The arrangements are pandemic-defying, with 57 musicians by Cullum’s count, and they make “The Pianoman at Christmas” swing and soar. The title is misleading, because Jamie Cullum is more of a big band crooner than piano player on this set of 10 tunes he wrote in lockdown this spring. Jamie Cullum, “The Pianoman at Christmas” (Blue Note) Of the clutch of new songs, there’s the gloriously funky-EDM “I Believe in Santa,” the trop-pop “Naughty List,” the sad violin ballad “Christmas Got Me Blue” and the gleeful “Christmas Party.”Īmerica, rejoice: We just got a great early Christmas present. Trainor has her family join her for some songs - cousins and her dad - and Earth, Wind & Fire stop by to help on an old-school, propulsive funky “Holidays.” (Seth MacFarlane is the album’s only odd note, taking himself far too seriously in a version of “White Christmas”). Her ’60s-meets-2020 “Sleigh Ride” is like hearing a new song and her “Silent Night” is churchlike, respectfully glorious.

It boasts six excellent originals alongside smart covers of such songs as “Last Christmas” by Wham! and a ukulele-led “Winter Wonderland.” Trainor has somehow infused new energy and verve to old chestnuts. The 18-track “A Very Trainor Christmas” is a marvel, a multi-textured triumph led by Trainor’s warm, retro and soulful voice - perfect for a holiday album. Put down that eggnog and go to Spotify right now: The winner of the best Christmas album of 2020 is clearly Meghan Trainor. A copy of Wade’s original manuscript is housed by Stonyhurst College in Lancashire, England.Ħ.Meghan Trainor, “A Very Trainor Christmas” (Epic) Wade’s version is the one used today and was first published in Cantus Diversi in 1751. The original Latin song has been credited to several people including John IV of Portugal in the early to mid-17 th century, John Reading in the late 17 th century, and John Francis Wade in the mid-18 th century. The most popular English version of the song was written in 1841 by the English Catholic priest Frederick Oakeley.

“ O Come, All Ye Faithful”, originally known as “Adeste Fidelas” in Latin, is well-known Christmas carol with disputed origins. Written By: unknown, possibly John IV of Portugal, John Reading, or John Francis WadeĬountry of Origin: unknown, somewhere in Europe – original song is Latin Created: date is disputed – current form from mid-18 th century, but words may be from 13 th century

The best holiday albums non religious