The Five Best Christmas Albums of All Time

A list by Greg Hood-Morris

5. Chris Isaak: Christmas - Amazon.com, iTunes

A smooth, soulful Christmas record that gets played at the hippest Christmas parties around. Check out his duet with Stevie Nicks on Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Essentially, Chris Isaak channels the spirit of Bing Crosby into a newer, hipper, swing.

4. Various Artists: A Reggae Christmas From Studio One - Amazon.com, iTunes

I know the concept of Christmas songs done reggae style would send most folks running for the hills, but remember, Clement “Coxone” Dodd was the spirit of reggae’s roots in Jamaica. His Studio One label put out records by everyone from Millie Small to Bob Marley. His ear for a tune means nothing but festive quality here. A good party album.

3. Elvis Presley: Elvis’ Christmas Album - Amazon.com

What can I say? In an odd way, Elvis’s take on Christmas songs go a long way in revealing what a fantastic singer he was, especially on Blue Christmas, where his soulful intonation carries the day.

2. Various Artists: A Chess Christmas

I had to include this because while the rest of the world was delighting in the novelty value of The Chipmunk Song, original rocker Chuck Berry was trying to stamp out the scourge with 1958’s excellent Run Rudoloph Run. A fine piece of old time rock and roll, and a pleasant diversion from the usual schmaltz on offer. You can find it here.

1. Vince Guaraldi Trio: A Charlie Brown Christmas - Amazon.com, iTunes

This soundtrack album is more familiar than your favorite underwear, and yet it never outstays its welcome. It goes with any mood, its arrangements are light and jazzy, and yet inventive. If you don’t love this album your heart must be two sizes too small.

Post a comment and let us know what you favourite Christmas album is.

Comments

[Brian McKechnie]

I'm a big fan of the Brian Setzer album Boogie Woogie Christmas. The version of "Baby It's Cold Outside" he does with Ann Margret is great.

-Brian

[Cate Jones]

Couple of my faves are Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas by the inimitable Ella Fitzgerald, and Holly Cole's Baby It's Cold Outside. And at least once each year I have to put on Bowie and Bing's Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy. Classic!

[barbmia]

Does it mean my heart is two sizes two small that I grimace whenever I hear the crackling, shrieking vocalists in 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'? The song is sweet perhaps, but it could definitely use some remastering!

[greg hood-morris]

1. Cate Jones: Have you ever seen the video for the Bing/Bowie duet on "Little Drummer Boy"? I don't know if it's the makeup or the lighting or whatever, but Mr. Crosby looks just like a little wizened orange. Maybe a tangerine or something.

2. Barbmia: "Does it mean my heart is two sizes two small that I grimace whenever I hear the crackling, shrieking vocalists in 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'?".

Yes.

Yes it does.

Stop insulting the church of Schultz.