I’ll admit that, although Christmas is not my favorite holiday, I do love Christmas music. And, yes, I’ve even played it in (gasp!) November! Before Thanksgiving! I only do it because my Christmas music is awesome. Here are the five best Christmas albums you must buy right now.
- Boogie Woogie Christmas
by Brian Setzer. Every time I play this CD I have to dance. If you’re folding laundry, making dinner, or waiting in the car line, this is the CD you want to have playing. I love his version of The Nutcracker Suite. His duet Ann Margaret is about the only way I’ll listen to Baby It’s Cold Outside. He finishes up with The Amens and I love it. - Dig That Crazy Christmas
by Brian Setzer. Yes. I like Rockabilly. How can you not? Wait. Don’t answer that. It will only break my heart. Setzer’s version of Angels We Have Heard On High is just right, I think. He also has the best voice for You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch. - Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas
by Ella Fitzgerald. I only wish I’d found this years ago instead of just three weeks ago. This album is perfect as background music to anything you’re doing. - When My Heart Finds Christmas
by Harry Connick, Jr. Yep, it’s the oldest of the Harry Christmas CDs, but still his finest. The others try too hard, but this one is just right. We listen to it every year as we trim the tree (er, watch the kids trim the tree). - A Christmas Together
by John Denver & The Muppets. How can you not laugh at Miss Piggy and Gonzo debating Piggy/Figgy pudding? "It’s made of figs! (and bacon.)" And Beaker singing his part in The 12 Days of Christmas? It could make the baby Jesus weep.
Whatever you do, stay far, far, FAR away from Aretha’s new Christmas album. Terrible. I’ve tried several times to enjoy it and I just don’t. She pulls out every gimmick in the book (answering the phone and pretending to have a conversation, having her son sing, changing the words to traditional songs to reflect herself as a hot mama) and I just couldn’t take it.
What are your favorite Christmas albums?
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
SIng Along with Mitch Miller.
The one and only reason we keep a turntable ready to go in this house.
Oh yeah.
Bring it on!
This is so easy: Ray Coniff’s We Wish You a Merry Christmas. I don’t have to ponder the answer.
It was the Christmas soundtrack of my childhood and usually it was the first record my mom would put on after Thanksgiving. I bought the CD at Amazon a few years ago and wept with happiness the first time I put it on. Now my kids love it, too.
I also like Sufjan Steven’s Songs for Christmas. Very, very quirky and probably not for everyone, but there are some truly lovely, gorgeous songs on it. And some are just plain “huh?”
Bing Crosby’s White Christmas. A true classic.
Amy Grant’s Christmas one. The first one I think. (Home for Christmas maybe?) It’s really good.
We have the Muppets and I agree. It’s pretty funny.
Weirdo here. Tchaikovsky Nutcracker. Hey, but I like Harry Connick also!
I wholeheartedly agree with Ella and Harry. Best. Ever.
I only have Harry’s! (I’ve seen him in concert by the way and I love him so much!!) but my all time fave is Sufjan’s Songs For Christmas!
Steph
The Roger Whittaker Christmas Album. It’s not Christmas until I listen to Darcy the Dragon.
My favorite Christmas album of all time is Toby Keith “Christmas to Christmas.” Just the right amount of sappy and kitch. My favorite Christmas song is “The Christmas Song” By the Waitresses. It totally reminds me of my best friend from Jr. High, and I cry the first time I hear it every year.
I started out my morning listening to John Denver & The Muppets sing on “A Christmas Together!” I just love it. So glad to know there’s another adult who isn’t afraid to admit how delightful their CD is!
I lurve Setzer’s Boogie Woogie Christmas too!
I play it in my classroom for my kiddos when they are working. They work harder, longer and better with music on! Go figure.
Great list! I love Setzer’s albums, and his holiday ones always put me in the spirit!
I have one to add though…The Christmas Album by David Foster. It’s a compilation album, and I don’t usually like those. This one is fantastic though. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy!
I am SCANDALIZED that no one has mentioned Christmas with the Chipmunks. Seriously. It’s got hula-hoops. What more do you want?
Also, Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Their version of Carol of the Bells will knock your angel hair off. They call it “Christmas eve Sarajevo”. I had to buy three of their CDs before I figured that out. You’re welcome.
Our household favorite is New Wave Xmas featuring XTC, Squeeze, They Might Be Giants, etc.
But I definitely second the Sufjan Stevens album.
I just posted all the music I have. I love Christmas music! I’ll keep Brian Setzer and Ella in mind. It’s not Christmas without Nat King Cole!
I’ve heard Brian Setzer is great – must give it a listen.