan. The former “American Idol” contestant is back again with smooth vocals that are sure to please his fans.
This album features a good mix of both secular and religious Christmas songs for anyone looking for a solid album this December. The leading single, “Christmas Every Day,” has a catchy beat and fun lyrics that will fill you with pop-forward holiday cheer.
When you’re hanging with the homies for the holidays
“Music Inspired by Illumination & Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch” by Tyler, The Creator
You’ll get more of Tyler’s unique musical style in this EP with songs like an R&B-influenced “HotChocolate” or an instrumental track, “Cindy Lou’s Wish.” Meanwhile, “Big Bag” features a rap written from the Grinch’s point of view. As one of the more unique albums I’ve encountered, this one’s for those who want something fresh in their holiday music selection this year.When I say there’s a Christmas album for any situation, I mean it. This year’s animated revamp of Dr Seuss’ “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” features two songs by Tyler, The Creator. The rapper and member of Odd Future apparently decided that two Christmas songs was not enough, as he later announced an EP based on the six-decade-old story.
When you just want to swing dance that awkward office party away
“A Legendary Christmas” by John Legend
Feeling ready to jazz up your Christmas Eve? Throw “A Legendary Christmas” on your Spotify playlist and dance along to John Legend’s velvety voice. This album came out just after Legend became the sixteenth person to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award, and his talent shows in this album with six original songs.
One of the best singles on the album is “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” with Esperanza Spalding. The duo performs some vocal magic on this jazzy classic. From an upbeat, soul-driven “Silver Bells” to a mellow original song called “By Christmas Eve,” you are sure to find a song that you can dance to.
Whatever you choose to listen to this season, we hope you feel the magic that comes around this time of year. You can find a compilation of some of my favorite songs from these albums, as well as a few others that came out this year, on the following Spotify playlist: https://spoti.fi/2E0BudE
Happy listening and happy holidays!
—alek.nelson@aggiemail.usu.edu
@nelsonalek