Best New Christmas Albums of 2022
I feel pretty good about the new Christmas albums that came out this year. There really is something for everyone this time. Whether you like classic Christmas standards, new modern takes on classic standards, instrumental only, or even if you’re sick of all the same Christmas songs, there’s a large number of original non-traditional Christmas songs as well. I’ve listened to all of them. All 710 songs totaling just over 41 hours of new Christmas Music. I did the work for you, so you can skip the duds and go straight to the good stuff.
Before we start, let’s quickly review what, in my opinion, makes a “good” Christmas album. In order for any new Christmas song or album to be worthy it must meet at least 1 of the following 3 criteria.
It’s fun.
It’s sentimental.
It’s nostalgic.
Ready to dive in? First, lets talk about the albums that didn’t quite make my top list, but are still worth mentioning.
Pentatonix – Holidays Around The World
These guys release a Christmas album almost every single year, and for the first time ever, one did not make my top list. This album is a pretty big departure from all their other holiday albums, mainly because it’s done in different musical styles from around the world. It’s well done, it’s just not my thing. However, their arrangement of Silent Night is one of the most beautiful versions I’ve ever heard.
Norah Jones – I Dream of Christmas (Deluxe)
This is the deluxe version of her album that she released last year. It includes 7 new songs plus 5 live recordings. I reviewed the non deluxe version of this album last year, and just like last year I give it 2 very big sleepy thumbs down. Why is everything she does so damn sleepy? Her version of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas is literally at 39 bpm. It’s like listening to Christmas music while walking in mud with heavy shoes on. This album should have a disclaimer on it that says “Do not under any circumstances listen to this album while driving a car.”
Olivia Rox – An Olivia Rox Christmas
I don’t know who this girl is, but she’s very good. This is a well rounded album spanning multiple genres including pop, rock, jazz, and blues. No matter your musical tastes, there’s something for everyone on this one. If you only listen to one track, make it be O Holy Night. I promise you’ve never heard it done this way before.
Backstreet Boys – A Very Backstreet Christmas
It’s not rocket science. It’s Christmas songs sung by the Backstreet Boys, and it’s exactly what you would expect. If you’re a BSB fan then you’ll LOVE this album. If you’re not, then you can probably skip it. But if you’re indifferent like I am, then it’s worth a listen, because it does have its moments. One of them is This Christmas. It’s a pretty obvious song for them to do, but they do it well.
Macy Gray – Christmas With You
This is a very cool album with new and interesting arrangements on pretty much every song. Even though it didn’t quite make my top 5 list, you should still give it a listen. It’s very unique in all the best ways. Especially Blue Christmas and You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch.
The Christmas EP – Casey Kavanagh
Of course I have to plug my own Christmas album! This was a fun project I took on over the summer. The hardest part was just narrowing it down to 5 songs. I recorded, mixed and mastered this one all by myself, and I’m pretty pleased with how it turned out. At the very least, it’s not bad for my first time. If you’re only going to listen to one song, have it be Must Be Santa, because it features my adorable 8 year old, Oliver.
Alright, let’s get to the winners! I’m excited about how strong of a top 5 list I have this year. Here they are…
#5
Andrea Bocelli – A Family Christmas
This is one of two albums on my top 5 list this year that’s a family Christmas album. This album features Andrea Bocelli, his son Matteo, and his 10-year-old daughter Virginia. And yes, with a dad like Andrea Bocelli, you can bet these kids know how to sing.
Favorite Tracks
Do You Hear What I Hear – A lovely arrangement with the perfect Christmassy feel.
Away in a Manger – This one features both kids, and they’re both chips off the old block.
I’ll Be Home for Christmas – His voice is just so pure that he doesn’t need any flare to make his songs interesting.
#4
Alicia Keys – Santa Baby
I love Alicia Keys, but I don’t always love her music. I like the soulful R&B Alicia, and not so much the hip hop Alicia. This album hits all the perfect spots for me. This album is ONLY available on Apple Music, which is going to be a bummer for a lot of people. She recently left her record label and created her own, and this is her first album on it. Not sure why she chose to do an Apple Music exclusive, but luckily it didn’t stop me from being able to listen. I hope you can, too.
Favorite Tracks
Santa Baby – I don’t like the distorted vocals on this, but damn if this isn’t a sexy Christmas song.
My Favorite Things – this is a very interesting take on a song that I typically don’t like. Love the vibe.
Please Come Home for Christmas – LOVE it. This could be my new favorite version of this song.
Happy Xmas – I don’t usually love this song. I like the original, but I’ve never really cared for most covers of it. This one, however, is GREAT.
Not Even The King – She’s done this one for years. It’s not really a Christmas song, but if you haven’t heard it before, listen to it. It’s beautiful. Here’s my favorite live performance of it.
