From guzzling mulled wine and mince pies to putting up the Christmas tree, country Christmas albums are the soundtrack to our holiday season. Here, we break down the top 10 best country Christmas albums to get you in the festive spirit – if you’re not already – grab some mulled wine, wrap some gifts and get in the country Christmas zone with these records, and a lot of new 2020 additions on this list that could have successfully saved 2020.
10. Chris Young – It Must Be Christmas
The magic in this record is in its simplicity – there are no gimmicks, no faults of over production, Young’s voice is given centre stage in all its richly indulgent perfection. Original track ‘Under the Weather’ is simply stunning and is definitely the high point of this record, elevating the album as an entire project.
9. The Hello Darlins, Heart in the Snow – EP
If you’re not familiar yet with The Hello Darlins this is a delightful introduction, setting exactly the right sentimental and bitter-sweet note.
8. Martina McBride, White Christmas
An icon. A Christmas icon. Martina I think it’s time we’ve been ‘nice’ enough to merit another Christmas record?
7. Faith Hill, Joy To The World
Faith – like Carrie – can’t set a note wrong and this record is no exception. This will be a classic for years to come.
6. Maddie & Tae, We Need Christmas – EP
Maddie & Tae’s vocals seem born for a country Christmas record. ‘Merry Married Christmas’ and ‘We Need Christmas’ are so deliciously joyful, brimming with the kind of happiness that is so befitting the Christmas season and we can’t stay away.
It’s about time that Carrie made a country record, and it was worth the wait. Her vocals are angelic and duet with John Legend is transcendent in its luxurious festive-ness. As always, Carrie doesn’t set a note wrong and we can’t stay away from this record.
4. Dolly Parton – A Holly Dolly Christmas
It’s official. Dolly Parton saved 2020. She made a sizeable donation to the coronavirus vaccine and has had time to deliver us a stellar Christmas album. With some weighty collaborations with Miley Cyrus, Willie Nelson and Michael Buble, this album is rammed with Christmas joy and brings something new to the familiar tracks and delivers stellar contributions to the Christmas catalogue with her originals – ‘Christmas on the Square’ is our guilty pleasure.
3. Lady A – On This Winter’s Night
Were Hillary Scott’s vocals made for a Christmas album? We think so. You know we love any record that includes a stellar original Christmas track and ‘Christmas Through Your Eyes’ and ‘That Spirit of Christmas’ are phenomenal. With a light country touch that isn’t overdone, the record allows the vocals and well-trodden lyrics to be the central focus.
2. Kacey Musgraves – The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show
Even with some interestingly corny dialogue that we manage to somehow drown out, the original Christmas tracks are what really elevate this record – ‘Glittery’ is quite simply sublime as is ‘Christmas Makes Me Cry.’ ‘Present Without a Bow’ is another original that is fast becoming a classic (for us) and even manages to sub a duet with Lana Del Rey into the backdrop of the record.
Simply put, Brett Eldredge is the king of Christmas. This record is like a Christmassy warm hug – decadently rich vocals that elevate every track. Eldredge’s ‘Glow’ was a phenomenal surprise in 2016, combining the charisma and vocals of Sinatra and Crosby into a neat ‘country’ package – the record is one of the best country Christmas records of recent times, negating any commercial cliches.
