Lindsey Stirling

2024 Christmas Music Musts

Every year, about this time, as we head into the holiday season and I flip the Christmas switch to holiday music on my radio program, I like to recommend some Christmas Music MUST’s to you. Songs and albums I think belong on your own personal holiday playlists.

This year there are several tried and true, and some brand new babes, swaddled and waiting to be picked up and played! Read on for this years MUST haves, to find the order links, and even watch a video from each selection.

Merry Christmas everyone, let the Holly Jolly, Ho Ho Ho begin on what would otherwise be a Silent Night! Let’s shake up some happiness together!

for KING + COUNTRY
A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE)

for KING + COUNTRY rings in the 2024 holiday season with a live rendering of their beloved Christmas show delivered straight to fans.

A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE)” captures the joy, the wonder and the pageantry of the seasonal tour that has become an annual tradition for the duo capped by their signature rendition of “Little Drummer Boy.” The brand new recording serves as a companion to Christmas shows in LA, London, New York and Nashville; as well as a Fathom Event that will bring their live spectacle to theaters nationwide Dec. 5-9, 2024.

“Silent Night (Rewrapped)” is especially moving and the first on my list of Christmas Music Musts!

ORDER: A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE)”


SIA
”Everyday Is Christmas”

"Everyday Is Christmas" first released in 2017 with a total of 10 original tracks. The album featured songs including "Santa's Coming for Us", "Candy Cane Lane", and "Snowman".

The all original album was written in only two weeks, and since then, “Snowman” has become a Christmas classic with over 1 BILLION streams. It’s since been reissued three times, in 2018, 2021 and 2022 with bonus tracks being added each time, bringing the total track list up to a whopping 21 with three different versions of “Snowman.”

It’s simply not Christmas without Sia’s Everyday Is Christmas!

BUY: “Everyday Is Christmas”


 Lindsey Sterling
“Snow Waltz”

Snow Waltz is the second Christmas album by the amazingly talented American violinist and dancer, Lindsey Stirling. It contains a mix of traditional Christmas standards and some refreshing original tracks.

Because Lindsey’s performances are theatrical productions full of dance and beautiful costuming, the first single, “Ice Storm,” was released via YouTube on in August of 2022 and in October, the video for "Snow Waltz", featuring a Halloween theme, was released alongside the album.

While many of the songs may be familiar, Lindsey’s emotive violin arrangements are new and exciting and so very very moving.  Adding “Snow Waltz” to your playlist is therefore a MUST in my book. It simply wouldn’t be Christmas without it!

ORDER: “Snow Waltz”


Dan + Shay
“It’s Officially Christmas :The Double Album”

Proven global superstars and 3x Grammy Award winners, Dan + Shay excitedly announced their very first Christmas album this year, and surprise, it’s a DOUBLE album!

“It’s Officially Christmas: The Double Album” is a 21-song 2-LP colored vinyl/CD collection of brand new originals and their takes on classics that you already know and love. The project was a whole a decade in the making, and they are so proud of every single note. They truly leaned into our love for the holiday season and found some magic in the songs.

Dan + Shay’s hope is that you are able to enjoy + share that same magic with your loved ones for years to come. It’s mine too!

ORDER: “It’s Officially Christmas :The Double Album”


 Walker Hayes
“Christmas Vacation”

Walker Hayes' Christmas EP, “Christmas Vacation,” was just released November 1st! It contains 5 tracks in all, “Fancy Like Christmas”, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, “Christmas Vacation”, “Come On Christmas”, and “Let It Be Christmas”.

Walker is the charming, affable, family-oriented country singer-songwriter who had a number one hit with "Fancy Like" in 2021 and then the remake, “Fancy Like Christmas” in 2023. “Country Stuff: The Album” was released in 2022, which reached number two on Billboard's Top Country Albums. Walker joined me on my podcast, LOVE SOMEONE, last year to talk about his Christmas hit and share all kinds of wonderful tidbits about his life with his wife, Laney and his seven children!

