Best of New Holiday Music
Forget the tired, old classics by Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. Santa’s got a shiny new playlist for rocking around the Christmas tree.
Christmas – Michael Bublé
Care to share the holidays with Michael Bublé? The Canadian crooner’s celebrating the birth of his new album. Featuring original songs and traditional favourites, “Christmas” arrives with Bublé’s signature suave style. And jolly ol’ Michael is lurking under the mistletoe, sharing the seasonal vibe with some famous friends, too. Shania Twain and the Puppini Sisters lend their vocals to an album that’s destined to become a holiday must-have.
A Very She and Him Christmas – She & Him
When she’s not starring on TV or in Hollywood blockbusters like 500 Days of Summer, Zooey Deschanel is busy getting her musical groove on. Her band, She & Him, are gift-wrapping their own unique brand of festive cheer this year. Low-key and fresh, this new musical collection will put the happy back into your holidays. Listen out for “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” the track Zooey nailed in Elf.
A Christmas Cornucopia – Annie Lennox
Is there anything Annie Lennox can’t do? Eurythmics vocalist, Oscar® winner, solo artist, and now holiday chanteuse. Annie’s song selection sets her apart from the usual December fare. Popular tunes such as “Silent Night” mix perfectly with less-familiar tracks such as “In the Bleak Midwinter” and “See Amid the Winter’s Snow.” Pour yourself some eggnog, toss another log on the fire, and cozy up to this enchanting treasury of tunes.
Christmas Thanks for Nothing – Slow Club
Bah, humbug! If you’re tired of decking the halls and elbowing your way through holiday shoppers, sit back and lose yourself in this playlist. It’s a collection of only five songs but they pack plenty of seasonal bite. Think of it as an appetizer of tunes for when you’re feeling more naughty than nice. Indulge your inner Scrooge with “It’s Christmas and You’re Boring Me” and “All Alone at Christmas.”
Wintersong – Sarah McLachlan
Not everyone finds the holidays a time of abundant cheer. Sarah’s understated seasonal suite will offer comfort. Beautifully performed, this album is the perfect antidote to the sickly sweet tunes found elsewhere. Her pretty rendition of “Christmas Time is Here”—the song made famous by the Charlie Brown Christmas Special—features fellow Canadian Diana Krall.
A Glimpse of Stocking – Saint Etienne
Cheeky and addictive, this original holiday album from last winter is the musical equivalent of candy canes and tinsel. It’s over-the-top festive fun. Retro-pop, acid house thumpers, and soulful ballads all get the Saint Etienne treatment. Feeling Grinchy? Let the London band shoo away your seasonal case of the grumps. “No Cure for the Common Christmas,” “Gonna Have a Party,” and “Unwrap Me” will make your spirit bright.
Christmas with the Puppini Sisters – The Puppini Sisters
If you enjoy the jazzy harmonies that the Puppini Sisters bring to Michael Bublé’s album, check out their own aural glad tidings. Released in 2010, this energetic trio brings a nostalgic feel to the holiday table. It’s the perfect soundtrack for an old-school cocktail party. Suddenly you’ll be craving vintage nibbles: Chex Mix, devilled eggs, Ritz crackers, and the ubiquitous cheese ball. Add a few martinis and you’ll be all set.
Christmas Special – The Boy Least Likely To
The holidays are jolly, annoying, hilarious, and heartbreaking—this album understands this rollercoaster month better than most. Twinkly and twee, The Boy Least Likely To has a love/hate relationship with the gingerbread season. Songs like “Jingle My Bells” and “Blue Spruce Needles” tell the tale in all its messy glory. Best of all, the UK duo have crafted a Christmas cracker of a tune called “George and Andrew” about—you guessed it!—the singers of seasonal fave, “Last Christmas” by Wham!
Under the Mistletoe – Justin Bieber
Over-achiever Justin Bieber jumps on the holiday album bandwagon and he’s inviting some famous elves along for the ride. Usher, Busta Rhymes, Boyz II Men, and the Band Perry are helping the Biebs serve up some Yuletide treats. Justin’s stocking is full of original tracks and sing-a-long classics, including a duet with the diva of Festivus herself, Mariah Carey. Together they perform her worldwide hit, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
Written by: Jackie Middleton
For more, please check out Jackie’s blog at http://www.losethatgirl.com.