I’m a little obsessed with Christmas music. My holiday Spotify playlist currently contains 259 songs. This includes 12 versions of my favorite Christmas song “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and 0 versions of my LEAST favorite Christmas song, “Little Drummer Boy.” I know what you are thinking; obviously, “The Christmas Shoes” is the WORST. But I don’t even consider that a Christmas song, just a mistake.
Sometimes you just need a Christmas album that’s great the whole way through. It was hard to choose but here are 5 of my favorites:
1. Ella Fitzgerald Wishes You a Swinging Christmas by Ella Fitzgerald
It doesn’t get much better than Ella. Timeless and traditional with just the right amount of attitude.
Favorite Song: “Sleigh Ride/Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!” (tie)
2. Christmas with the Rat Pack by The Rat PackDean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr. singing Christmas standards? What’s more festive than that?
Favorite Song: “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm”
3. Merry Christmas by Mariah Carey
I feel stupid even mentioning this because obviously you should have this entire album memorized, but some of you may have been born after the heyday of Mimi.
Favorite song: “All I Want for Christmas is You”
4. Christmas Portrait by Carpenters
High in cheese factor but such a big part of my childhood Christmas memories. Plus few things are sadder or more beautiful than Karen Carpenter’s voice.
Favorite song: “Merry Christmas Darling”
5. A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector by Various Artists
Okay I know Phil Spector is now a massive creep dog BUT this collection of Motown Christmas songs is one of my absolute favorites.
Favorite Song: Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by Darlene Love
Need more? Here are some recently released honorable mentions I enjoy:
Quality Street: A Seasonal Selection for all the Family by Nick Lowe
Cee Lo’s Magic Moment by CeeLo Green
Wrapped in Red by Kelly Clarkson
Originally published December 1, 2014