It’s that time of year again when divas don their sequined Santa hats, sprinkle glitter like snow and spread holiday cheer with new Christmas music. This year the pickings are scarce (no thanks Gwen Stefani and Sia, I’ll pass), however in my gay opinion, the best gifts came in small packages of singles and EPs this year.
Alexander Jean’s
“We Three Kings” single isn’t your typical carol. Alexander Jean has put their sound all over it and now this carol rocks. If you’re going to do a song called “We Three Kings” then you need to change your duo to a trio and Casey Abrams was a great addition.
Sophie B Hawkins’ “Christmas Reminds Me Of You” single is a beautiful pop carol that she herself wrote. It has that old school Sophie sound. Not only is it a great song but the proceeds go to a great cause, the Ricky Martin Foundation to help the people of Puerto Rico.
Jody Watley’s “Like A Holiday” single is a smooth, romantic, R&B original that tells the story of Christmas today. Getting away from the stresses to celebrate a holiday with a loved one.This song will not only get you in the mood for the holiday but any other time as well.
An Echosmith Christmas EP is full of pop joy. “Baby Don’t Leave Me (All Alone On Christmas)” and “I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day” are Echosmith originals where “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” is a cover with Hunter Hayes. They should have done it with Kevin Bacon since it has such an 80’s “Footloose” sound.
Ingrid Michaelson’s Snowfall is a low-key EP full of acoustic bliss. Ingrid’s unique voice brings life to the classic songs “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” as well as three of her own soon-to-be-classics.
Jane Lynch’s A Swingin’ Little Christmas is the only full holiday album I’ve bought this year. It set out to sound like an old-time Christmas album and succeeded. Even the original songs on the album fit perfectly with the classics, all done in the same swing style. However, if it’s not 70’s Bette Midler, then I can only handle swing in small doses. I bought A Swingin’ Little Christmas because I went to a concert where Jane Lynch, Kate Flannery and Tim Davis were doing a CD signing afterwards. Since I’m a sucker for a double diva stalking (Jane and Kate…with Tim being bonus eye candy) and autographed merch, A Swingin’ Little Christmas is now in my collection.
Whatever religion you are or whichever divas you follow, I hope this time of year brings you as much happiness as this music has brought me.
