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Key tracks: "Silent Night," "O Holy Night," "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" (Rating: 2 out of 5 ornaments) Something completely different under the tree But there really is only one dynamic here, and even at eight songs and 23 minutes, the feeling wears far too thin. Here, he tries to craft a late-night, candlelit Christmas record - and the best moments are appropriately sparse and spacious. From sweeping cinematic statements to hushed moments of introspection, Hull's work often captures the soul of a moment. 1" For more than 15 years, Manchester Orchestra leader Andy Hull has created wonderfully moody rock 'n' roll. Manchester Orchestra, "Christmas Songs Vol. Key tracks: "The Christmas Song," "Auld Lang Syne," "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" (Rating: 3 out of 5 ornaments) clear the way for his voice to shine through like a Christmas star. "The Season" is at its best when Perry and Co. Occasional feints toward the classic rock side of the dial try to recall Perry's past glories, but end up distracting from the feeling he's established. For the most part, Perry leans toward simple, classic pop arrangements, letting his voice do the heavy lifting. Steve Perry, "The Season" At 72, the former Journey singer maintains a killer set of pipes. Key tracks: "Doesn't Feel Like Christmas (Samy's Song)," "Christmas Time" and "That Spirit of Christmas" ( Rating: 3 out of 5 ornaments) His list of duet partners feels a bit random - including Ingrid Michaelson and Brad Paisley - but collaborations with gospel great BeBe Winans and singer-songwriter Abby Anderson really work. Thomas never quite settles on one overarching musical vibe, but when he finds the soul of a song, the moment resonates. Rob Thomas, "Something About Christmas Time" The Matchbox 20 leader and successful solo artist still possesses one of the more expressive voices in modern music - just perfect for a holiday album that leans toward melancholy and nostalgia. Key tracks: "Virgin Mary Had One Son," "The First Noel," "Angels We Have Heard on High" (Rating: 3 out of 5 ornaments) Songs for a sentimental season "Night Divine" almost feels too slight at times, but ultimately succeeds on the strength of Fallon's gravelly voice and his deep sincerity. Stephen," "Silent Night" (Rating: 4 out of 5 ornaments)īrian Fallon, "Night Divine" Cut from the same earnest cloth as songwriters like Bruce Springsteen, Fallon - known for fronting The Gaslight Anthem before establishing himself as a solo act - offers a quiet mix of Christmas standards, hymns and other sacred songs. Key tracks: "Hung Fire," "By the Lights of St. The record offers meditative, soulful touches of jazz through organ, piano and horns, tastefully embellishing Taylor's signature sound - wistful folk-rock that leans toward the groove and leaves plenty of room for listeners to respond through the rests. "O Come All Ye Faithful" is no different, a beautiful and reflective set for any late-autumn or winter days. Hiss Golden Messenger, "O Come All Ye Faithful" "It's Christmas, baby / Thank God we made it," MC Taylor sings on the first track from his new holiday record - and, in 2021, who can't relate? As Hiss Golden Messenger, Taylor makes a habit of hearing, then relaying, the soft and complicated emotions that dwell inside us all. have made a holiday record that's perfectly warm and welcoming, even if it doesn't do anything particularly fresh. Folding guests such as Ariana Grande and Chris Stapleton into the mix, Clarkson and Co. The singer draws from conventional - but no less lovely - jazz and pop language to create something familiar and warm.Ĭlarkson's at her best here when singing the standards, but doesn't waste any opportunities with her original songs. " On her second holiday album, following 2013's "Wrapped in Red," Kelly Clarkson pulls out all the trappings and trimmings of a classic Christmas experience. Kelly Clarkson, "When Christmas Comes Around. Key tracks: "Christmas Don't Be Late," "White Christmas," "It's Only Christmas Once a Year" (Rating: 5 out of 5 ornaments) Either way, "I Dream of Christmas" is a wonderful gift of a record, and one that deserves inclusion with the best holiday gems across eras. Norah Jones, "I Dream of Christmas" On this near-perfect holiday album, Jones distills what she does best - then invests each of these 13 songs with smoky vocals, subtly inventive jazz arrangements and a warmth born both of melancholy and hope.Īt moments, the songs here sound piped in from some former gilded age at others, it feels as though Jones is right in the room with you.