One of the best parts of this time of year is indulging in the festive holiday music. The old classics are a joy, but it’s even more fun to dance around the Christmas tree to all the great rock music inspired by this season.
Here are a few favorite holiday rock albums to add to your collection.
Beach Boys Christmas Album
This classic album hit the charts in 1964 and it’s still famous today for the standout, instant classic, Little Saint Nick. Many critics have also pointed out singer Brian Wilson’s beautiful melancholic vocals in several songs, as well as his expert arrangements. And of course, there’s nothing like the harmonies that this band was able to capture.
Elvis’ Christmas Album
Also known as It’s Christmas Time, this was Elvis Presley’s third studio album and first Christmas album (he later recorded a second one). Released in 1957, it spent four weeks at No. 1 and has sold more than twenty million copies. Even today, it is regarded as one of the best Christmas albums of all time. It features classics like Silent Night and White Christmas and a song many would name as one of his best, Blue Christmas.
Chicago XXV: The Christmas Album
Originally released in 1998, this album features Chicago’s unique interpretations of classic holiday songs like Little Drummer Boy, Silent Night, Feliz Navidad, and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. It’s jazzy and perfect for those who want a little twist on the holiday favorites.
Christmas Comes Alive
This 2010 classic by The Brian Setzer Orchestra is an energetic, live album with a rockin’ beat and style for which Setzer is so famous. There are some well-known holiday hits like Run Rudolph Run, Jingle Bell Rock, and Sleigh Ride. And his exuberant beat makes Blue Christmas sound a lot less blue. And don’t miss out on his interpretation of The Nutcracker Suite – it turns ballet into swing.
Merry Christmas by Mariah Carey
We can’t leave this 1994 album out – not in light of the fact that All I Want for Christmas became one of the best-selling singles of all time. The album has sold fifteen million copies and has been re-released numerous times due to its popularity. It is the best-selling female-led Christmas album of all time.
For more information on doing the holidays right, follow the Sonoma Palms blog.