#3
Marc Martel – The Christmas Collection, Vol. II
What a surprise this album was! You likely don’t know who this guy is, but you’re about to love him! Marc Martel is the Freddie Mercury guy. He sounds SHOCKINGLY like him, and you’ve maybe heard his cover of Bohemian Rhapsody on YouTube. The guy is insanely talented, and even provided some of the vocals for the Bohemian Rhapsody movie that came out last year. If you’re a fan of Queen and you’ve always wanted a Freddie Mercury Christmas album, then you are in for a treat. I didn’t realize I wanted a Freddie Mercury Christmas album, but now that it’s here I can’t get enough. Do yourself a favor and put this entire album in your rotation.
Favorite Tracks
Zat You Santa Claus -First song on the album, and at first I was just casually listening, but this stopped me dead in my tracks. This guy is really something.
What Christmas Means to Me – If this doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit….
The Grinch – What a cool groove on this with a funky big band.
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day – Freddie Mercury singing Christmas from beyond the grave…it’s magic.
#2
Crowder – Milk & Cookies: A Merry Crowder Christmas
I’m so confused by this album, but I love it, start to finish. I had never heard of David Crowder before listening to this, but I am an instant fan. There’s a couple songs I could live without, but all in all, this is an expertly crafted album. It’s a perfect mix of Jesus Christmas with Santa Christmas and has both sentimental songs and funny songs and it’s just wonderful. There are 4 spoken word tracks with a crackling fireplace in the background with an almost Jimmy Stewart-like narration that moves the story along in the album. By all means, cherry pick your favorite songs, but honestly, before you do that, listen to the entire album start to finish. It’s a fun ride.
Favorite Tracks
Thanks Giver – This is a clever original song and is a top contender for best new Christmas song of the year.
Elf Song – Are you upset at how Elves are treated at Christmas? Then this song is for you. (Paul Thomlinson if you’re reading this, this song has your name all over it.)
The Ballad of Mrs. C – Mrs Claus has had enough of Santa’s bullshit, and here’s a rock song to tell about it.
Christmastime Is Here – No not that one. This is a new one, and it’s another contender for best new Christmas song.
Go Tell It On The Mountain – Bluegrass fun with Ricky Skaggs.
#1
Gloria Estefan – Estefan Family Christmas
This is the other family Christmas album and it’s a big one. With 17 tracks, it stars Gloria with her daughter, Emily, her 10-year-old grandson, Sasha, and a song with her husband, Emilio. Even their family pets get in on the action, and I’m not kidding. This album is definitely a family event, and it’s really quite special.
Favorite Tracks
Wonderful Christmastime – Christmas with a little bit of Latin flare to it.
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus – This a fun arrangement that switches from rock to swinging big band. Smart.
Please Come Home for Christmas – Another great arrangement. Her daughter Emily can SING.
I Wish I Could Be Santa Claus – Even though this song is actually from The Muppets, it wins my pick for the best new Christmas song of the year. Her husband sings it, and the first time I heard it, it moved me to almost tears.
Run, Little St. Nick – A mashup of the Beach Boys classic Little Saint Nick, with the Chuck Berry song Run Run Rudolph. It totally works!
As always, there are also a handful of Christmas singles out this year, as well as soooo many albums I don’t have time to talk about. There will also be some late additions as the last stragglers drop their albums in the next couple of weeks. I’m on it, and I’ll be adding those as they come. Also, even though an album didn’t make my list, it doesn’t mean there weren’t some great songs on it. That’s what the playlists are for. Don’t ignore the Best Of 2022 Playlist. There’s some real gems in there that I haven’t even talked about.
If you want to see the enormous list of what I listened to this year with ALL the new Christmas music for 2022 you can find that below. You will not find a more complete list anywhere online. I know because I’ve looked. You’ll have to click the link and open it in Spotify to access the entire list. Feel free to save it.
And if you only want the BEST of the new 2022 Christmas songs with all the songs I talked about above, plus all the hidden gems from all the other lesser known albums, you can find that playlist below. You’ll have to click the link and open it in Spotify to access the entire list. Feel free to save it.
And if you want the ULTIMATE Christmas playlist which includes all the best classics and all the best new stuff spanning the last 70 years including this year and all the other years, then here’s my Ultimate Christmas Playlist. It’s currently 505 songs and almost 28 hours of only the best Christmas songs and arrangements. You’ll have to click the link and open it in Spotify to access the entire list. Feel free to save it.
If you’re more of an instrumental music lover, there’s also quite a few new instrumental Christmas albums out this year. I put them all in a playlist just for you. You’ll have to click the link and open it in Spotify to access the entire list. Feel free to save it.
I know several people who hate Christmas music, only because they’re sick of hearing the same damn songs over and over every year. I see you. I hear you. And this year for the first time, I’ve made a playlist just for you. It’s all the new ORIGINAL Christmas music for this year. Non traditional songs that you’ve never heard before. It’s funny because if you hate Christmas music, then you likely stopped reading this about an hour ago. But, if for some reason you’re still with me, this one’s for you. You’ll have to click the link and open it in Spotify to access the entire list. Feel free to save it.
Fwew, that’s it. Now go listen to music and be merry. See you next year!