Be watching for Walker in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, on Thursday, November 28 and later in December for his guest appearance on The TODAY Show!

ORDER: “Christmas Vacation”


Elton John
”Step Into Christmas”

Just in time for the holidays, Elton’s classic "Step Into Christmas" is released for the first time on colored 10” vinyl. Originally released in 1973 it was intended as an audible holiday card for his fans following his record-breaking album “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.

This limited edition features "Ho Ho Ho (Who’d Be A Turkey At Christmas)" as well as 3 bonus tracks - “All Quiet On The Western Front”, “Cold As Christmas”, and, for the first time on record, "Calling It Christmas" by Elton and Joss Stone. It’s being pressed on festive red vinyl, adding that much more holiday magic to your Christmas playlist!

“Step Into Christmas” has become an essential part of the Christmas music canon, and its cheerful and festive spirit continues to delight audiences during the holiday season.

ORDER: “Step Into Christmas”

 


Jimmy Fallon
”Holiday Seasoning”

Late night host, friend to all, Jimmy Fallon, has announced a holiday comedy album, "Holiday Seasoning",  a collection of all original songs with collaborations from the biggest superstars on the (snow) globe! Coming down your chimneys on November 1. 

Following his recent Christmas hits, “Almost Too Early For Christmas,” with Dolly Parton and “It Was A…(Masked Christmas),” with Ariana Grande and Megan Thee Stallion, Jimmy took the 2023 holiday season by storm with his hit single “Wrap Me Up” with Meghan Trainor! To date, these have received over 70 million combined global streams and counting!

This year he’s spicing up our holiday playlists by adding 13 more tracks, teaming up with The Jonas Brothers, The Roots, Justin Timberlake, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Will Ferrell, Chelsea Handler and Cara Delevingne on a number of new great holiday tunes! This is the album you didn't know you were waiting for, but now can't wait to sink your teeth into!  

The exclusive CD will come with a signed insert, the standard LP is a custom Peppermint Swirl vinyl, and there will be a deluxe LP package with Blizzard vinyl that will include a sticker sheet, a holiday table topper, and a pop-up vinyl gatefold. Target will also sell an exclusive edition of the LP in Ruby Red vinyl. This is a MUST!

ORDER: “Holiday Seasoning”



Train
“Christmas in Tahoe”

“Christmas in Tahoe” is the only Christmas album by the rock group Train, fronted by the charismatic Pat Monahan. It’s been a perennial favorite of my since it’s release in 2015.

Featuring renditions of twelve traditional Christmas songs and three originals written by the band, “Shake Up Christmas”, one of the originals, rates high on my list! It is so joyously infectious, it certainly shakes up some happiness! That’s why “Christmas in Tahoe “is most definitely a MUST each and every holiday season!

Also, in 2021, (when the world needed some happiness) the Hallmark Channel aired a film, “Christmas in Tahoe”, based on the album. Pat Monahan of Train co-starred and was also executive producer on the film!

ORDER: “Christmas in Tahoe”

Christmas Music Musts 2023

I’m all about celebrating Christmas all the year through, but I have to wait almost 11 months for the rest of the world to catch up to my enthusiasm. That time is now! And I’ve made it a tradition to share some of my favorite music of the season in my Christmas Music Musts list!

This time of year has great holiday music releases!

Christmas music spilling into your cars, your offices, and your homes become a soundtrack to the memories you’re creating with co-workers, friends, and family that I’m so thrilled to be a part of.

Here’s my list of recommendations. If you don’t have them already, I’d advise you to add them to your holiday playlist right away!



Sia
Everyday Is Christmas

Sia, who brought us the smash hits, “Chandelier” and “Unstoppable”, has a fun, whimsical Christmas album that everyone needs ,“Everyday is Christmas”.

It’s chock-full of original music like the viral-hit “Snowman” , which has over 980 million streams and is one of the most-played holiday songs ever since its release, but “Snowman” isn’t the only single that will jingle jingle jingle you into the holiday spirit. Don’t forget “Candy Cane Lane” and the title track, “Everyday Is Christmas.”

