Christmas Albums Ring in the Season

By Ashley Mertel

Many artists released new Christmas themed albums this holiday season, but how do they compare?

Country fans gained quite a few new Christmas albums this year. Blake Shelton released his album this past September called, “Cheers it’s Christmas”. This album includes some of the classics with a country twist, such as “Jingle Bell Rock” featuring his wife, Miranda Lambert, “Winter Wonderland,” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” and “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” Shelton’s country twist and voice pull the songs to life for country music lovers, breathing fresh air to songs that are commonly overplayed during November and December.

Lady Antebellum added to the country Christmas music with their release of, “On This Winter’s Night.” The album is composed of classics, but with their unique trio of voices, they compliment notes in the songs in a way singular artist cannot.  Though they are known for being country, unlike Shelton’s album, a listener unfamiliar with the band would be unaware that they are prominently a country group. Lady Antebellum stays true to the sound of notes and brings classics like, “Christmas,” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” and “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” to life with a beautiful blend of their voices.

The pop world gained a new Christmas album from “The Voice” coach CeeLo Green. His album, titled “CeeLo’s Magic Moment,” hit shelves back in August. Unlike all the other Christmas albums out now, CeeLo included songs on his album that other artist have not. “Run Rudolph Run,” “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch,” and “Mary, Did You Know,” are among the songs that are not commonly found on today’s Christmas albums. In addition to his diverse song choices, he has incredible artists featured on some of his tracks, which include Christina Aguilera and Rod Stewart.

Rod Stewart added to the rock world with his new Christmas album, “Merry Christmas.” Stewart’s album features the song he has with CeeLo, as well as, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “Santa Clause Is Coming To Town,” “We Three Kings,” “Silent Night,” and more. His songs have a soft rock theme to them that stay true to Stewart’s roots. His version of the beloved Christmas songs are calming and realaxing- perfect for background music on Christmas day.

No matter what sort of jingle is sought after this holiday season, Blake Shelton, Lady Antebellum, CeeLo Green, and Rod Stewart cover all aspects for this Christmas.

Email Ashley at:

abm3087@live.esu.edu