Thanksgiving is over and the Christmas season is upon us. What better way to start off the season than by grabbing some of the season’s latest holiday albums? Whether you are into smooth jazz or R&B, this season’s holiday selection has a bit of everything for everyone. Here are a few of my personal season favorites this year.
- Kelly – 12 Nights of Christmas
R&B singer and songwriter R. Kelly has been around for what seems like a musical lifetime. Giving us hits like “I Believe I Can Fly” and the entire Trapped in the Closet musical series, this man has been making his mark on the industry for years. Making a strong comeback this season with his new holiday album “12 Nights of Christmas,” R. Kelly is sure to become a household name this month. My personal favorites on this album are “My Wish for Christmas” and “Home for Christmas.” With emotional lyrics and soothing instrumental melodies, this Christmas with R. Kelly will be sure to bring that special someone closer to you.
Andra Day – Merry Christmas from Andra Day
New and upcoming R&B singer Andra Day has sure made her musical mark this year. With hits like “Rise Up” and “City Burns,” Day has made it clear that her musical journey has just begun and she’s going to be around for a long time. What better way to wrap up a year of success than by giving the fans a holiday album for this year’s holiday season? Her new album Merry Christmas from Andra Day has been climbing the holiday charts since it dropped on October 28th. The artist Ella Fitzgerald and Amy Winehouse sound has made this album one to listen to. With guest appearance from Stevie Wonder on “Someday at Christmas” and her smooth version of “Winter Wonderland,” Day’s Christmas EP is a must for the season.
Kacey Musgraves – A Very Kacey Christmas
So maybe R&B isn’t your cup of tea, no worries there is a bit of everything this season. New country artist Kacey Musgraves has given us a new and improved spin on some holiday classics. Though I personally am not the biggest country fan, Musgraves take on some of my holiday favorites has made me appreciate not only the artist but the genre as well. This album features some Christmas classics like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Let it Snow” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” She even has special guest singers such as Willie Nelson and the Quebe Sisters. Kacey Musgraves sure has me on my saddle with her country twist on some Christmas favorites.
She & Him – Christmas Party
Not a fan of Country? Well She & Him got you alternative music listeners covered this year. Their holiday album “Christmas Party” gives a new and interesting upbeat change on some Christmas songs. I was very intrigued by the tone of Zooey Deschanel when I heard her sing in the classic Christmas film Elf, and when I heard her version of “All I Want for Christmas” (a Mariah Carey original), I was hooked! So if you are looking to start the party with a bit of a surprise this season, grab “Christmas Party” by She & Him.
Pentatonix – A Pentatonix Christmas
Pentatonix has been making their mark since winning the acapella singing contest, the Sing-Off. Since their win, they have been the first acapella group to hit numerous number one hits and have even gone platinum on their albums. Giving us Christmas albums three years in a row is a Christmas gift from the lovely voices of the group. PTXmas, That’s Christmas to Me and now A Pentatonix Christmas, this acapella group is sure to get the family in the holiday spirit! The album is filled with Christmas originals and Christmas favorites. I recommend listening to “Coldest Winter” and “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.” Pentatonix is definitely going to make the holiday season.
R&B, Country, Alternative, and Acapella? This Christmas is definitely one that our ears won’t be able to forget! So grab your favorite blanket, a nice hot cup of cocoa and your headphones because this holiday season.
Nick Hancock 
Steve Anderson 
Grace Chaves