Christmas Albums

I have no desire to rank the best Christmas albums of all time, or anything like that.  I rarely buy anything to listen to for Christmas because I would rather spend cash on stuff I can keep listening to after Christmas.  But on occasion I find something that I must have for holiday enjoyment.  Here are my personal favorites that I will be spinning through Christmas Day.  These are in no particular order.

Behold the Lamb of God - Andrew Peterson

The best Christ-centered incarnation (notice I didn't say Christmas) album I've ever heard.  "So Long, Moses" is fantastic (history of redemption) as is "Labor of Love" (perspective of Mary).

From "So Long Moses"

He'll bear no beauty or glory
Rejected, despised
A man of such sorrow
We'll cover our eyes

He'll take up our sickness
Carry our tears
For his people
He will be pierced

He'll be crushed for our evils
Our punishment feel
By his wounds
We will be healed.

From you, O Bethlehem
Small among Judah
A ruler will come
Ancient and strong.

The Andy Williams Christmas Album - Andy Williams

My favorite "old school" Christmas album.  It was the staple in my home as a kid.  Great holiday favorites mixed with Christmas hymns.  Also a few unique pieces like a very interesting version of "Jingle Bells."

Rose of Bethlehem - Selah

Another good Christ-centered album.  It's very hard to beat these harmonies from a creative trio.  "Rose of Bethlehem" is my personal favorite from this album, but my wife really digs "Mystery" which is one singer standing in awe of the incarnation and the love of God.  Their version of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" (my favorite Christmas hymn) presents a profound sense of longing and crying out.

When My Heart Finds Christmas - Harry Connick, Jr.

He has a newer Christmas album out, but this one is his best IMHO.  Part of the reason is the incredible title track "When My Heart Finds Christmas."  This album is at times beautiful, other times it's fun.  A family favorite every year and probably the best all-around Christmas album.

A Romantic Christmas - John Tesh

Everyone loves to make fun of John Tesh and make fun of the people who like John Tesh.  I have two of his albums, both instrumental, and they are fantastic.  Winter Song is one of my favorite soft classical albums.  Great for reading, studying, getting cozy and all that.  But for Christmas it's A Romantic Christmas.  There is no better music for late nights in mid December, sipping mocha by the fireplace with your hot wife, and then making out later.   If you aren't married yet, hurry up so you can make out to this stuff.  It's really good.

Comments

[Justin Sok]

The Andy Williams album has had a rich history in my family. My grandparents first purchased the tape, and copied it and gave it to my father and my aunt. Every Christmas, as long as I can remember, that tape has been almost the "theme" music for our household around Christmas.

I also love the Harry Connick and Selah albums. Here are a few I would add to the list...

Miracles - Kenny G
Christmas - Mannheim Steamroller
A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Soundtrack - Vince Guaraldi

[Kevin Jones]

Thanks for the list.

One of my favorite Christmas albums is Bruce Cockburn's, "Christmas."

[Joe Kennedy]

I have to be honest, Louis Armstrong's version of "Christmas in New Orleans" is making me emotional right now. But it's Relient K's "I Celebrate the Day" that is probably my favorite Christmas song. I don't think they sell "Deck the Halls, Bruise Your Hand" as a stand-alone album though. I think they sell it with Two Lefts...

[Susan]

I bought Andrew Peterson's CD last Christmas for new music to use at my church's Christmas Eve Service. My favorite is "Labor of Love." The whole album is great, though and I'd love to be able to be in Nashville for the Christmas Concert they are doing December 11 with Mindy Smith, Pierce Pettis, Phil Madeira, Jill Phillips, Derek Webb, Sandra McCracken, Randall Goodgame, Andrew Osenga, Ben Shive, Matt Slocum .... Oy!

[Big Chris]

Even John Tesh makes fun of John Tesh. Really. I've seen him do it.

Big Chris
Because I said so blog

[Steve McCoy]

Haha. That's true Chris. Late night shows and all that. Pretty funny stuff.

[Jameswife]

We love Harry Connick's... and I have to agree about Charlie Brown's Christmas Justin, it's my kids' absolute favorite (they grab hands and try to dance like Snoopy!). Have any of you listened to Nicole C Mullins "Gifts from You" off her black and white album? We like to decorate the tree to it every year... or James Taylor's that came out last year through Halmark? Talk about one to slow groove with your honey of a husband! We bake to the Nutcracker Suite, read the Christmas story with Celtic Carols by Bruce Greer playing low in the background! It would be hard, indeed, to put a finger on what our favorite is.

[Lukas McKnight]

You have forgotten the only Christmas album I can stomach- Christmas Island by Jimmy Buffett.

[Russell D. Moore]

Andrew Peterson, yes. Harry Connick Jr., yes. Making out with one's hot wife, yes. But John Tesh? John Tesh?

[Steve McCoy]

Hey Russ. Man, just check it out. You will thank me later, and so will your wife. :)

[Scott]

I agree, John Tesh's Christmas album is great! A must have for the collection.

[Steve McCoy]

Scott, you bailed me out. I was hoping I wasn't the only person in the world with that CD, other than Connie Selleca of course.

[Scott]

The key is not caring what others think. I'm so far beyond trends. If it pleases my ears and heart, I listen to it. That also explains other not-so-hip musicians in my top ___ collection: John Denver, Mannheim Steamroller, Barry Manilow, Neil Diamond, Enya, and even Yanni (particularly when I'm cleaning my windows on a Saturday afternoon).

[Benji Magness]

I highly recommend "The Darkest Night of the Year" or "Snow Angels" by the band Over the Rhine {or any of their non-Christmas cd's..} Appreciate your blog!

[Steve McCoy]

I have other OTR, but not Christmas. I can believe they would be amazing. Thanks Benji.