Best
Christmas by Michael Bublé – The man is a Canadian treasure and his voice is angelic. His Christmas album is the only thing you need all December.
Christmas of Hope by various artists – This is the Christmas album I grew up listening to. My mom and I are particularly fond of of Bruce Springsteen’s “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”
Now That’s What I Call Christmas! by various artists – All of your favourites in one place! Between “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” performed by Frank Sinatra and “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” performed by Band Aid (ignoring the fact that it’s slightly problematic but super catchy) and countless other classics, you’ll have almost two hours of music for your holiday get-together.
Home for Christmas by NSYNC – Bless ‘90s boy bands. NSYNC may not have been my personal favourite (Backstreet Boys 4 lyfe!), but I respect the fact that they put out an entire Christmas album. So if you love Justin Timberlake, or whoever else was in NSYNC, this is the Christmas album for you.
A 604 Records Christmas by various artists – This album features covers and original songs for the winter season. It has some of the most popular Canadian artists such as Carly Rae Jepsen and Marianas Trench frontman Josh Ramsay.
Worst
A Charlie Brown Christmas by Vince Guaraldi – I hate Charlie Brown and I really hate this album. This movie is terrible and “Christmas Time is Here” makes me want to die. I hope someone burns that pathetic little tree to the ground.
Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album by Glee – I know there are still some diehard Gleeks out there, but the show took a downward spiral early on. The fact that they got to a point where they could put out a Christmas album is upsetting. And they put it out in season two? Yikes.
The Chanukah Song by Adam Sandler – Technically not Christmas, and technically not an album, but still the worst. I don’t care who you are, if you think any part of this song is good or funny you need to seriously re-evaluate who you are as a person.
Christmas in the Stars: Star Wars Christmas Album by various artists – Anyone who’s seen the Star Wars Holiday Special knows this album is a tire fire. The album is mostly performed by the actor who played C-3PO. It also has the first professional recording of Jon Bon Jovi — so, there’s that, I guess.
Merry Christmas by Mariah Carey – I know Christmas albums are her thing, but has anyone stopped to ask if we really need that many from her? It’s time to stop, Mariah. Just retire.
