Sounds to get you festive for the holidays. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Sounds to get you festive for the holidays.

Renee's review of new holiday albums to get you ready for the holiday season.

12
Sounds to get you festive for the holidays.

While most of America is getting into the haunted spirit this weekend for Halloween, I am looking ahead to the holiday spirit by getting ahead and reviewing some holiday albums that your family and friends will love. As you sip on your eggnog, or wrap presents, these albums will help you get into the Christmas spirit...

JORDAN SMITH-TIS THE SEASON:

The newly crowned winner from The Voice has not disappointed us from his sweet voice from singing classics like Santa Claus Is Coming To Town with a jazzy/gospel spin to What Child Is This to remind us what the season is really about. His album will make you smile this season as you hustle and bustle. You will be the life of the Christmas party when playing Rocking Around The Christmas Tree. Such a perfect combination of his vocal abilities and a reminder at why he is the reigning champ of The Voice. I wouldn't be surprised to see Smith making the holiday special rounds on TV.

PENTATONIX-A PENTATONIX CHRISTMAS:

Our favorite acapella group is back with their latest holiday album. I found myself nodding my head to the upbeat Up On The Housetop which is a sweet upgrade for 2016. I also enjoyed the happy-grooving Christmas Sing-Along, which put a smile on my face. Their first release, Hallelujah left me in such a grateful mood and yes, I did get misty eyed at how all of their vocals blended together on such a special song. While I enjoyed them covering the *NSYNC classic Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, their vocal talents really shine on the track Coventry Carol. Pentatonix reminds us why we look forward to hearing to their albums all year long, whether it be Christmas or in the summertime.

STRAIGHT NO CHASER-I'LL HAVE ANOTHER CHRISTMAS ALBUM:

Straight No Chaser is my state's best kept secret. This group that was founded on the grounds on my alma mater, Indiana University twenty years ago. They have been featured on PBS for their holiday specials, performed around the world and even had the task of performing Back Home Again In Indiana at the first Indy 500 after Jim Nabors retired in 2014. Fans across the country love them, and you will too after hearing their latest Christmas album, I'll Have Another Christmas Album. From timeless favorites like Do You Hear What I Hear and even Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You, to fun songs like To Christmas! (The Drinking Song) However, my favorite song from the album is Mary, Did You Know? You really get to see the vocal talent from SNC. This album will quickly be a favorite to audiences young and old.

RASCAL FLATTS-THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL:

One plus that I love about holiday albums is the originality to classics. That is exactly what Rascal Flatts did on their new holiday album. This album is simple, calming and original. I enjoyed their version of Deck The Halls, which takes a different spin from previous versions one may hear. One song that got me in the mood is called A Strange Way To Save The World, which describes Mary and Joseph's fear as they welcomed baby Jesus into the world and what they were getting themselves in TO upon King Jesus's birth. I love that there are more Christmas songs that deal with Jesus's birth and not the secular parts of what the holiday brings. While the songs explore a funk, pop sound, the band doesn't stray from their country background.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

1509
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16336
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3426
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you donā€™t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldnā€™t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments