By Rachel Dennehy
In a blink of an eye, it is that time of year again. 2024 has come and gone as we enter the lead up to Christmas. Many people are completing their last-minute shopping, and what better way to perfect your Christmas Day with friends or family than curating a perfect playlist to help get everyone in the festive spirit. Here is a comprised list of five essential albums that you should listen to this festive season that are bound to land well, regardless of one’s personal music taste.
Fruitcake – Sabrina Carpenter (Extended Play)
For those who are less sold on the festive sound and more interested in a pop style, this album embraces Sabrina Carpenter’s pop brand combining her tongue and cheek music in a festive way. It is perfect for pop fans alike. The lead single off this album ‘A Nonsense Christmas’ serves as an ode to her hit single of a similar name Nonsense featuring remixed lyrics targeted towards the holidays. This extended play is certainly worth the listen; despite having no covers on the album, she breaks barriers putting her own stamp on the Christmas genre by blending festivities in a cheeky nature.
Wrapped in Red – Kelly Clarkson
It would be impossible to celebrate Christmas without adding this iconic artist’s Christmas album to the list. Kelly Clarkson’s addictive Christmas album serves as both an instant classic as well as an immaculate body of work arguably becoming a must listen this Christmas. She features miraculous covers of beloved Christmas anthems as well as putting a stamp on her individuality through her new material, featuring her hit single ‘Underneath the Tree’. This has become one of the most significant Christmas songs of the 2010’s.
Christmas – Michael Bublé
This album blends nostalgia and warmth as this chart-topping album remains significant year after year since it’s debut in 2011. Michael Bublé’s Christmas acts as a staple Christmas album that should be listened to annually as it features strong Christmas covers, highlighting his incredible voice and talent. If you have yet to listen to this album, then it is necessary that this Christmas you make listening to it a part of your day.
Coco By the Fireplace – Coco Jones (Extended Play)
If you are looking to give something new and different a try then Coco Jones’ recently released Christmas EP may be the answer you are looking for. It features four original Christmas songs remaining in tune with Jones’ style and sound boasting a magnificent R&B sound combined with a warm festive feeling. It creates a desirable atmosphere for anybody celebrating this holiday season.
Merry Christmas – Mariah Carey
Originally released in 1994, this album and its critical acclaim has put it down in history as one of the most prosperous and well-known Christmas albums. It earned Mariah Carey the unofficial title of the Queen of Christmas as her hit single ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’ which features on this album, climbs the charts and dominates the radio stations every year without fail. If you are looking for something new yet something familiar, this album features a mix of original Christmas songs from Carey as well as covers of classical festive hits, this is one festive album that will certainly not disappoint.