You can't trim the tree or deck the halls without the right soundtrack to complete the seasonal atmosphere. This month, we asked readers to weigh in with their favorite holiday albums, dusted off each December as the holiday spirit moves into full swing. Pour yourself some eggnog and have a listen.
1 | Holiday drama.
When a booming orchestral number starts riffing on Carol of the Bells, you can be pretty sure it's the handiwork of Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Caecilia Holt, co-owner of Young Ones Records, says they're also one of only a few artists that customers can't get enough of every December. Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Christmas Attic, $7.99.
2 | Sans symphony.
The crowned champions of season three of NBC's hit a capella showdown The Sing-Off belt out a bevy of Christmas classics like Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, and Silent Night, as well as the original title track on their holiday offering. Pentatonix, That's Christmas to Me, $9.99.
3 | Singin' the blues.
Another undeniable classic: the King himself crooning to Christmas staples like O Come All Ye Faithful, and lamenting the absence of his lost love in Blue Christmas. No hip-shaking here, but plenty of soulful vocals. Elvis Presley, Blue Christmas, $7.98.
4 | America's idol.
Former American Idol turned Grammy winner Kelly Clarkson blends traditional tunes, sung with her signature flare, and new tracks, like the title song, for a contemporary take on the usual Christmas canon. Kelly Clarkson, Wrapped in Red, $10.96.
5 | All that jazz.
It's the quintessential staple of every holiday mix playlist: the velvet-voiced singer who got his start singing jazz standards, crooning his best well-wishes to Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Johnny Mathis, Christmas with Johnny Mathis, $7.99.
You can't trim the tree or deck the halls without the right soundtrack to complete the seasonal atmosphere. This month, we asked readers to weigh in with their favorite holiday albums, dusted off each December as the holiday spirit moves into full swing. Pour yourself some eggnog and have a listen.
1 | Holiday drama.
When a booming orchestral number starts riffing on Carol of the Bells, you can be pretty sure it's the handiwork of Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Caecilia Holt, co-owner of Young Ones Records, says they're also one of only a few artists that customers can't get enough of every December. Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Christmas Attic, $7.99.
2 | Sans symphony.
The crowned champions of season three of NBC's hit a capella showdown The Sing-Off belt out a bevy of Christmas classics like Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, and Silent Night, as well as the original title track on their holiday offering. Pentatonix, That's Christmas to Me, $9.99.
3 | Singin' the blues.
Another undeniable classic: the King himself crooning to Christmas staples like O Come All Ye Faithful, and lamenting the absence of his lost love in Blue Christmas. No hip-shaking here, but plenty of soulful vocals. Elvis Presley, Blue Christmas, $7.98.
4 | America's idol.
Former American Idol turned Grammy winner Kelly Clarkson blends traditional tunes, sung with her signature flare, and new tracks, like the title song, for a contemporary take on the usual Christmas canon. Kelly Clarkson, Wrapped in Red, $10.96.
5 | All that jazz.
It's the quintessential staple of every holiday mix playlist: the velvet-voiced singer who got his start singing jazz standards, crooning his best well-wishes to Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Johnny Mathis, Christmas with Johnny Mathis, $7.99.
