Each year the airwaves fill with all kinds of seasonal music. Of course, there’s Burl Ives singing, “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and Bing Crosby crooning his hopes for a “White Christmas.” Mixed in are classical favorites, crisp choral renditions of sacred songs, plus newly composed tunes. We searched under the tree, around the manger and in the back of the sleigh to find the very best of what’s new this year and the classic holiday albums we believe should be in every collection. Fire up the turntable or iPod and enjoy.
—Herald Writer Jackson Holtz
New
•“Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album.” TV’s favorite musical cast sings for the holidays.
Susan Boyle: “The Gift.” The Scottish voice that can’t quit.
Pink Martini: “Joy to the World.” Portland’s sexy jazz ensemble recorded this fabulous Christmas collection.
Mannheim Steamroller: “Christmas 25th Anniversary Collection.” The best of the made-for-Christmas New Age music.
Annie Lennox: “A Christmas Cornucopia.” Lennox brings her rich voice to this varied round-up of songs.
Indigo Girls: “Holly Happy Days.” The folk guitar duo bring a lot of emotion to these favorites.
The Priests: “Noel.” Three priests from Northern Ireland with gorgeous voices.
EMI Classics: “Christmas in the Park.” A great compilation of various classical artists.
Capitol Records: “Now That’s What I Call Christmas 4.” A two-disc set including Bing Crosby, Lady Gaga, Burl Ives, Norah Jones, Alvin and the Chipmunks, and many more.
Disney: “Princess Christmas Album.” Seasonal songs performed by Snow White, Cinderella, Mulan and other characters.
Favorites
•Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” The jazzy pianists with children’s choir.
“Holiday Pops” with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Orchestra. Light classical.
“Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker,” conducted by Simon Rattle and the Berliner Philharmoniker on EMI Classics.
“The Very Best of Bing Crosby Christmas.” The original “White Christmas” and much more.
“A Festival of Carols in Brass” by the Philadelphia Brass Ensemble. Wonderful arrangements set for horns.
John Denver and the Muppets, “A Christmas Together.” No one belts out “five go-old rings” like Miss Piggy.
“The Joy of Christmas” with Leonard Bernstein and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir with the New York Philharmonic. Lush chorale arrangements with rich orchestral backing.
“A Very Special Christmas.” Various rock artists including U2, Madonna and Bruce Springsteen collaborated for this 1990 album.
The Chieftains, “The Bells of Dublin.” Irish folk music for the holiday.
“Have Yourself a Jazzy Little Christmas.” A great collection, includes Mel Torme, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and others.
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