Mary J Blige & Tamar Braxton Release Holiday Albums + Top 10 Best-Selling Christmas Albums Ms. Bels Thursday, November 21, 2013 The Studio The holiday is here and what better way to get into the spirit than through music. Two good Christmas albums were dropped recently by two of our favorite R&B artists, Mary J. Blige and Tamar Braxton. Mary J. Blige’s “A Mary Christmas” was released on October 15. The 12-track boasts a few notable features from The Clark Sisters (“The First Noel”), Marc Anthony (“Silent Night”), and Jesse J (“Do You Hear What I Hear”). One surprising duet on the album is with the legendary Barbara Streisand and Chris Botti on “When You Wish Upon A Star”. Included with the bonus edition of the album is a 64-page booklet of exclusive photos of Mary J’s family and favorite holiday memories. Watch a video of the Queen of Hip Hop and R&B’s rendition of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” below: The youngest sibling in the Braxton clan, Tamar, also blessed her fans with a holiday album. “Winters Loversland” includes 10 tracks which showcases the singing sensations modern take on some old classics. The album only offers up one feature and that is from her sister Trina Braxton on “The Chipmunk Song”. 1. “Sleigh Ride” 2. “Santa Baby” 3. “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” 4. “No Gift” 5. “Away in a Manger”/”Little Drummer Boy” 6. “Merry Christmas Darling” 7. “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)” feat. Trina Braxton 8. “She Can Have You” 9. “Silent Night” 10. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” Both albums can be purchased on iTunes, Amazon, and other music outlets. On another note… Over the years, many artists have released Christmas albums. It has become one of those things to do in addition to the normal albums that are released. Consumers have became accustomed to the offerings of their favorite artists take on various holiday-inspired songs. And as such, have proven that Christmas albums do indeed sell. Take a look at Nielsen Soundscan’s “American” list of the Top 10 Best-Selling Christmas/Holiday Albums… Miracles: The Holiday Album / Kenny G ~ 7,277,000 sold Noël / Josh Groban ~ 5,550,000 sold Merry Christmas / Mariah Carey ~ 5,261,000 sold These Are Special Times / Celine Dion ~ 5,257,000 sold Christmas in the Aire / Mannheim Steamroller ~ 3,735,000 sold A Fresh Aire Christmas / Mannheim Steamroller ~ 3,645,000 sold Mannheim Steamroller Christmas / Mannheim Steamroller ~ 3,493,000 sold Now That’s What I Call Christmas! / various artists ~ 3,443,000 sold Christmas Eve and Other Stories / Trans-Siberian Orchestra ~ 3,347,000 sold A Charlie Brown Christmas / Vince Guaraldi Trio ~ 3,226,000 sold What is your favorite Christmas album? What are you’re thoughts on holiday albums, in general?
