The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the opportunity to indulge in some festive music. Two of the most iconic figures in music history, Elton John and Elvis Presley, have both released Christmas albums that have become staples of the season. But which one reigns supreme? In this article, we'll delve into the world of Christmas music and pit Elton John's "Elton John's Christmas Party" against Elvis Presley's "Elvis' Christmas Album" to see which one comes out on top.
Elton John's "Elton John's Christmas Party" was released in 2005 and features a mix of classic Christmas tunes and original compositions. The album is a masterclass in Elton's ability to craft catchy, upbeat songs that are perfect for getting you in the holiday spirit. With guest appearances by artists like Joss Stone and Billy Idol, this album is a fun and eclectic take on the traditional Christmas album.
On the other hand, Elvis Presley's "Elvis' Christmas Album" was released in 1957 and is a more traditional take on Christmas music. The album features Elvis's iconic voice belting out classics like "Santa Claus Is Back in Town" and "Blue Christmas." This album is a must-listen for any Elvis fan and is a great example of the King's ability to make any song his own.
Tracklisting and Originality
One of the main differences between the two albums is the tracklisting. Elton John's album features a mix of original songs and classic Christmas tunes, while Elvis's album is more focused on traditional Christmas songs. Elton's album features original tracks like "Cold Highway" and "In the Morning," which add a unique touch to the album.
On the other hand, Elvis's album features a more traditional tracklisting, with songs like "White Christmas" and "Silent Night." While these songs are certainly classics, they don't offer much in terms of originality.
Production Quality
Both albums have high production quality, but in different ways. Elton John's album features a more modern production style, with lush instrumentation and guest appearances by other artists. This gives the album a more contemporary feel that will appeal to fans of modern music.
Elvis's album, on the other hand, features a more stripped-down production style that highlights the King's voice. The album's simple instrumentation and focus on Elvis's vocals make it feel more intimate and personal.
Guest Appearances
One of the standout features of Elton John's album is the guest appearances by other artists. The album features appearances by Joss Stone, Billy Idol, and Bryan Adams, among others. These appearances add a fun and eclectic touch to the album and make it feel more like a party.
Elvis's album, on the other hand, does not feature any guest appearances. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as Elvis's voice is certainly enough to carry the album. However, the lack of guest appearances does make the album feel a bit more one-dimensional.
Commercial Success
Both albums have been commercially successful, but in different ways. Elton John's album peaked at number 8 on the US Billboard 200 chart and was certified gold by the RIAA. Elvis's album, on the other hand, was a huge commercial success, peaking at number 1 on the US Billboard 200 chart and being certified 13x platinum by the RIAA.
Cultural Impact
Both albums have had a significant cultural impact, but in different ways. Elton John's album has been praised for its fun and eclectic take on traditional Christmas music. The album's mix of original songs and classic Christmas tunes has made it a staple of holiday playlists around the world.
Elvis's album, on the other hand, has had a more profound cultural impact. The album's traditional take on Christmas music has made it a beloved classic around the world. The album's success can be seen in the many Christmas albums that have followed in its footsteps, featuring traditional Christmas songs and a focus on the artist's voice.
Legacy
Both albums have left a lasting legacy in the world of Christmas music. Elton John's album has been praised for its originality and fun take on traditional Christmas music. The album's mix of original songs and classic Christmas tunes has made it a staple of holiday playlists around the world.
Elvis's album, on the other hand, has had a more profound legacy. The album's traditional take on Christmas music has made it a beloved classic around the world. The album's success can be seen in the many Christmas albums that have followed in its footsteps, featuring traditional Christmas songs and a focus on the artist's voice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Elton John's "Elton John's Christmas Party" and Elvis Presley's "Elvis' Christmas Album" are great Christmas albums in their own right. However, if I had to choose, I would say that Elvis's album is the better of the two. The album's traditional take on Christmas music, combined with the King's iconic voice, make it a must-listen for any fan of Christmas music.
That being said, Elton John's album is still a great choice for anyone looking for a fun and eclectic take on traditional Christmas music. The album's mix of original songs and classic Christmas tunes, combined with guest appearances by other artists, make it a great addition to any holiday playlist.
Ultimately, the choice between these two albums comes down to personal preference. If you're looking for a traditional take on Christmas music, Elvis's album is the way to go. But if you're looking for something a bit more modern and eclectic, Elton John's album is the better choice.
What is the difference between Elton John's and Elvis Presley's Christmas albums?
+Elton John's Christmas album, "Elton John's Christmas Party," features a mix of original songs and classic Christmas tunes, while Elvis Presley's Christmas album, "Elvis' Christmas Album," features a more traditional take on Christmas music.
Which Christmas album is more commercially successful?
+Elvis Presley's Christmas album, "Elvis' Christmas Album," is more commercially successful, peaking at number 1 on the US Billboard 200 chart and being certified 13x platinum by the RIAA.
What is the cultural impact of Elton John's and Elvis Presley's Christmas albums?
+Both albums have had a significant cultural impact, but in different ways. Elton John's album has been praised for its fun and eclectic take on traditional Christmas music, while Elvis's album has had a more profound cultural impact, influencing many Christmas albums that have followed in its footsteps.