It wouldn’t be Christmas without a woman in a spangly dress crooning carols and belting out ballads with the help of some equally spectacular guests. Here are the latest ladies launching new holiday albums — no cash-grab reissues; sorry, Mariah — complete with streaming links. Yo go, girls.
Idina Menzel
Christmas: A Season of Love
THE PRESS RELEASE: “Tony Award-winning actress and singer Idina Menzel presents a sensational brand new album, Christmas: A Season of Love, whic coincides with her starring role in Disney’s Frozen 2. Produced by veteran A&R Ron Fair (Christina Aguilera, Mary J. Blige, The Pussycat Dolls), the album features chart-topping pop singer Ariana Grande, Broadway icon Billy Porter, Frozen favourite Josh Gad and Idina’s husband, Aaron Lohr. Christmas: A Season of Love sparkles with big-band energy, swinging holiday classics and brand new original songs. Idina also brings her incredible voice to Christmas classics, such as O Holy Night/Ave Maria, Winter Wonderland/Christmas, Baby Please Come Home, and Sleigh Ride. She is joined by her husband on the romantic classic, I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”
Lea Michele
Christmas in the City
THE PRESS RELEASE: “Inspired by her fond memories of growing up in New York City, Lea has captured the unique magic of the city’s holiday spirit throughout the 11-track collection. “This album is something I’ve wanted to do for such a long time,” says Lea Michele. “Christmas is my favorite holiday and it has always been such a special time with my family. I always go back home and spend Christmas in New York, so when I think of the holidays I think of the city. This album is really a celebration of that magic and spirit of my hometown. I am so excited to share the songs I grew up with and I hope it brings listeners a lot of joy this season!”
Dionne Warwick
Dionne Warwick & the Voices of Christmas
THE PRESS RELEASE: “The legendary Dionne Warwick’s holiday album features duets with a wide range of artists, such as the Oak Ridge Boys, Michael McDonald, Dianne Reeves, Boyz II Men’s Wayna Morris, sister duo Chloe X Halle, Aloe Blacc and Johnny Mathis. The Voices of Christmas is produced by Damon Elliott, known for his works with Destiny’s Child, Pink and Christina Aguilera. He is also one of Dionne’s sons, who worked on both of her Dionne Sings Dionne and She’s Back albums.”
Chantal Kreviazuk
Christmas is a Way of Life, My Dear
THE PRESS RELEASE: “Chantal Kreviazuk – one of Canada’s most recognizable voices – has announced the release of her first Christmas album, the 10-track Christmas Is A Way Of Life, My Dear. The album features five brand new original songs, plus Chantal’s spin on classics such as Silent Night, Blue Christmas (a duet with husband Raine Maida, AKA MOON VS SUN) and Wonderful Christmas Time (featuring the debut of son Sal Maida). “The world could use the Christmas spirit all year long,” says Chantal Kreviazuk. “The kindness, gentleness and thoughtfulness that goes with the season is so healthy. The world could benefit from living by the values that radiate during Christmas.”
Elizabeth Chan
If The Fates Allow
THE PRESS RELEASE: “Elizabeth Chan‘s never-ending belief in the magic of the holidays has made her one of the biggest stars in Christmas and holiday music. Crowned the “Queen of Christmas,” Chan has dedicated her career to producing holiday songs that have been recognized as “standards in waiting.” With multiple Top 10 Billboard singles under her belt, Elizabeth has become a mainstay of holiday playlists around the globe.”
