Red cup season at Starbucks is in full swing, Christmas tree farms are back in the market and radio stations are beginning to play Christmas music 24/7. The only thing stopping students from fully embracing the holiday cheer is the much-anticipated week of finals. But the last two weeks of school shouldn’t stop you from celebrating too early. Here are some Christmas albums that are sure to brighten even the dullest study sessions:
“Christmas with Nashville” by “Nashville” cast
Fans of the hit ABC show are in for a treat with this album released Nov. 4. Stars of the program have recorded Christmas favorites, and even if not a “Nashville” fan, country music lovers will enjoy this album, as it possesses some of that twang that fans know and love.
Actress Hayden Panettiere, who plays Juliette Barnes on the show, sings a lovely rendition of “White Christmas” while the other leading lady, Connie Britton, who plays Rayna Jaymes, sings the fun favorite “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”
The album was produced by Rascal Flatts bassist Jay Demascus, who was impressed with the actors’ singing skills and described them as “meticulous” in a Rolling Stone article.
The album is available exclusively at Target and Spotify.
“Holiday Wishes” by Idina Menzel
Those who listen to this album will probably have deja vu with last year when the hit Disney movie “Frozen” was all the rage, but don’t worry, you’re not going crazy. The same actress who provided the voice for Elsa has released a holiday album almost a year later.
This is the first album Menzel has released in six years, and it does not disappoint. Tracks include a duet with the one and only Michael Bublé for the song “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” and an original song called “December Prayer.”
According to billboard.com, Menzel announced the release of the album during summer at a one-night-only concert at Radio City Music Hall. She joked at the event, saying: “I know I’m Jewish. But a lot of famous Jewish people have written Christmas songs, so I’m going to try out some of their songs on the album.”
The album is available in stores and on Spotify.
“That’s Christmas to Me” by Pentatonix
Winner of season three of the a cappella singing competition “The Sing Off,” Pentatonix, also known as PTX, released its second Christmas album, “That’s Christmas To Me,” on Oct. 21, 2014.
The album provides plenty of traditional favorites, from “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” to “Mary Did You Know?” which has 12 million views on Youtube since its premiere two weeks ago.
The album also has some fun tracks, including a mashup of “Winter Wonderland” and “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” featuring singer Tori Kelly. The bonus track is an especially great treat, as it is a cover of the well-known, beloved “Frozen” hit “Let It Go.”
The album is available in stores and on Spotify.