During the holiday season artists put their spin on classic Christmas songs. One of the great things about Christmas music is that it can be interpreted to fit everyone’s personality, whether you want to listen, from jazz to classical Christmas music.
Susan Boyle claims the number one spot on Billboard’s Holiday Albums. The Britain’s Got Talent star released her sophomore album entitled “The Gift.” The album consists of classic Christmas songs such as “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Auld Lang Syne” and “Hallelujah” and new interpretations of classic songs such as “Don’t Dream It’s Over.” It is understandable as to why she is number one; her voice is like a Christmas Angel.
Soprano prodigy Jackie Evancho from America’s Got Talent released her debut album, “O Holy Night,” Nov. 16 and it has shot through the roof on the Billboard charts. Her album has many classic songs such as “Silent Night” and “O Holy Night.” Evancho’s music is unique because she is only 10 years old but she has a very mature, operatic voice. Not only does she sing beautifully, her voice is very mature for her age.
For all “Gleeks”, Glee released another album entitled “Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album.” This album has a different interpretation of the typical Christmas songs. For instance, “Deck the Rooftop” is a mash up of “Deck the Halls” and “Up on the Rooftop” with a similar arrangement of “Single Ladies” by Beyonce. Since the TV show takes place in high school the songs are upbeat and whimsical, such as “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “The Most Wonderful Day of the Year” from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.
Mariah Carey released her second Christmas album entitled “Merry Christmas II You” which follows her first holiday album, “Merry Christmas.” Her album is the second holiday album in history to top the R&B album charts. “Here Comes Santa Clause” and “Oh Santa!” have an R&B/Pop flavor. She also remade the jazzy tune “Charlie Brown Christmas.” If you are the type of person that loves beats and rhythms, this album is for you.
Lady Antebellum has a Christmas album entitled “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” They have a new song called “On This Winter’s Night” which was inspired by the bandmates’ Christmas memories, according to Billboard Magazine. They also have holiday favorites such as “Silver Bells” and “Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow.”
Coldplay just released a new song and video entitled “Christmas Lights.” In the music video, the band plays on a stage reminiscent of a pop-up book. Coldplay is known for experimenting with different styles of music, like the art-rock used in “Viva la Vida” or “Death and All His Friends.” However in the video they are taking a different approach with fireworks and three Elvis impersonators gliding across the stage with violins.
Even though artists remake Christmas songs every year, various genres approach every song differently so it never stays the same.
