As we enter the holiday season, otherwise known as the best time of the year, Christmas music is unavoidable. Whether you like it or not, it is playing constantly in every store you go to, on the radio, and at your favorite coffee shop.
What I've found is that sometimes Christmas albums can surprise you; artists have recently been getting very creative with them, which is something I noticed about many of the Christmas albums recently released this year. That being said, I came up with a list of these albums in no particular order, for you to check out. I found it very interesting how some of them particularly bring up the idea of Christmas and the holiday season bringing friends and family together and how important it is, especially with all of the tragic and unexpected events that have occurred in 2016.
1. A Pentatonix Christmas - The Pentatonix
The Pentatonix are back with a second Christmas album, that was just released at the end of October. This album mostly consists of the band covering classic Christmas songs, but in their unique acapella style that never fails to impress us.
2. It Must Be Christmas - Chris Young
I'm personally not a huge country fan, but I have to say I think that this a beautifully-produced Christmas album. It's not exactly anything out of your ordinary, but Young did a fine job covering some of our favorite holiday tunes with his delightful country voice.
3. Merry Christmas from Andra Day - Andra Day
Andra Day's five track album consists of her enthralling voice covering classic Christmas songs, and features a duet with Stevie Wonder. She adds a unique and catchy R&B/jazzy flare to the songs making it a great listen.
4. 12 Nights of Christmas - R. Kelly
The first track on R. Kelly's new Christmas album really caught my attention; "My Wish for Christmas" really dives deep into the issues our world has experienced this year and explains how he wishes for people to find happiness and peace. The rest of the album consists of original Christmas songs embracing his R&B/blues style in a captivating way.
5. A Very Kacey Christmas - Kacey Musgraves
Kacey Musgraves brings her charming pop/country sound to these classic Christmas tunes, along with including some unique originals. I have always enjoyed her music, and this album exemplifies her pop/country style in a festive way.
6. Kylie Christmas (Snow Queen Edition) - Kylie Minogue
Kylie Minogue is well-known for her classic upbeat dance hit song, "Can't Get Your Out of My Head." She changes up her style a lot on this Christmas album, having some songs slowing it down and showing off her pretty voice, and others with a little more of a funk/dance and pop vibe. She has a few features on the album as well.
7. Acoustic Christmas - Neil Diamond
Neil Diamond released this dreamy acoustic Christmas album near the end of October. It's a very mellow album with beautiful renditions of classic Christmas songs.
8. Somethin' About Christmas - Kris Allen
Kris Allen brings his singer/songwriter acoustic rock sounds to the table on his first full Christmas album. I really enjoyed his renditions of these classic holiday songs, and his style just really seemed to fit well covering them.
9. The Greatest Gift of All - The Rascal Flatts
The Rascal Flatts really impressed me with this album. It's comprised of mostly soft and slower songs and a few upbeat, fun songs to mix it up. They really implemented their sound in a unique way on these tracks, not as country-focused.
10. Glow -Brett Eldredge
This Christmas album consists of mostly covers, but also a few originals. Brett Eldredge added a unique jazzy flare to these songs, and not as much country. I really enjoyed this entire album.
