Ariana Grande "Christmas and Chill"

Not only is the title altered from the multi-faceted dating query "netflix and chill," but it can also serve as a parallel to document how quick Christmas can come to a close, especially when it comes to the prep. Yes, the album is short, even shorter than Christmas Kisses, by a few seconds, and that had only four songs. However, It never feels rushed, or that you may be listening to stocking snippets; the songs feel complete without overstaying their welcome, while many songs tend to bludgeon the chorus and sentiment in your brain, like those relatives we all know of.
 Although there are no covers, the Intro and the succeeding songs are seasoned with enough holiday music elements to set spirits bright without having to hear another rendition of a tired yet true canon classic. I do like her covers, especially her opening kiss to the ears on her 2013 E.P. That cover of "Last Christmas" is tied with Jimmy Eat World's rendition as the best cover version of the tune.
She does avoid heating things up too much to keep in context with the chill mood, so that's a plus, even on "Wit It This Christmas" she keeps it G, pushing PG. It's always nice to hear new original tunes, since many new offerings often are addled with the overdone. I believe she could release a consistent full-length holiday album, but she's been excelling at the short and suite odes to the holidays, why not keep the tradition?

Five For Fighting "Christmas Under The Stars"

Although I am not a fan of Five For Fighting, I respect the artist and the craft.
"What is your favorite single?"
The answer has always been "The Devil in the Wishing Well," which not only sounded different the two major singles that preceded it, and while I am aware that "Superman (It's Not Easy)" and the first single from The Battle For Everything are by the same artist, its "Easy Tonight" and every night, to make that connection. However, I have been pleased with some of the later singles off succeeding albums, especially Bookmarks
The question that may follow to those who may still be reading is "Why the introduction?"
What will follow is an example of how a live experience can alter the perception of an artist, even if the experience was recorded for an album. But first, more commentary and short prose.

As it becomes more of a burden to sift and differentiate between the holiday releases each year
As disenchantment sets in and the magic and faith in merry intent disappears
I approach the year's holiday releases presuming boredom, mixed with trepidation , not fear
But to what my wandering eyes should appear
as I scrolled through the roster of releases last year (2017)
This live album featuring some friends and this merry balladeer.

I did not expect Ondrasik to present himself in the manner that he did, but that is keeping in mind his higher registers and his weapon of choice, although a piano can be a very powerful compositional tool indeed; yet some word associations may remain "fragile," and "weak."
There were some moments that felt forced and awkward at times but he kept those moments to a minimum focusing on the performance aspect, which only is an issue if you prefer the former. He was a gracious host, and his treatment of "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" set the tone for what was a great performance. Before a string-assisted performance of his song "100 Years" we were graced with "The First Noel," another pleasant rendition.
That awkward I had alluded to was the introduction of his daughter for their rendition of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" or the introduction to his new original "Christmas Every Day of The Year." I appreciate the intent and message of what the latter presents.
Although "Silent Night" was another satisfactory rendition, I enjoyed the collaboration with the International Children's Choir for "Edelweiss" and the harbinger of Christmas joy, "Christmas Time is Here." It cannot match the original, but it brings an equitable amount of elation.
The Five For Fighting Quartet demonstrate why Ondrasik's favorite part of the quartet show with "some of the best string players in the world" with this aurally appealing arrangement entitled "Six For Christmas." The two previous selections  could raise your spirits "In The Bleak Midwinter."
The association between Christmas and gifts is longstanding, and in his introduction Ondrasik mentioned that he has written numerous songs of all levels of quality, and thousands of songs (hyperbole?), that have ranged from taking a year to forty five minutes to compose, but remarked this next song was gift; one that really willed his career to soar. While on the subject of Christmas associations, you may be able to think of Christmas without thinking of Jim Brickman, but I am not sure you can say the same for thinking of Jim Brickman without thinking of Christmas, or "The Gift."
The following two songs included a performance of Jim's "Hymns and Carols Medley" and then the song that Jim and Jon co-wrote for the troops, "Christmas Where You Are." The heartfelt explanation was a kind buffer for this tune honoring those guardian souls, and was full of goodwill and good intent, yet simultaneously I cannot help but foresee an arousal of a soldier's lament.
Funny, yet not surprising that the first album I heard from beginning to end, more than once, would be a Christmas album. This is another one of those albums that may find itself in the roster for holiday time rotation because not only did it override my preconceived notions, but it was memorable and strayed from the beaten path of Christmas albums.

Kylie Christmas (Snow Queen Edition)

Although I originally cringed at the thought of a Kylie Christmas, I found out that the album fell farther away from frightful than I expected. Part of the reason is that I expected more songs like "Santa Baby" than "2000 miles," and that goes for the originals too.  While there are songs that flaunt her sexuality in a toned down and tolerable way, she does have songs that are more sentimental, still fun, and feel more attuned to the season. The triplicate of canon classics that initiate her holiday sound brassier, it doesn't hurt to have "The Voice"  assist with "Santa Claus is Coming To Town" or those holiday bells and choir in "It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year." Some of my favorites have to be her original tunes, and "Only You" with James Corden is a good start.
I would say that I prefer the new additions to the catalog of Christmas music over her new renditions, but Iggy Pop's appearance in "Christmas Wrapping" makes a cool yule tune even cooler. Mika may be no McCartney but he suits this new rendition just fine. While I have only heard rock bands cover "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day" written by Roy Wood, it sounds like Kylie and Steve Anderson can hold their own. While the last cover on this edition may not be Christmascentric, it is a very positive choice and is aligned with the spirit of the holidays, "Everybody's Free (To Feel Good)."
Since I mentioned that I prefer the originals over the covers and I had to choose only three, they would include At Christmas, Only You, and Every Day's Like Christmas, or White December.

R Kelly's 12 Nights of Christmas

I understand it is late, and was it worth the wait? Find out shortly. One of those critiques I wrapped up but did not give away until now.