Sophisticated, Family Christmas Albums for December Travels
‘Tis the season!
Well, this isn’t normally a list I would make. I love powerful vocals in my music. However, every now and then I’m in the mood for a playlist that doesn’t mind taking a backseat and still impresses during an awkward silence - which can happen plenty when family gathers.
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CHLOE HEARTS CHRISTMAS
So you may appreciate instrumentals.
Chloe. Chloe. Chloe. Discovered by Babyface, she made her performance debut with Cardi B at the Grammys playing a vigorous one-note-at-a-time intro. Ms. Flower has released a few holiday singles (See “Carol of the Bells” and “Drummer Boy”) but it’s about [explicit] time she released a full album. Her cover of “Santa Tell Me”, “Once Upon a December” and then “A Liberace Christmas”…not to mention “The Sound of Music Medley”…. Muuuuaaaaahhhh!
SIMPLY CHRISTMAS (DELUXE EDITION)
Listen to a beautiful Ave Maria.
And a cool “My Favorite Things”. You have a few upbeat tracks like “The Christmas Waltz”, but the majority are melodically soothing - every time “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” comes on I forget what song is about to play. Every time. And by soothing, I mean not elevator music in the slightest.
MERRY CHRISTMAS, LOVE
Hear everything sung traditionally. Mostly.
Joss has enough soul in her cords to avoid staying fully traditional but she does stick to the script. I mean I don’t even think one song is original. And who wants one?
Ok well, 2 out of 16.
I DREAM OF CHRISTMAS
Coffee, Jazzy.
“Christmas Calling” is the first song on this album and it does exactly what it’s supposed to do. If you sway to the first, you’ll like the rest. “Winter Wonderland”, “Christmas Don’t Be Late”, and “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve” are all given a 9pm decaf mocha touch.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Become the individual who listens to everything but AIWFCIY. JK, I added this as a responsible lamb.
It’s Mariah. Her version of “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” has been in the shadow of the above acronym for way too long.
THE CHRISTMAS SONG
Vintage Classic featuring four languages.
Before Nat King Cole and his daughter Natalie paired up to open and close the 1998 The Parent Trap, they sang “The Christmas Song” together on the Expanded Edition. Although, the original speaks for itself and the Spotify animation will make you smile.
A JOLLY CHRISTMAS FROM FRANK SINATRA
Vintage Classic.
This album pairs with a fireplace and comfort food.
Cover Photo: Nina Mercado/Unsplash
