It’s sounding like ‘Fa-La La-La La Fa-La La La’! Yes, it is indeed that time of the year again. In my personal household we are starting to decorate our new place and my wife is beyond anxious to put up the tree. Once we’ve done our last store run, It’s Giving Christmas, will be an understatement in comparison to the wonderland our home is going to look. The compromise on my end is listening to any and all Christmas songs while we decorate! We all know the classics or the Jackson 5 Christmas album all of our parents played ha. However, I’m going to share a favorite album of mine as well as a couple of singles released from artists so far this December 2024.
I’m going to start with saying, I don’t care if its biased and you agree or not on my first choice! Ha ha! The Christmas album ‘Under The Mistletoe’ by Justin Bieber is hands down one of my favorites to play every holiday season. The mix of traditional song selections with new ones written specifically for the album; the team did not miss on this gem. He also received assists from artists that are known for their holiday release each year too; Mariah Carey, Usher, Boys II Men, and more. The creative remixes and smooth vocals Justin shows across the album easily make it a favorite of mine. Additionally, it was released early in the artist’s career, so it really is an album that all ages can enjoy. My favorite one from the album is “Christmas Eve”; which was also co-written, co-produced, and contains back ground vocals from Chris Brown. Out of all songs this one may be the least Christmas sounding, but the passion poured out makes up for any other possible flaw. I highly recommend checking the track list out and seeing if you find a new favorite.
My next recommendation is an artist that with each release is moving up in my top 20 need to listen to people. His name is ASTN, pronounced Austin, and he also has a buttery smooth voice on most songs he writes or features on. You will definitely find his music on my website playlists, because I do believe his artistry fills a missed sound of RnB that we often say is lacking in today’s music industry. Both Christmas songs he’s released last and this December easily were downloaded and on repeat in my collection. ‘Last Christmas’ and ‘Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)’ by ASTN are only a scratched surface of what I believe is yet to come in his career. If you like those two selections after huddling around the fireplace this season; I also highly suggest checking out the EP ASTN released early this year ‘What A Night to Be in Love’. All RnB advocates please don’t sleep on this one~
I saved the best for last on this one because BAE BEE; Coco Jones did not come this 2024 Christmas year. Coco by the Fireplace is a four track EP she released towards the end of November to get us in the spirit once December came. I’ve probably listened to the EP at least 6 times now, and will soon have my wife annoyed to hear it as the month progresses, teehee. Through the four tracks you’ll feel the joy and reflection people often express throughout the holidays. My personal favorite from the EP is ‘Call on Christmas’. The song samples the recognizable classic ‘Cause I love You’ by Lenny Williams. Additionally, I do believe the beginning string progression, heard throughout the song, is very familiar to another track produced in more regency to the classic sampled. Songs like these instantly attract my attention, because of the homage it pays to the original track created. This project honestly does speak for itself, so go listen and don’t just take my word for it. With her work ethic and vocal range from her other ballads, I can see Coco inserting herself as the new holiday “It” girl. Again, this is only my opinion; please don’t come for me Mariah or her Lamb fan base.
The holidays can be different for any family, couples, or individuals themselves; but I do like to believe the music produced during this time brings warmth to the season. Are there other must have Christmas songs or albums I missed? Do you actually celebrate the holiday or just enjoy all the traditions involved with it? Whether you have a reason or not, I do hope this holiday is enjoyable for all. I’m hopeful my recommendations also find you well and you’ll discover songs and artist you want to add to your holiday collection. Now if you’ll excuse me, the spiked nog and ‘No Time Like Christmas’ by Christopher Maurice Brown are calling my name! Happy holidays to all and I can’t wait to soon share what Tab Productions has upcoming for the new year!
