One of the best parts about Christmastime is pulling out and dusting off those Christmas CDs that have sat dormant for the past 11 months. One of my favorite Christmas albums of all time is Sufjan Stevens' five-disc collection called “Songs for Christmas.”The album has over 40 Christmas tunes that include unique, folk-inspired versions of traditional holiday classics as well as several original Christmas songs by Stevens. Acoustic guitar, banjos and bells all make appearances on the album.
Some of my favorite renditions on the album include “Away in a Manger,” “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” “O Holy Night” and “Joy to the World.” These four songs, among many others, are touching and help remind us of the true meaning of Christmas. The sweet spirit they bring and the heartfelt emotion captured in these recordings almost always brings tears to my eyes. Stevens captures the spirit of Christmas unlike any other album I have heard.
But don’t worry, the album isn’t all serious. Stevens balances out the sacred hymns with lighthearted songs like “Come on! Let’s Boogey to the Elf Dance!,” “Get Behind me, Santa!,” and “That was the Worst Christmas Ever!,”
If you haven’t added Sufjan Stevens’ holiday collection to your Christmas playlist, I highly recommend doing so before the holiday season comes and goes. But then again, there’s always Christmas in July.
Posted by Spencer Flanagan
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