Get “Everyday Is Christmas - Deluxe Edition” today and be on the lookout for Sia’s new album, “Reasonable Woman” coming this spring!

Everyday Is Christmas  (according to Sia and me!)


Cher
Christmas

“Christmas”,  Cher’s first new studio album in five years (and her first EVER holiday album!) is available everywhere now!

It  includes 13 songs - several holiday classics and four originals by songwriter Sara Hudson and her team, and it has a star-studded list of musical besties.

Christmas  includes superstar duet classics including“What Christmas Means To Me" with Stevie Wonder, and "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)"  with Darlene Love.  (Darlene first recorded the song with Phil Spector and a l7-year-old Cher singing background vocals); in addition to a haunting version of “Home" written and sung with Michael Bublé. 

Other standouts include an unexpected pairing with Tyga on “Drop Top Sleigh Ride” produced by Alexander Edwards, Mike Crook and Ryan OG,  the magnificent "Angels in the Snow”, "Put A Little Holiday In Your Heart", with Cyndi Lauper, and the disco-inspired, “DJ Play That Christmas Song” which was the first single to drop.

You can get it here: Christmas


Pentatonix
The Greatest Christmas Hits

Gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable holiday season, Pentatonix has unveiled a new greatest hits album, “The Greatest Christmas Hits”!

The album features 23 of the band's top holiday songs and eight brand new, never-before-heard tracks - including one holiday original - “Please Santa Please”!

One of the most innovative, inventive, and inimitable vocal groups of all time, my friends that make up Pentatonix are thrilled to be performing their 2023 North American Christmas tour right now, Pentatonix, The Most Wonderful Tour Of The Year. You’ll want to get tickets if they’re anywhere near your city - or plan a trip and meet them somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit!

In the meantime, order “The Greatest Christmas Hits” for yourself and everyone you want to have some holiday joy this year.

Pick up: The Greatest Christmas Hits


Lauren Daigle
Behold - A Christmas Collection -
The Complete Set

Lauren Daigle is a 2-time GRAMMY, 7-time Billboard Music Award, and 4-time American Music Award winner, and an artist I’ve adored since she hit the scene!

I have to share her incredible Christmas album, Behold - A Christmas Collection - The Complete Set!

This expanded edition includes Lauren’s version of “The Christmas Song” and a live version of “Noel”, all available for the first time on a double vinyl or single CD.

 “Behold plays like an audio time capsule built of saxes, trombones and other horns (even tubas!), upright bass, brushes on drums, mellow sounding hollow body guitars, and vocals that are rich and distinctive but still somehow laidback in their feel.”

I’m proud to call Lauren my friend, and excited for everyone to add The Complete Set to their holiday music library!

Available NowBehold - A Christmas Collection - The Complete Set


Lindsey Stirling
Snow Waltz

The lovely Lindsey Stirling, violinist, dancer, performer extraordinaire’s latest holiday album, “Snow Waltz” is an absolute MUST as you’re wrapping presents and spending time with loved ones.

With 14 tracks (and 2 bonus tracks on the Target Deluxe Edition) comprised of a mix of classic holiday tunes and several originals, it should see you into the wee hours of the morning, many rolls of gift wrap, and empty scotch tape dispensers too!

The single “Sleigh Ride” has over 2 billion artist streams to date, and was used over 120 million times on social channels for user generated content (background music for TikTok videos, Instagram Reels, etc.) When you hear it, you’ll know why!

Lindsey will join me on an episode of LOVE SOMEONE with Delilah, my popular podcast soon, make sure you listen in when she does!

Join us for a Snow Waltz this magical time of year!


Barry Manilow
All I Want For Christmas Is You

Barry Manilow’s career now spans seven decades with hits like “Looks Like We Made It", "Mandy", "I Write the Songs", and "Copacabana". He’s recorded and released 51 Top 40 singles on the AC chart including 13 that hit number one.

