Blogmas Day #20: Festive Music Recommendations

Hi guys!

I have previously brought you a music related Blogmas post before in the form of my 'My Top Christmas Tunes' but being such a music lover and working at HMV means the Christmas albums/compilations are being HAMMERED and bought all the time, so as I have been working all day I thought it would be appropriate.

Now That's What I Call Christmas gets the usual re-release each year usually with the addition of one or two songs like the ones from the John Lewis adverts or some other modern tunes with the right exposure (Tom Odell, Band Aid 30, Leona Lewis and Kelly Clarkson's recent festive tracks all need additions soon!). The current compilation is probably the best you'll find in terms of the mixture of classics and also newbies, what with the wonderful John Lennon's seventies classic opening disc one, and Gabrielle Aplin's 2012 cover being the closer. Disc one is STELLAR, disc two and three are a bit more patchy but you'll still find gems within it. With the likes of Lennon, The Pogues and Wizzard, of course I'm sold! Even if work has it on repeat for seven hours...

Another compilation here, named after the instantly recognisable Bing Crosby mega-hit. This track listing is rather interesting as new festive Frozen favourite Idina Menzel's modern take of the Crosby classic is the top of the list, closely followed by Buble. Some of the classics are in there (The Pogues) as well as some horrors (Tom Jones/Cerys Matthews rendition of 'Baby It's Cold Outside' *shudders*). However, there are some lesser known festive tracks that aren't quite radio staples such as 'Home for Christmas' by Kate Bush, making this one more of a unique listen. Plus it's a slash of the price!

This one or the 1994 'Merry Christmas' album are interchangeable, as they're both enjoyable. However, the brilliant track 'Oh Santa!' is only on this one. Mariah's second stunt at Christmas queen with this release (courtesy of featured music video with Bieber) was a stroke of genius, maybe just for 'Oh Santa!' alone. SERIOUSLY it's such an infectious track, even moreso with the dance-heavy music video! Her classic 'All I Want For Christmas' is also on here and that saccharine but accepted festive staple is also another reason to purchase alone. 

If you're one who prefers more of a relaxing soundtrack, then this one is for you. I do quite love classical music myself, just because it's so chill out, and those harmonies are glorious. This album teams all the most recognisable mainstream classical artists today, such as the likes of Katherine Jenkins, Josh Groban, Alfie Boe and talent show alumni such as Jonathan & Charlotte, Richard & Adam, Collabro, Lucy Kay and of course, Susan Boyle! Some really gorgeous renditions of festive radio staples and carols.

A 21st century Christmas just wouldn't be a 21st century Christmas without a bit of Buble! While some moments are a bit cringe (such as the exchanges in 'Jingle Bells' between him and the girls), his vocals are just liquid gold, and combined with some Christmas classics covers and a dollop of dramatic production, it's a brilliant soundtrack to accompany the wintery days and nights. It's always amusing seeing Tanya Burr and Jim blasting this for vlogmas too!

I hope you guys liked my recommendations! Do you own any of these albums?

Jade xx