Top 10 Christmas albums that transcend generations
NEARLY every artist, at some point, seems to dip their toes into the world of holiday albums.
Every December, a new batch arrives, some riding seasonal trends, others carefully crafted to stand the test of time.
What's captivating about Christmas albums is that there's no magic formula for success.
Some overlooked releases become timeless classics, quirky records turn into beloved staples and mega-hits unite generations.
Read on our list of the 10 greatest Christmas albums of all time.
James Brown 'A Soulful Christmas' (1968)
The second Christmas album in James Brown's trilogy finds a perfect blend between his early-career ballads and the rhythmic funk explored with the J.B.'s. Opening with the groundbreaking "Santa Claus Go Straight to the Ghetto," the album features 11 more original tracks that are sure to warm your heart and get you on your feet.
The Carpenters 'Christmas Portrait' (1978)
Acknowledging the Carpenters' well-suited easy-listening style for the season, Karen's contralto delivers graceful interpretations of holiday standards. However, it's their reimagined original track "Merry Christmas Darling" that seamlessly weaves her voice with Richard's lush arrangements, akin to ribbon over wrapping paper.
Vince Guaraldi Trio 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' (1965)
Ranked as the second-bestselling jazz album in history, Guaraldi's soulful blend of standards ("O Tannenbaum", "What Child Is This") and original compositions ("Skating", "Christmas Time Is Here") captures both the joy and melancholy of the season. This musical masterpiece is further intertwined with Charles M. Schulz's enduring animated portrayal of childhood.
Dean Martin 'A Winter Romance' (1959)
Whether or not you appreciate Martin's signature "Baby, It's Cold Outside," the crooner's classic tracks act as a backdrop for the lesser-known ones ("The Things We Did Last Summer", "Out in the Cold Again"), creating a snowy, unexpectedly evocative narrative core for the album.
Frank Sinatra 'A Jolly Christmas' (1957)
Every song on this album gets heavy rotation during the holiday season, but when heard in succession, each one gains a renewed vibrancy. Nelson Riddle's arrangements are predominantly reverential, almost monolithic, making it a secure and fulfilling pick for Christmas Eve. Despite that, Sinatra's interpretations continue to exude freshness and inventiveness.
Soulful Strings 'The Magic of Christmas' (1968)
Starting with the bongos and jazz flute in the opening of "The Little Drummer Boy" and ending with the xylophone in the album closer "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers", the Soulful Strings craft a lively seasonal soundtrack perfect for holiday cocktail parties — no Nehru jacket necessary.
Luther Vandross 'This Is Christmas' (1995)
Showcasing heartbreak with "Every Year, Every Christmas", intimate moments by the hearth with "A Kiss for Christmas", and heavenly rapture through "O Come All Ye Faithful", Vandross skillfully blends traditional melodies with a modern sensibility on a record suitable for both a Christmas Eve party and the morning ride to church.
Various artists 'A Christmas Gift for You From Phil Spector' (1963)
Except for Phil Spector's understandable spoken-word closer, each track stands as a well-deserved, ubiquitous holiday staple. Utilising Spector's distinctive "Wall of Sound" style, Darlene Love, the Ronettes and others present an unparalleled collection that encapsulates the essence of the season: lively, enthusiastic and sincere.
Various artists 'A Motown Christmas' (1973)
Starting with the exuberant burst of the Jackson 5's "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" and concluding with Stevie Wonder's exquisite "Ave Maria", Motown gathers the finest holiday tracks from the label's initial era. Showcasing additional contributions from the Supremes and Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, it stands as a genuine masterpiece, capturing the diverse moods of Christmas.
Various artists 'Soul Christmas' (1968)
What truly underscores the authenticity of Atlantic's Christmas compilation: the original compositions or the creative reinterpretations? Fortunately, you receive a combination of both—Clarence Carter's mischievous "Back Door Santa", the juke-joint allure of King Curtis' "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve" and two tracks from the timeless Otis Redding.
