So, in light of a Facebook discussion with some friends, I decided to put together my Top Ten Christmas Albums of all time. I put this together rather quickly, so I could have missed a couple, but, non the less, here it is. Tell me where I am wrong, where I got it right, and what I forgot. Tis the season for Christmas music, so lets spread the news about the best of the Holiday melodies.
10. Josh Groben –
Noel (Although I risk some ribbing for this choice, there are few who can honestly say that they think Josh Groben can’t sing. He brings a powerful and dynamic voice to the Christmas genre that few can match, making this Christmas album a holiday favorite.)
9. Sufjan Stevens –
Songs for Christmas(Sufjan is not like the rest of this list…literally. He is different but his differences are what making him special. He brings together his wonderful indie style with classic Christmas songs, sprinkling in some originals, to produce what has to be one of the most enjoyable and fun Christmas albums. You probably haven’t heard of him, but trust me, he is worth a listen)
8. Vince Guaraldi Trio –
A Charlie Brown Christmas (Vince Guaraldi is a jazz piano maestro, and he brings his genius to Christmas music in this album that most of us have heard, but didn’t know it. Part of the beauty of the Charlie Brown Christmas TV special has always been the soundtrack, and that is all Vince. I encourage you to go back and listen to this album and relive your childhood again.)
7. The Carpenters –
Christmas Collection (There is something about listening to Karen Carpenter sing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” that puts me in the Christmas spirit. This album is filled with the classic Christmas songs done only how the Carpenters could do them.)
6. Bing Crosby –
White Christmas (There might be some of you who would have had this classic album higher on your top ten list, and I could not argue with you. However it is probably universally agreed upon that it can’t be left off. It has been said that “nobody can sing like Bing”, and boy is it true. This album would be on the top ten even if the only song on the album was “White Christmas”, a song that for fifty years has been a staple of any Christmas play list. It never gets old and I don’t believe it ever will.)
5. City on a Hill –
It’s Christmas Time (This is a Christmas compilation album that if you have not heard, you must. Putting together bands like Caedman’s Call, Third Day, Sixpence None the Richer, Jars of Clay and more, this album shows off the deep talent of present day Alternative Christian music. A must have for any Christmas collection)
4. Nat King Cole –
The Christmas Song(What else can I say about Nat King Cole that hasn’t already been said? He has one of the smoothest voices in the history of singing. As well, his voice translates to Christmas music perfectly. He makes you just want to grab a mug of hot eggnog and a warm blanket and sit by the fire.)
3. Andy Williams –
Christmas Album (I know, I know, some of you are yelling at the screen right now….”How can you put Andy Williams ahead of Nat King Cole, or Bing Crosby? Shocking I know, especially since Mr. Williams did not have near the career of those other famous crooners. But some singers were meant to sing Christmas music, and Andy is one of them. It all came together in this album, making it one of the best ever Seasonal albums.
2. Harry Connick Jr. –
Harry for the Holidays (It is hard to put Harry second to anyone, for he and this album have broke into the classics with modern movement and a fresh take. The song, “The Christmas Waltz” is still for 5 years running my favorite Christmas diddie. This leaves me wanting more “Harry” for the holidays.
1. Johnny Mathis –
Merry Christmas(For me, there is no one singer that says “Christmas is here” better than Johnny Mathis. With his velvety smooth voice, and unmistakable energy, Mathis is always the first on my Christmas playlist each year.)
