We tend to think of the Christmas albums we grew up with as the only ones around. It just isn’t the holiday season if you don’t hear Nat King Cole’s ‘The Christmas Song’ and music from Mariah Carey’s ‘Merry Christmas.’ You warbling sing ‘Silent Night’ as you trim the tree or make cookies without a care for any new albums coming out. But there’s some good records that have come recently that should be a part of your holiday traditions.
It’s rare that singers who’ve won singing competitions have successful careers. But don’t sleep on Jordan Smith. One of the winners of ‘The Voice’ Jordan has a distinct vocal sound. His rendition of Queen’s ‘Somebody to Love’ topped several digital downloads. More importantly it exposed his voice to a vast audience. His latest endeavor ‘Tis the Season’ shows that there’s room for a set of old standards sung by a young artist. His version of ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ and ‘It Came Upon a Midnight Clear’ sounds fresh and new. However, it’s Jordan’s ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ that brings the fun back into Christmas. Yes ‘O Holy Night’ may give you the feels, but sometimes it’s nice to just get silly. And with an eclectic mix of music Jordan reminds you to have a good time.
Still there’s nothing like the smooth sounds of jazz to get you in a mellow mood. Combined with the saxophone style of Dave Koz, Christmas music becomes not just something to celebrate the yuletide with. His latest holiday album ‘Dave Koz & Friends: The 25th of December’ gives new life to standards such as ‘Do You Hear What I Hear.’ But it’s the gem sung by 90’s icon Richard Marx entitled ‘Another Silent Night’ that will keep you listening to this album long after Christmas is over. To pick a favorite would be difficult but Heather Headley’s version of ‘My Grown Up Christmas List’ will replace all the others that you’ve heard. It has a strong, mature connotation to the melody. Headley’s voice is honest in her plea of ‘No more lives torn apart/That wars would never start.’ More than any other rendition, (originally composed by David Foster for Natalie Cole and not as a Christmas song) will help you remember what the season is about.
When singing, listening or just having it on in the background Christmas songs should give you a warm feeling. You should be able to shift from reflection to shaking your booty until all your jingle bells fall off. If nothing else ‘Tis the Season’ and ‘Dave Koz & Friends: The 25th of December’ should be included on your holiday playlist. While you’re at it explore these artists and give yourself the opportunity to find new music.
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