And this holiday season the GRAMMY®, TONY®, and EMMY® Award-winning musician is releasing a new single, “All I Want For Christmas Is You” in celebration of his upcoming one-hour music special, “Barry Manilow’s A VERY BARRY CHRISTMAS”, debuting on NBC on Monday, Dec. 11 at 10 p.m. ET/PT and streaming the next day on Peacock.

Presave: All I Want For Christmas Is You
(Available to stream & download on
November 3rd.)



David Foster & Katharine McPhee
Christmas Songs

It had been 17 years since David Foster and Katharine McPhee recorded together, but that all changed when the two released their first Christmas album together last year, titled simply “Christmas Songs”.

Listen to my conversation with David HERE.

This year, they’ve added 6 more tracks and the completed album is available now! The new version adds “Santa Baby,” “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas,” “We Three Kings,” “Snow,” and “Away In A Manger” to the mix.

Copies of the Target CD will also feature two bonus tracks, “Amazing Grace” and “Carol Of The Bells.”

I have to say “Carol Of The Bells” might just be my favorite, but I’ll leave it up to you to decide your own — if that’s even possible!

Get your copy of: Christmas Songs


Smith
Stay With Me Santa
(Mrs. Claus' Christmas Wish)”

There’s nobody like Mrs. Claus to help you get into the holiday spirt!

Female GRAMMY® nominated alt-rock artist, writer, producer, Smith, is on my Music Must’s list with her "Stay With Me Santa (Mrs. Claus' Christmas Wish)" a new holiday smash that builds on her recent radio and viral success.

Smith’s release, "Lemon", was a TikTok viral sensation with over 150 million impressions, and it charted at Top 40, Hot AC, Rhythmic and Alternative Radio making her the first woman to ever chart in all 4 genres. Now she delivers a magical holiday moment that I know each and every one of you is going to enjoy.

 

This single drops on November 17th, but you can preorder it with this link:
Stay With Me Santa (Mrs. Claus' Christmas Wish)


Michael W. Smith
”Every Christmas”

Last year, your favorite and mine, Michael W. Smith released a Christmas EP, called “Christmas At Home”. This year, he’s expanded on its offerings and “Every Christmas” a full LP, is now available.

I was able to sit down with Michael for a long chat on my podcast, that you can listen to HERE. Michael talks about his love of Christmas, the traditions his family celebrates and the involvement of his children and grandchildren on the EP.

With 6 new songs added to this year’s LP, each of them feature a family member . The album is co-produced by Michael and his son, Tyler Michael Smith.

Michael says of the album “(Every Christmas) takes Christmas at Home to a new level, with some beautiful, magical new surprises, including some of my favorite hymns.”

The entire album is family-focused and is meant to showcase the importance of family, the joy of traditions (old and new) and his hope is that it provides the soundtrack to your memories with loved ones.

For my final Christmas Music Musts recommendation, I’m going to tell you, it’s not Christmas without Michael W. Smith - and family!

Every Christmas is available now.


Andrea Bocelli, Matteo Bocelli & Virginia Bocelli
A Family Christmas (Deluxe Edition)

Do you hear what I hear?! It’s a Bocelli Family Christmas! Following the runaway success of their first album together, the Bocelli family announced the deluxe edition of A Family Christmas – with the release of the brand new single ‘Let it Snow’.

‘A Family Christmas (Deluxe Edition)’ features four brand-new recordings, plus five additional bonus tracks. It will be released on November 10th and will be available in CD and black standard vinyl. “The Greatest Gift” already has 44M+ streams!

Internationally renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli teams up with his 25-year-old son Matteo Bocelli and his 10-year-old daughter Virginia Bocelli.

The album captures the Bocelli’s festive spirit in full flow, with new renditions of traditional carol arrangements. The trio of complementary voices intertwine and echo on the song ‘Do You Hear What I Hear?’, which provides a stirring opening to the album. Each of the three Bocelli performers gets a chance to shine on the album with solo tracks, duets and trios.

