Mixtape: Festive holiday albums
Posted on December 22, 2015 at 6:00 am
By Clarissa Fidler
Music is an essential part of the holidays for me. The day after Thanksgiving, my family typically switches over to all Christmas music, all the time. And with Christmas only a few days away, you better believe that I have Michael Bublé’s Christmas album merrily blasting away in my car. With so many good Christmas albums to choose from, I’m tempted to buy more every year; but, thanks to the library, I don’t have to give into my temptation.
One of my favorite things about having a library card is being able to access hoopla for free. It’s become my go-to source for finding music to stream from my iPhone. To make your spirits brighter this holiday season, I recommend checking out hoopla’s extensive collection of festive holiday albums. We also have a great collection of holiday CDs that you can check out at any of our 10 libraries.
Here are some of my favorite albums (all available on hoopla) to get you rockin’ around that Christmas tree:
Various Artists – Ellen’s The Only Holiday Album You’ll Ever Need, Vol. 1
From Coldplay and Jackson 5 to Lady Gaga and Lady Antebellum, this fantastic collection of holiday tunes certainly lives up to its name. I mean, how could you go wrong following Ellen’s example when selecting your Christmas music? Whether you’re hosting a festive party or baking cookies with friends, this album is sure to invoke the holiday spirit you desire.
Straight No Chaser – Christmas Cheers (Deluxe)
Are you a lover of Pitch Perfect? Then you don’t want to miss the album Christmas Cheers by Straight No Chaser, one of the top-selling a capella groups in nation. The album’s first track, “The Christmas Can-Can” pokes fun at the madness of the holidays with it’s clever, original lyrics. Other fun tracks include “Who Spiked The Eggnog?” and “Donde Esta Santa Claus”.
Bing Crosby – A Bing Crosby Christmas
On A Bing Crosby Christmas, you’ll find 32 classic songs including “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”, “A Marshmallow World”, and “Here Comes Santa Claus”. For me, it isn’t really Christmas until I listen to Bing sing “White Christmas” and watch his memorable performances in both Holiday Inn and White Christmas. When it comes to the holidays, you can never go wrong with Bing Crosby.
Seth MacFarlane – Holiday for Swing!
I confess that until recently, I had no idea Seth MacFarlane could sing or that he’d released a Christmas album. Step aside Mr. Buble! MacFarlane’s smooth voice is reminiscent of his idol Frank Sinatra and conjures up the magic of The Rat Pack’s easy sound. With it’s jazzy, crisp takes on holiday classics, Holiday for Swing! is the perfect edition to your Christmas music collection.
Vince Gill – Let There Be Peace On Earth
“Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.” Given the recent tragic events around the world, these words ring more true than ever. Country Legend Vince Gill lends his calm tenor voice perfectly to his album’s title track. Other contemplative recordings include “What Child Is This?” and “It Won’t Be The Same This Year”.
Amy Grant – Home for Christmas
You can’t listen to the radio during the holidays without hearing Christian pop singer Amy Grant’s versions of “It’s Most Wonderful Time of the Year“ or “Grown-Up Christmas List”. On Home for Christmas, her charming voice lends an air of sophistication to holiday favorites and spiritual songs like “Breath Of Heaven (Mary’s Song)” and “Emmanuel, God With Us”.
Mary J Blige – A Mary Christmas
If you’re looking for a more soulful Christmas album, Mary J Blige’s A Mary Christmas certainly fits the bill. I love her solemn rendition of “Mary, Did You Know” and her festive version of “This Christmas”. Add some soul to your holiday this year!
Other holiday albums that deserve a listen:
Various Artists – Elf: Music from the Motion Picture
Carpenters – Christmas Portrait (Special Edition)
The Rat Pack – Christmas With The Rat Pack
Nashville Cast – Christmas with Nashville
Nat King Cole – The Christmas Song
And don’t forget, you can also download holiday movies, like the 1941 classic Holiday Inn and the animated family-favorite The Snowman, from hoopla.
