The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the spirit than with some festive tunes? Christmas CDs have been a staple of holiday traditions for decades, offering a way to enjoy your favorite carols and songs in the comfort of your own home. With so many great options available, it can be hard to choose the best Christmas CDs for a joyful holiday season. In this article, we'll explore some of the most popular and enduring Christmas CDs that are sure to bring cheer to your holiday celebrations.
Classic Christmas CDs
When it comes to Christmas music, some things never go out of style. Classic Christmas CDs from legendary artists like Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald are still widely popular today. These timeless recordings offer a nostalgic and sentimental take on the holiday season, with songs that have become ingrained in our culture.
- Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" (1942) - A holiday classic that features Crosby's smooth vocals on songs like "White Christmas" and "Silent Night."
- Frank Sinatra's "A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra" (1957) - Ol' Blue Eyes brings his signature style to holiday favorites like "Jingle Bells" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."
- Ella Fitzgerald's "Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas" (1960) - The First Lady of Song swings into the holiday season with her unique take on classics like "Sleigh Ride" and "The Christmas Song."
Modern Twists on Holiday Classics
In recent years, many artists have put their own spin on traditional Christmas songs. These modern twists offer a fresh take on holiday classics, making them perfect for those looking for something new and exciting.
- Michael Bublé's "Christmas" (2011) - The Canadian crooner brings his smooth vocals to holiday favorites like "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" and "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town."
- Mariah Carey's "Merry Christmas" (1994) - The diva's holiday album features her hit single "All I Want for Christmas Is You," as well as other modern classics like "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas."
- Pentatonix's "That's Christmas to Me" (2014) - The a cappella group brings their unique sound to holiday favorites like "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and "Santa Tell Me."
Country Christmas CDs
Country music has a long tradition of Christmas albums, with many artists releasing holiday CDs that showcase their unique take on the season. From classic country stars to modern artists, there's something for everyone in the world of country Christmas music.
- Dolly Parton's "Home for Christmas" (1990) - The Queen of Country brings her signature style to holiday favorites like "Winter Wonderland" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas."
- Garth Brooks' "Christmas Together" (2016) - The country superstar teams up with his wife Trisha Yearwood for a holiday album that features duets on songs like "Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas."
- Kacey Musgraves' "A Very Kacey Christmas" (2016) - The country-pop star brings her unique take on holiday classics like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas."
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
For those who prefer a more rockin' holiday soundtrack, there are plenty of Christmas CDs to choose from. From classic rock bands to modern artists, these albums offer a high-energy take on the holiday season.
- Bruce Springsteen's "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" (1981) - The Boss brings his signature style to this holiday classic, with a live recording that's sure to get you moving.
- The Pretenders' "2000 Miles" (1983) - Chrissie Hynde's distinctive vocals bring a moody take to this holiday song, which has become a classic of the genre.
- Glee's "Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album" (2010) - The cast of the popular TV show brings their unique take on holiday classics like "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Last Christmas."
Instrumental Christmas CDs
For those who prefer a more subdued holiday soundtrack, instrumental Christmas CDs are a great option. From classical orchestras to jazz ensembles, these albums offer a soothing take on the holiday season.
- Mannheim Steamroller's "A Fresh Aire Christmas" (1988) - The classical new-age group brings their signature sound to holiday favorites like "Deck the Halls" and "Silent Night."
- Kenny G's "Miracles: The Holiday Album" (1994) - The smooth jazz saxophonist brings his unique take to holiday classics like "Winter Wonderland" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra's "Christmas Eve and Other Stories" (1996) - The rock orchestra brings their unique sound to holiday favorites like "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24" and "The First Noel."
International Christmas CDs
For a truly global holiday soundtrack, consider checking out Christmas CDs from around the world. From traditional folk music to modern pop, these albums offer a unique take on the holiday season.
- Celia Cruz's "Navidad con Celia" (1961) - The Queen of Salsa brings her signature style to traditional Cuban holiday songs like "Alegre Navidad" and "Mi Burrito Sabanero."
- ABBA's "ABBA: The Album" (1977) - The Swedish pop group brings their unique take to holiday classics like "Thank You for the Music" and "I Have a Dream."
- Céline Dion's "Chants et Contes de Noël" (1981) - The Canadian pop star brings her signature vocals to traditional French-Canadian holiday songs like "Minuit, chrétiens" and "Les Anges dans Nos Campagnes."
As you can see, there are many great Christmas CDs to choose from, each offering a unique take on the holiday season. Whether you prefer classic crooners, modern pop stars, or instrumental ensembles, there's something for everyone. So why not start building your holiday music collection today?
What are some classic Christmas CDs that are still popular today?
+Some classic Christmas CDs that are still popular today include Bing Crosby's "White Christmas," Frank Sinatra's "A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra," and Ella Fitzgerald's "Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas."
What are some modern Christmas CDs that offer a fresh take on holiday classics?
+Some modern Christmas CDs that offer a fresh take on holiday classics include Michael Bublé's "Christmas," Mariah Carey's "Merry Christmas," and Pentatonix's "That's Christmas to Me."
What are some country Christmas CDs that showcase a unique take on the holiday season?
+Some country Christmas CDs that showcase a unique take on the holiday season include Dolly Parton's "Home for Christmas," Garth Brooks' "Christmas Together," and Kacey Musgraves' "A Very Kacey Christmas."