If you are anything like me, you are listening to Christmas music the first day that it is socially acceptable (November 1st baby!). Christmas music for me is that shot of nostalgia that I need to get me through the holiday season. So, I have listed my favorite albums that will hopefully get you into the Christmas spirit as well!
9. Penatonix– That’s Christmas to Me
Penatonix is an a capella group that brings a whole new style of singing to the Christmas music genre. Relying entirely on their own voices, they beat box and harmonize their way through classics like, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” and nail it completely.
8. She & Him– A Very She & Him Christmas
Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward are one of my favorite singing duos of all time. Each of them unique in their own way, they blend beautifully in this Christmas album. I am especially a fan of the role reversal in the classic “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.” The album is playful and classic at the same time.
7. Mariah Carey– Merry Christmas
How could I not include Mariah Carey on this list? A great album with every holiday classic you want, as well as the instant classic that she co-wrote, “All I Want For Christmas is You.” This album never fails to get me into the holiday mood.
6. Elf -Music From the Major Motion Picture
Now I know this album has a variety of artists on it, but I had to include it because it’s one of those compilation albums that I go back to every year. I loved the movie, and I feel no differently about the album, especially Zooey Deschanel’s other duet with Leon Redbone singing “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.”
5. Beach Boys– The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album
Not usually the first band you think of when you think of Christmas, but they did it and they did it well. Their unique sound paired with my favorite holiday songs is the perfect combination.
4. Vince Guarldi Trio– A Charlie Brown Christmas
Talk about nostalgia, this album never fails to bring me back to my childhood and watching the memorable special on TV. It’s sweet and calm and I just love it. You know it’s Christmas time when you listen to this.
3. Michael Bublé– Christmas
I’m sorry, but Michael Bublé’s voice was made for Christmas music. There aren’t any new Christmas songs, but Bublé manages to put a new spin on each one making the whole album a great listen.
2 & 1. Ella Fitzgerald– Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas
Frank Sinatra– A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra
Ok here’s the thing, I simply cannot choose which of these two albums is number one. To put it simply: Sinatra and Fitzgerald are legends and both of these albums are amazing in their own way. They’re as classic as it gets, which is why in my book they tie for number one.
Where the Music Plays 