A Family Christmas (Deluxe Edition)
can be yours and all those you’d like to gift it to!

Music MUST Have's!

Music MUST Have's!

Here’s a few of my holiday music MUST HAVE’s from four incredible artists! Check out the full list on my blog at Delilah.com

Delilah's Valentine's Playlist 2018

Screen Shot 2018-02-01 at 6.21.51 PM.png

Valentine's Day is Wednesday, February 14th and I want yours to be PERFECT! With the help of Producer Janey, we've put together a play-list for you to make your date with your sweetie, your 'lil rug-rats, or your bestie, a music-filled day of L.O.V.E. love!

 

Val 18 MAX.jpeg

 

Lights Down Low, MAX
Low, slow, and sexy, if Lights Down Low doesn't put you in a Valentine's mood, nothing will!

Listen    Buy

 

Val 18 Train.jpg

 

Valentine, Train
This fun, fifties-esque, single will have you snapping your fingers and cravin' a shake and a drive-in movie! The Hallmark Channel even snagged it for it's Valentine specials!

Listen     Buy

Val 18 Tim n Faith.jpg

 

The Rest of My Life, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
Tim and Faith demonstrate daily what it means to be in a loving, committed relationship, The Rest of My Life is a beautiful testament to that.

Listen     Buy

 
Val 18 Forever My Girl.jpg

 

 

Forever My Girl,
An album full of great love songs with a New Country lilt.

Listen     Buy

 

Val 18 Rod Stewart.jpg

 

 

DA YA Think I'm Sexy, Rod Stewart (feat. DNCE)
Rod's still got it! And yes, I think he's sexy!

Listen    Buy



 

download.jpg

 

 

Perfect, Ed Sheeran
Everything is PERFECT about this song!

Listen     Buy

download-1.jpg

 

 

Loves Just A Feeling, Lindsey Stirling (feat. Rooty)
The adorable and SUPER talented Lindsey Stirling will knock your stockings off with Loves Just a Feeling! Dance like nobody's around!

Listen     Buy

download-2.jpg

 

 

 

Die A Happy Man, Thomas Rhett
Last night, was hands down, the best night... My daughter and nieces ADORE this artist and this song. Swoon!

Listen     Buy

download-3.jpg

 

 

 

The Fighter, Keith Urban (feat. Carrie Underwood)
Don't give up on love, because love (and Keith Urban) won't let you! He'll be the fighter!

Listen     Buy

download-4.jpg

 

 

What Lover’s Do, Maroon 5 (feat. SZA)
Fast, fun, and upbeat, What Lovers Do will have you up and dancing, wherever you are!

Listen     Buy

download-5.jpg

 

 

 

TIN MAN, Miranda Lambert
We all know Valentines Day isn’t happy for everybody. A broken hearted woman tells her truth. (But don't be a cynic, Love is out there for anyone willing to accept it!)

Listen     Buy

download-6.jpg

 

 

 

There’s Nothing Holding Me Back, Shawn Mendes
Sweet! When you're crushin' on someone, don't let anything hold you back!

Listen     Buy

 

download-7.jpg

 

 

 

Love So Soft, Kelly Clarkson
Kelly kills it with this single. She's givin' it to you straight, and it makes ya want to straight up DANCE!

Listen     Buy

download-8.jpg

 

 

Worst In Me, Julia Michaels
You still love me despite my baggage!

Listen     Buy

download-9.jpg


 

 

Scars To Your Beautiful, Alessia Cara
How about a Valentine song about loving yourself?! Because, we're stars and we're beautiful!!

Listen     Buy

 

Where ever you are and what ever you do on Valentine's Day, DON'T do it alone! So you're single, lovin' life, and happy... YAY! Still, spread some love around! Find some family, friends or co-workers to do something FUN with! Go to a movie, bowling, skating... Where ever you are and what ever you do,  Love Someone!