To help bring about the holly-jolly spirit onto The Sting, this week’s albums are all Christmas based.
Album #1: The Polar Express (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Various Artists
Favorite Song: “Rockin’ On Top Of The World”
Notes: Growing up, “The Polar Express” was always one of my favorite movies to watch during the Christmas season. I have so many fond memories of watching it with my siblings and memorizing the songs so we could sing them around the house. My family’s love for this movie was so strong that my stepdad bought my siblings and me our own little silver bells from the movie that we could hang onto the tree and I got a special extra present of the pocket watch seen in the movie that the Conductor uses. There was even a point where my family rode the Polar Express at Union Station in St. Louis and they even had people perform the “Hot Chocolate” song and dance to serve us. This movie brings so much joy and whimsy to children and I will always rewatch it in the winter. The music for this movie is also just amazing, and it was a close pick between “Rockin’ On Top Of The World” and “Hot Chocolate” for my favorite song, but ultimately the first song won as we are currently singing and dancing to it in swing choir in preparation for the Christmas concert.
Album #2: Elvis’ Christmas Album by Elvis Presley
Favorite Song: “Blue Christmas”
Notes: Elvis’ Christmas album is something I look back fondly on as I grew up in a family that always has his music playing all year round. When I hear Presley’s voice, I instantly think of my aunt who helped me become the person I am today and truly sparked my love for music. The album is just amazing and perfectly puts you into the jolly spirit of Christmas. That being said, Elvis does have a very specific singing voice that may not be everyone’s cup of tea, which is understandable. There were a few songs on the album that even I just couldn’t listen to anymore. However, despite that this is a gorgeous Christmas album that also reminds you of why we celebrate this festive holiday.
Album #3: White Christmas by Bing Crosby
Favorite Song: “Mele Kalikimaka (ft. The Andrews Sisters)”
Notes: I absolutely had to review this album for my final Christmas edition of Albums of the Week, since “Mele Kalikimaka” is one of my favorite Christmas songs ever. It’s so upbeat and truly puts you in such a perfect mood. It also reminds me of one of my favorite Christmas movies, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” The album also has so many other classic Christmas songs on it, so it’s no surprise that it’s often on repeat during the holiday season.