There’s nothing quite like turning the radio on and hearing Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas” because, well, you know that means the holidays are fast approaching and the year is coming to an end — and with the year we’ve all had, we can’t wait to say goodbye to 2020. And to help us usher in this new era, artists like Meghan Trainor, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and more wanted to make sure we had the best possible holiday soundtrack.
While the decorations can be up, there’s nothing that sets the mood quite like a good song. And there are so many good options to pick from this year from Leslie Odom, Jr. to Dolly Parton, as well as new albums from Annie Lennox and the Goo Goo Dolls.
So, while it might be easy to stick to the classic tunes we’ve grown to love like renditions of “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” “White Christmas”, and “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire),” these 15 artists recorded new songs and albums in 2020 that you should add to your playlist now.
‘My Gift’ by Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood dropped her 11-song album My Gift in September which features classics like “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee,” “O Holy Night,” “Away in a Manger,” “Silent Night” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” — the country superstar also has a few new tracks and a collaboration with John Legend.
‘Here This Christmas’
Gwen Stefani’s Here This Christmas was written by OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder, Brent Kutzle, and John Varnadore and will be the theme song for this year’s Hallmark Channel “Countdown to Christmas”.
‘Under The Mistletoe’
Kelly Clarkson and Brett Eldredge’s “Under the Mistletoe” is a perfect new addition to your holiday playlist written by Clarkson and Aben Eubanks.
‘A Christmas Cornucopia’
Annie Lennox will release a digitally remastered version of A Christmas Cornucopia to mark the album’s 10 year anniversary. “I’m absolutely delighted to be releasing the 10th Anniversary of A Christmas Cornucopia. 2020 has been an unprecedented year around the world”, Lennox said in a statement.
All proceeds earned from Lennox’s original composition on the album, “Universal Child”, will be paid to The Annie Lennox Foundation.
‘A Very Trainor Christmas’ by Meghan Trainor
Meghan Trainor producedA Very Trainor Christmas while at home with her family these last few months. And the holiday album features collaborations with her dad as well as tracks written by her brothers.
“My older brother wrote all the lyrics with me,” Meghan told SheKnows. “And my dad played the piano on ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ so I get to cherish that forever.”
‘On This Winters Night’
Lady A revamped their 2012 Christmas album On This Winter’s Night renditions of The Beach Boys’ “Little Saint Nick”, Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime,” and Ray Charles’ “The Spirit of Christmas” — the 12-track will also feature an original song called “Christmas Through Your Eyes.”
‘Neon Christmas’
Mitchell Tenpenny’s Neon Christmas features new songs “Snow Angels” and “Holidays”, as well as the title track “Neon Christmas” — the album also has classics like “Joy to the World,” “O Holy Night” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.
‘The Christmas Album’
Leslie Odom Jr. released The Christmas Album Nov. 6 — this is the Hamilton stars’ second holiday album and features two songs, “Snow” and “Winter Song” with Cynthia Erivo.
‘A Holly Dolly Christmas’ by Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton’s A Holly Dolly Christmas is the country stars’ first full-length Christmas album in 30 years and features guest performances by Michael Bublé, Jimmy Fallon, Willie Nelson, Billy Ray Cyrus, Miley Cyrus, and Randy Parton.
‘A Tori Kelly Christmas’
Tori Kelly released her holiday album A Tori Kelly Christmas on Oct. 30 and includes two original festive anthems as well as a selection of beloved classics like “Let It Snow”.
‘The First Noel’
The American Idol alum Gabby Barret’s “The First Noel” is the country singer’s first holiday track.
“Christmas is one of my absolute favorite days of the year,” the American Idol alum said in a statement. “My faith is the cornerstone of my life, so being able to share both with ‘The First Noel’ is a gift. I feel so blessed to do what I do every day, and I hope that this song adds something special to your holidays.”
‘December Baby’
JoJo’s soul-filled 13-track album, December Baby, dropped Oct. 30 and is a blend of new songs and festive classics like “Noelle” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”.
‘Home Free’
Warmest Winter by vocal group Home Free is a special holiday album blending holiday classics with new songs and collaborations.
‘Happiest Season’ Soundtrack
The Happiest Season soundtrack features new songs by Sia, Anne-Marie, Bebe Rexha, Shea Diamond, Brandy Clark, Carlie Hanson, and more.
‘A Drummer Boy Christmas’
The Grammy award-winning Australian duo KING & COUNTRY released their first-ever full-length Christmas album, A Drummer Boy Christmas Oct. 30 — the 13 track features two original Christmas songs entitled “Heavenly Hosts” and a ballad from Joseph’s perspective “A Carol of Joseph.”
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