8 New Holiday Albums Worth a Spot in Your Yuletune Collection

By now we are all snow boot-deep in yet another holiday season filled with yuletide logs, office holiday parties, ugly Christmas sweaters and drunk uncles. But even with all that, no crazy holiday season is complete without the perfect soundtrack. While this year doesn’t have A-plus offerings like 2013’s releases from folks like Michael Bublé and Kelly Clarkson, there are still a handful of new works worthy of a spot in your holiday music collection.

Holiday Wishes by Idina Menzel
The Frozen diva takes on Christmas classics in her latest holiday set. The track list includes “Do You Hear What I Hear,” a worthy remake of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” and a duet with Michael Bublé on “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.”

Holiday For Swing by Seth MacFarlane
Outside of doing the character voices for and creating Family Guy, Seth MacFarlane has proven himself to be quite the entertainer, and his holiday album truly showcases a new set of talents. While at times it’s a bit campy—especially on his renditions of “Baby It’s Cold Outside” with Norah Jones—he really shines on songs like “Let It Snow,” “Marshmallow World” and “Mele Kalikimaka.”

Christmas At Downtown Abbey
This decorative record from the much loved show will not only tickle your sugarplums, but it will also take you back to a more classical time, in tune with the theme of the award-grabbing smash series. Cast members Elizabeth McGovern, Julian Ovenden and Jim Carter add that Abbey music flair that fans of the show come to know and love. By the way, it’s a double-disc set for double the Downton holiday pleasure.

Christmas with Nashville
If you want to put some giddy-up in your holiday shopping step this season, then this festive offering from the hit ABC show is the one for you. Hang the stockings with care while cast members Hayden Panettiere, Connie Britton, Jonathan Jackson, Clare Bowen and others take on “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” “Blue Christmas,” and “Have Yourself A Merry Christmas.”

Home For The Holidays by Darius Rucker
Get down with the artist formerly know as Hootie as he delivers his first hoedown holiday set. Part original material, part old-school classics, each one is delivered with a mistletoe twang for the holidays that only Mr. Rucker can truly provide. Dive into his takes on “Winter Wonderland,” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” and those country music chestnuts really get roasting when Sheryl Crow stops by to warm things up on “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.”

Holiday by Earth, Wind and Fire
For those just trying to get up and do their thing for the holidays, Earth, Wind and Fire’s festive holiday release is just the funked-up album for cozy nights in front of the fireplace. Go for a music sleigh ride with the classic soul group as they take on holiday classics, “Winter Wonderland,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Away In A Manger,” and “What Child Is This?” Get down, then get it on up for the holidays.

Christmas In New York by Renee Fleming
The world-renowned soprano brings down the house for the holidays, teaming up with everyone from Rufus Wainright and Gregory Porter to Chris Botti and Kelli O’Hara for a bounty of holiday reworks. After one listen to Fleming and friends on “Sleigh Ride,” “Silver Bells,” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” you will feel all “Big Apple” inside just in time for the holidays.

Merry Christmas by Mariah Carey
I know, I know, it’s not exactly new, but did you realize this holiday treasure turned 20 this year? Say what you want about the diva, she’s laughing all the way to the bank because no matter what, “All I Want For Christmas Is You” will be decking the halls for all eternity, as well as this classic and beloved holiday set.

Extra reading

• Christmas Music 101 With “The Night Before On XPN Host” Robert Drake
• 2014 Philadelphia Holiday Event Guides