Colbie Caillat released a Christmas album this year, Rod Stewart too. But what if you’re looking for something a little more classic? Here’s some collections that will find their rightful spot on your Christmas playlists for years to come.
From a holiday compilation from Kenny G to the familiar sounds of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra to Elvis Presley we’ve compiled some of the traditional sounds of the season.
Since a lot of these albums feature the same songs we’ve done the comparison shopping for you.
So who really does the best version of “The Christmas Song”?
Keep reading to find out.
This Is Christmas by Katherine Jenkins
The opera singer adds a little class to the holiday canon with her takes on “Away In A Manger” and “The Christmas Song.” She also manages a perfectly annunciated version of “Santa Baby.” Not interested in this album? Well, don’t worry Katherine has another one for you. With My Christmas, also released this year, she tackles “Ave Maria” twice and hooks up with a choir for “O Holy Night.”
The Classic Christmas Album by Luther Vandross
With his soulful take on the holidays, Luther offers some variety to the usual classic Christmas albums including “A Kiss For Christmas,” his duet with Darlene Love “I Listen To The Bells” and the new jack swing hit “The Mistletoe Jam (Everybody Kiss Somebody).”
The Classic Christmas Album by Elvis Presley
This posthumous album features 17 songs from the previous Christmas albums put out by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and later by his estate. Along with his own version of “Blue Christmas,” fans can hear him do it again with Martina McBride. Carrie Underwood also joins him for a rendition of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” But it’s his gospel versions of “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and bluesy take on “Santa Claus Is Back In Town” that will make you want to pick this one up.
The Classic Christmas Album by Kenny G
Get all five of Kenny’s Christmas albums on one classic disk. The saxophonist turns “Winter Wonderland,” “Do You Hear What I Hear?,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Christmas” into sparse classics perfect for those who don’t want a lot of clutter in their holiday music. Turn the lights down low and crank the G-man up for a very smooth jazz Christmas.
Home For Christmas by Celtic Woman
These women can sing. Keeping things sweet and angelic, the ladies turn every song from the trumpet-laden “Hark The Herald Angels Sing” to Irish folk-filled “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” into a powerful holiday anthem.
The Classic Christmas Album by Barry Manilow
Barry compiles some of the Christmas songs he recorded for his previous three albums in one collection that shows off his holiday spirit. On “Silver Bells” he becomes his own a cappella group and recruits a few back-up singers for a call and response take on “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer.” Looking to put on something that will get the party dancing? Play Barry’s big band-inspired “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm.”
Dreams of Fireflies (On A Christmas Night) by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Would it really be Christmas without the Trans-Siberian Orchestra? Their latest EP packs all the punch of their last seven studio albums tackling new songs like “Fireflies” which incorporates the classical composition “Winter” from Vivaldi. The band’s rock edge makes any holiday related activity (i.e. gift wrapping) seem like the most dramatic thing ever.
The Classic Christmas Album by John Denver
Those looking for a mellow take on the holidays can turn to John Denver. He grabs his guitar for “The Christmas Song” and goes downhome for “Please, Daddy (Don’t Get Drunk This Christmas).” With John, the songs go down easy like a nice, warm cup of cocoa. Though, we do have one bone to pick, where are the Muppets?
A Charlie Brown ChristmasIt’s been remastered and expanded, but do you really need another reason to pick this classic up? We didn’t think so.
- Shannon Carlin, CBS Local
