Every time I go into a department store, I hear variations of the same seven songs I’ve been hearing since my elementary school singalongs. I’ve been desperate for more artists to create new Christmas songs for years.
For me, Christmas has never been a truly religious time. I grew up in a quasi-religious family where my parents were raised religious, but didn’t pass it down to my siblings or me. Thus, Christmas has been a holiday for decorations, family and music most of my life.
In my childhood home, my mom used to set up her iPod on a Bose speaker in the kitchen and play Christmas music for the whole house to hear while we set up Christmas decorations each year. My sister and I would sing along as we put our favorite ornaments on the tree in the next room.
While I hold those memories fondly, and I will always bump “Last Christmas” by Wham!, listening to the same Christmas songs every year is a bore. I know each artist who covers “The Christmas Song” puts their own spin on it, but it’s the same tune and message.
I’m over the oddly creepy Christmas carols, too. “Santa Baby” will never feel right, and “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” is a song about a woman being pressured to do what a man wants. It’s time to move on, so here are 10 of my favorite Christmas albums that mix the traditional with the new.
1. “A Different Christmas” by Bryson Tiller
Tiller has been in my top 5 artists on Spotify Wrapped for most of my listening life. When he released his Christmas album in 2021, I played it on repeat for a week.
The album features his renditions of two classic Christmas tunes but is mostly compromised of original songs. His songs “presents” with Kiana Ledé and “ain’t a lonely christmas song” with Tayla Parx are my favorites. These songs have the yearning for love characteristic of many Christmas songs, mixed with Tiller’s R&B flavor.
2. “Another Kind of Christmas (Deluxe Edition)” by Ne-Yo
Ne-Yo’s R&B Christmas album integrates traditional Christmas messaging with Ne-Yo’s personal stories around the holidays. “Talk About It” features Ne-Yo recollecting his Christmases with his family growing up. The song emphasizes overcoming the family drama to enjoy company over the holidays. “It’s For Everybody” shares his belief that the holiday season should be a joyful time for everyone, regardless of religious affiliation. “Open Mine Tonight” is a spicy song with a jolly melody.
3. “Christmas Kisses” and “Christmas & Chill” by Ariana Grande
It’s hard to pick a favorite of these two pop-princess Christmas EPs. Of course, Grande’s “Santa Tell Me” is an iconic original holiday pop song, but I love “Winter Things,” “Not Just On Christmas” and “December.”
Grande’s songs are cutesy Christmas tunes with charming instrumentals. There’s a reason they’ve been on my holiday playlist since middle school.
4. “A Legendary Christmas: Deluxe Edition” by John Legend
Legend gives a New Orleans jazz spin to several traditional Christmas songs on this album. I love the way Legend adds jazz horns and percussion to the instrumentals. The songs are more upbeat and danceable than the traditional mixes are. Legend adds some of his own original songs, like “Christmas in New Orleans” and “Purple Snowflakes” that deserve yearly spins.
5. “Christmas Blues” by Sabrina Claudio
Claudio’s angelic vocals make for a fantastic album. “Christmas Blues” with The Weeknd is a personal reflection on Claudio’s life in 2020, and the album ends with the uplifting “Warm December.” I love her originality throughout the album.
6. “fruitcake” by Sabrina Carpenter
Popstar Carpenter’s short six-song album is packed with sweetness and her possessive yet loving vocals. “A Nonsense Christmas” remixes “Nonsense,” giving a Christmas twist to the catchy hit. “buy me presents” is an upbeat tune corresponding with Carpenter’s year-round desire to be treated like a queen.
7. “The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show” by Kacey Musgraves
Musgraves’ longer album features her own renditions of Christmas classics along with many original country Christmas songs. “Glittery” with Troye Sivan is one of my all-time favorite Christmas songs. Musgraves’ sweet voice mixed with Sivan’s delicate cadence deserves a spot on the holiday playlist.
8. “Still Home For The Holidays” by Atlantic Holiday
This collaboration between several R&B and hip-hop artists is a versatile mix inspired by 2020’s lockdown holiday season. Dram — most famous for his 2016 hit “Broccoli” — is cheerful on “Litmas” and “I Hate Christmas” by Raiche is the story of a heartbroken Scrooge wishing she wasn’t lonely on Christmas.
9. “Everyday is Christmas (Deluxe Edition)” by Sia
Sia created some danceable holiday songs with her 2018 release. “Puppies are Forever” and “Candy Cane Lane” bring sunshine to the snowy vibes of Christmas, while “Snowman” shows her more emotional side.
10. “Wrapped In Red” by Kelly Clarkson
While Clarkson’s album is primarily remakes of traditional Christmas songs, her takes are warm and entertaining. She also shares her original songs “Underneath the Tree” and “4 Carats,” two lively pop songs deserving of a spot on any holiday playlist.
Graphic by Livi Davis.