Cher, Gregory Porter, and Kate Rusby Bring Festive Cheer with New Christmas Albums

As the winter chill sets in, musical warmth is delivered by some of pop and folk's beloved artists, with their own spins on Christmas tunes. From classic standards to new holiday hits, these albums are set to create the perfect festive ambiance.

Gregory Porter's Soulful Celebrations

Gregory Porter's debut Christmas album, 'Christmas Wish', presents his deep baritone voice in a glowing tribute to legends like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Nat King Cole. Standout tracks include an elegant rendition of 'Cradle In Bethlehem' and a charming duet in 'What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?'. Amidst a mix of soul and swing, some originals add personal touch, with a heartfelt nod to Porter's mother, softened only by a tang of festive cheese here and there.

Cher's Campy Christmas Party

Cher adds some flamboyant sparkle to the season with her dance-heavy 'Christmas' album. It's a frolic through auto-tuned melodies and glam rock, featuring lively duets with icons like Michael Bublé and Cyndi Lauper. It's a party record certain to get Christmas revelers on their feet.

Sabrina Carpenter's Youthful Yule

Ex-Disney star Sabrina Carpenter brings wit on her Christmas mini-LP 'Fruitcake', blending playful originals and a touch of heartache. Sharp and sugar-coated, the album offers catchy tunes that are bound to resonate with younger audiences, especially on tracks like the cheeky 'Nonsense Christmas'.

Gavin DeGraw's Fireside Favorites

Gavin DeGraw's 'A Classic Christmas' is a snug collection perfect for cozy evenings. It's a safe array of holiday favorites with a spirited take on 'Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree', although it could benefit from a dash more innovation.

Kate Rusby's Folkloric Feels

Folk queen Kate Rusby sticks to her roots in 'Light Years', her latest in a line of seasonal albums. Her enchanting vocals adorn both vibrant originals and tranquil carols, with a surprising interpretation of Chris de Burgh's 'A Spaceman Came Travelling'. Her distinctive voice and diverse arrangements make for a fresh auditory journey through Christmas folklore.

Hauser's Classy Instrumental Carols

Hauser's album gathers a collection of carols and standards with a classical twist, suited for all your holiday activities. The Croatian cellist delivers a suite filled with festive spirit, from the lively 'Carol Of The Bells' to a grand orchestral 'White Christmas'.

Christmas, music, albums