Christmas songs have been a part of the holiday season for centuries, and their popularity has only grown over time. From classic jingles like “Jingle Bells” and “Frosty the Snowman” to modern hits like “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey, Christmas songs have evolved to reflect the changing times.
While many Christmas songs were written in the 1940s and 1950s, new songs are still being written and released every year.
Here are the top ten Christmas albums released in 2023.
“Christmas” Cher
Cher’s “Christmas” marks her twenty-seventh studio album, released on October 20, 2023, through Warner Records.
This festive collection is a disco-infused interpretation of classic carols, presenting Cher’s iconic vocals and flamboyant style. In a dazzling display,
Cher takes the spotlight with “Christmas,” where disco grooves are fused with timeless carols.
“Christmas with Brandy” Brandy
Brandy Norwood unveils “Christmas with Brandy,” her eighth studio album, launched on November 10, 2023, under her label Brand Nu, Inc. and Motown.
A sequel to her 2020 release B7, this marks her Christmas debut and introduction to Motown. Brandy delivers a soulful serenade, thawing even the iciest hearts with rich vocals that infuse R&B warmth into familiar melodies.
The album comprises twelve tracks, featuring six original songs co-penned by Norwood and six cover versions of Christmas standards.
“The Greatest Christmas Hits” Pentatonix
Pentatonix presents “The Greatest Christmas Hits,” a Christmas compilation album released on October 20, 2023.
This marks the group’s 10th Top 10-charting holiday album, featuring a two-disc set with 23 previously released cuts and eight new ones.
For those seeking a cappella majesty, Pentatonix’s “The Greatest Christmas Hits” is a sonic playground. Their intricate harmonies weave through beloved carols, transforming them into glittering tapestries of pure vocal acrobatics.
“Echo The Angels” Elevation Worship
Elevation Worship, a Grammy Award-winning group, unveils “Echo The Angels,” its inaugural Christmas album. Elevation Worship offers “Echo The Angels,” a contemporary worship tapestry for the season. Uplifting melodies and powerful vocals intertwine, reminding us of the spiritual heart of Christmas.
The 10-song compilation showcases the collective’s talented vocalists, including Tiffany Hudson, Jonsal, Jenna Barrientes, Chris Brown, Mitch Wong, and Isaiah Templeton. A standout is the remarkably tender closer, “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee,” featuring Templeton on lead vocals.
“Merry Christmas From Jon Pardi” Jon Pardi
Jon Pardi introduces “Merry Christmas From Jon Pardi,” his first-ever Christmas album. With 12 tracks, including the cover of a popular Christmas favorite “All I want for Christmas is you” and new originals like “Beer For Santa” and “I’ve Been Bad, Santa (with Pillbox Patti).
Pardi brings country charm to the mix with his guitar and heartfelt vocals creating imagery of snowy fields and cozy cabins. He also captures the essence of simple pleasures and shared warmth during the Christmas season.
“Every Christmas” Michael W. Smith
Michael W. Smith returns with “Every Christmas,” a new full-length album that weaves six songs from his 2022 EP “Christmas At Home” with six new compositions.
This heartfelt ode to the season combines original pieces with traditional carols, reflecting Smith’s signature blend of contemporary Christian music and timeless charm.
Co-produced with his son, Tyler Michael Smith, the project features contributions from his daughters Whitney Mooring and Anna Smith, creating a nostalgic, family-focused musical experience.
“Stax Christmas” Various artists
The desire of classic soul music enthusiasts for a perfect Christmas is fulfilled with “Stax Christmas” by various artists.
Craft Recordings has expertly compiled a fantastic Christmas music collection, featuring classic soul renditions of traditional Christmas songs sung by renowned Stax Records recording artists like Carla Thomas, Rufus Thomas, The Staple Singers, Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, Booker T & the MG’s, and The Emotions.
Notable inclusions are a special unreleased version of “Blue Christmas” by Carla Thomas and an alternate mix of “Merry Christmas Baby” by Otis Redding.
The modern compilation competes with, and somewhat mimics, one of the most revered original Christmas compilations, 1968’s “Soul Christmas” by ATCO/Atlantic, released during the heyday of classic Soul.
“Christmas Wish” Gregory Porter
“Christmas Wish” by Gregory Porter is a collection of Christmas classics and original songs, adding elegance and depth to festive tunes with Porter’s smooth jazz vocals.
The album, featuring traditional carols and original compositions like “Christmas Wish” and “Everything’s Not Lost,” exudes an overall uplifting and hopeful vibe, ideal for embracing the holiday spirit.
“Christmas Time is Here” Johnny Mathis
Johnny Mathis makes a return with “Christmas Time is Here,” a brand-new album capturing the essence of the Yuletide season.
The collection includes 10 newly recorded holiday tracks, blending classics like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Blue Christmas” with spirited renditions like “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” featuring Broadway superstar Kristin Chenoweth.
Despite its modern release, the album retains the spirit of a classic Christmas recording.
“A Joyful Holiday” Samara Joy
“A Joyful Holiday” by Samara Joy, a two-time Grammy winner, is her inaugural collection of holiday material.
The album features previously available holiday singles and four new tracks, showcasing Samara Joy’s lush vocals and sophisticated jazz arrangements that infuse refinement into beloved carols, transforming them into smooth, timeless classics.
In conclusion, whether you long for disco diva anthems, soulful serenades, contemporary worship, or country twang, this Christmas offers a diverse tapestry of Yuletide tunes.
Dive into this musical variety, let the melodies fill your heart, and celebrate the season in all its glorious, genre-bending splendor.
