So we're nearly at the end of 2020 and wow it's been a long year, hasn't it? With the lockdowns and being in Tier 3 for what feels like forever, it's been a hard end to the year. But in between my Christmas bakes and non-stop reading, I've been listening to a lot of Christmas music and I decided to write a post on some of my favourite festive albums. I've tried to choose a range of different musical styles because I always love finding interesting versions of the old classics. If you're looking for something classic or a bit different to play on the big day then look no further!
Michael Buble - Christmas
Of course, my Christmas playlist has to start with Mr Buble. We've all seen the meme that has Michael emerging from a cave now that's it's Christmas. It's hilarious, especially considering he only has one Christmas album, but I guess that just shows how successful it is - actually, I'm pretty sure it's is his most successful album ever and that's not hard to believe. Not only is Buble an amazing vocalist, the songs on this album feel so laid back and suave, I feel like I need to be relaxing in a bubbly bath with a glass of prosecco on hand to get the full effect. All the classics are on here, and I know it's not a proper Christmas without some crooning, a big band orchestra, and Buble finger-clicking by a festive fireplace.
Favourite Track - It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas
Hans Zimmer - The Holiday (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
I thought I'd include a film soundtrack on this list because we all love a good Christmas movie, and I recently rewatched The Holiday with my mum. It took me back to when I saw Hans Zimmer's orchestra play this track live in concert in 2018 (I hate you Covid). Hans Zimmer is one of the best film composers of the 21st Century and The Holiday soundtrack is honestly one of the most beautiful pieces of music I've ever heard. The film stars Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, and Jack Black but honestly, when I watched the movie again I spent most of it getting distracted by the soundtrack. Well, that and Jude Law looking all young and cute. When you hear the soundtrack without the film, it really makes you realise how music like this really adds to movies!
Favourite Track - Maestro
Lindsey Stirling - Warmer in the Winter
If you're looking for a less traditional addition to your Christmas playlist, then check out this album by dubstep violinist Lindsey Stirling. I've been a fan of Lindsey for quite a while because she is original and so talented. I admire her a lot too because, after what could have been a career-ending voting off on America's Got Talent in 2010, she persevered in her dream career by uploading original music to Youtube. Now with millions of views to her name and multiple successful albums, she's proved her haters wrong and she makes the violin look so cool I wish now that I'd learned how to play it instead of the flute haha. I love this Christmas album so much, not least because it really stands apart from all the other festive music out there. From instrumental versions of Carol of the Bells and Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to funky collaborations with Becky G and Sabrina Carpenter, this album is anything but traditional and it makes a great soundtrack to play in the background as you put up decorations and twirl about the living room dancing.
Favourite Track - Carol of the Bells
Lady A- On this Winter's Night
You might not associate a country band with Christmas music, but Lady A definitely delivers festive cheer with this album and I have this on repeat every year. If you're not familiar with Lady A (formerly Lady Antebellum), you'll probably recognise their most commercially successful song I Need You Now playing on the radio occasionally. One of the things that make this band stand out for me is that they have two lead vocalists, Hillary Scott and Charles Kelley. Hillary and Charles have great voices individually, but when they harmonise together something special just happens. On This Winter's Night contains many of the classics and shares similarities with Buble's album, but hearing different arrangments and having two singers sharing vocal duties makes this album a firm favourite.
Favourite Track - A Holly Jolly Christmas
Josh Groban - Noel
From singing classical/operatic pieces to Broadway hits and original songs, Josh's voice lends itself to any genre and this album is no exception. Again Josh is someone I've been listening to for years and has one of the best voices out there. I think I even saw one comment online that said he has a voice like a Disney Prince and I couldn't agree more. Josh often sings in different languages and on this album Petit Papa Noël is sung beautifully, and he is able to make Little Drummer Boy his own without pulling away too much from the classic. If you're unfamiliar with Josh's music, then I encourage you to check him out! His voice is incredible and he has a musicals album, Stages, for anyone who's missing going to the theatre!
Favourite Track - Thankful
Tom Chaplin - Twelve Tales of Christmas
Last but not least, I've included this incredible album from Tom Chaplin, the lead singer of Keane, on my list and it has to be my best-loved Christmas album. Keane are one of the best bands out there in my opinion and I'm in love with Tom Chaplin's voice - it's soooo good. This album is very different from the vast majority of Christmas albums and from most of Keane's music. It's melancholic, dreamy, and exquisitely unique in that most of the tracks are original songs. There are a few covers in there - Chaplin's version of Walking in The Air gives me shivers and he does a wonderful cover of Joni Mitchell's River. The original songs are haunting and emotional, with Chaplin contemplating loss during Christmas time, with songs such as We Remember You This Christmas and For the Lost making me think of my Dad. This album might not appeal to every one, since it's as far from the usual Christmas vibe as you can get, but that's why I love it so much.
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