One of the most exciting things about this time of year is the great selection of new holiday music releases!
We “flip the switch” on the Delilah radio program to all-Christmas programming earlier than most because I love the magical mood that Christmas music creates!
It’s the infusion of new music each year that makes our programming a fresh and welcome sound coming over the airwaves and spilling into your cars, your offices, and your homes, becoming a soundtrack to the memories you’re creating with co-workers, friends, and family.
And this year there are several albums full of fabulous additions to my playlist! I like to call them my “Christmas Music MUSTS,” that I just can’t wait to tell you about!
Kelly Clarkson is the first artist ever to top each of Billboard’s pop, adult contemporary, country, and dance charts. And there's a sampling of each of those genre's in her new album, “When Christmas Comes Around. “
The fun single, "Christmas Isn't Canceled (Just You)" is an empowering anthem to all those who refuse to give in to remorse or regret after a breakup, but instead look toward the future with hope and happiness in their heart (even if their stockings are empty on Christmas Day!)
"We are probably all in very different places emotionally ‘when Christmas comes around.’ Some consumed with a new love, some reminded of loss, some with optimism, others for much deserved time away from the chaos our work lives can sometimes bring us. I wanted everyone to be able to connect to a message on this album. While change can be unpredictable there is no better time of year to breathe hope into one’s life and let possibility wander.” ~ Kelly Clarkson
If you haven't downloaded it yet, you shouldn’t wait a second longer!
Find it here: When Christmas Comes Around
Rob Thomas has given yourself and someone like you (see what I did there?) a fun little gift this year, his first-ever Christmas album, “Something About Christmas Time.”
Rob put a lot of thought into this 10-track compilation. It is a beautiful mix of new, like “Small Town Christmas” inspired by the picturesque community he and his wife live in north of New York City, old, with covers of Bryan Adams and Ray Charles recordings, as well as some lovely collaborations with friends; pop sensation, Ingrid Michaelson, gospel star, Bebe Winans, and country legend, Brad Paisley.
As the host of a dedication show, I appreciate that not every track is what you’d call “happy.” Christmas brings about the full range of emotions, and Rob’s new album speaks to them all. You can listen to Rob and I chatting about “Something About Christmas” and all kinds of other random topics on an upcoming December podcast episode!
The album dropped in October, and is available wherever you get your music!
Here's a link to help you on your way: Something About Christmas Time
Know who else is supplying a whole new album’s worth of holiday happiness? Pentatonix! With the release of their 6th holiday themed album, “Evergreen”.
The beloved a cappella quintet has become practically synonymous with Christmas on the Delilah radio show, and I can’t wait to add their new tracks to my merry musical mix! “The Prayer” nearly brought me to my knees, as it will you, and "It’s Been a Long, Long Time", seems long, long overdue. (Yes, it’s THAT good!) The deluxe album contains a whopping 14 new tracks that we’ll all be playing on repeat!
4 of the 5 members joined me on my podcast LOVE SOMEONE with Delilah earlier this year. It was an incredible opportunity to get to know these amazing individuals whose blended voices give us the gift of the unique Pentatonix sound - so be sure to listen in.
Get your copy and several more to share here: Evergreen
(And take the opportunity to watch the video for “The Prayer”!)
“Behold.” The name along conjures great joy and anticipation, and everything on this rich album by Lauren Daigle meets those expectations.
Lauren and I were able to sit down and chat recently and we had the greatest conversation about life, faith, growth, and MUSIC. (Listen HERE) She infuses each song she performs with her love for the Lord and that unbridled joy is passed on to us as we listen.
“Behold” is a collection of 13 tracks that remind us of the reason for the season. You’ll want to pay close attention to the powerful “Light of the World”, her fun and jazzy version of “Jingle Bells”, and her unique rendition of “What Child is This”.
Treat yourself and fill a few stockings with Behold
Then spend a moment watching the album trailer & the “Jingle Bells” video.
I love to kick off my Christmas play list with “Everyday Is Christmas,” from the oh-so-talented SIA!
It’s a fun, whimsical album, chock-full of original music like the mega-hit “Snowman” which has over 500 million streams! This year “Everyday is Christmas” is being produces as a deluxe edition with 3 new bonus tracks including the fresh “Santa Visits Everyone ,“ a fun new “Snowman” remix, and a cover of Perry Como's "Round & Round".
If I had it my way, everyday would be Christmas.
Pick up the new Deluxe Edition here: Everyday is Christmas
We fell in love with all that is Darren Criss (multitalented musician, songwriter, stage & screen actor) through his various roles in Glee, Versace: American Crime Story, Hollywood, and others… and yet I’ve just found a whole new reason to sing his praises; his first full length album, “A Very Darren Crissmas.”
It features original songs, creative re-imaginings of classic tunes, and rarely covered hidden gems - plus guest appearances by Adam Lambert, Evan Rachel Wood and Lainey Wilson! It’s a remarkable collection of tracks curated with the dual purpose of connection - those with personal significance - and consideration - those that make you think twice.
Whatever his process, he had me at “I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas,” a looooong time favorite since way back when my children (who now have children) were small.
Having a merry little Christmas is all but guaranteed
when you get your copy of A Very Darren Crissmas
“Farewell December” is a full LP of festive favorites released by singer-songwriter, Matt Nathanson.
It’s a 12-track set that delivers the homey blend of rock, folk, and pop the guy who brought us the platinum single, “Come On Get Higher” is known for. Matt has a unique way of connecting with his audiences when performing live, and the same authenticity is felt through his recordings.
I want to be the one he’s singing “Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)” to, and when I get there, I hope he serenades me with his cover of Joni Mitchell’s “River.” He also takes on “Blue Christmas” , “I Believe in Father Christmas”, and “Little Drummer Boy” featuring Donovan Woods, and several others that will get you into the spirit!
After downloading this LP, you won’t want to say Farewell December
On Friday, November 5, superstar, award-winning artists, Mariah Carey, Khalid and Kirk Franklin, debuted their new single, “Fall in Love at Christmas”!
The R&B and Gospel infused ballad, promising to be a new holiday classic, arrives just in time for the season. and is streaming on all digital platforms. The three artists also premiered the video for “Fall in Love at Christmas”; filmed at Carey’s home and the Butterfly Lounge in LA, and featuring her twins, Monroe and Moroccan, evoking the warm and loving spirit of the holidays.
Mariah will continue celebrating the season with a new holiday event on Apple TV+ in December, featuring the first and only exclusive performance of “Fall in Love at Christmas” with Carey, Khalid and Franklin.
There may be no new romance for me, but I know I’ll still
“Fall in Love at Christmas”
(with this new single!)
Listen to: “Fall in Love at Christmas”
Watch the video: “Fall in Love at Christmas”
