Barenaked for the Holidays (2004)

Barenaked for the Holidays

• This is definitely my favorite Christmas album of all time, as well as the best Christmas album ever made. It has one of the best feels of any holiday album you’ll listen to, and it starts off strong from beginning to end. It contains several traditional Christmas songs, as well as a few originals as well. This album starts off with “Jingle Bells”, and it’s one of the best opening tracks in music history. The song is great because of the comedic bits it has in it. It’s my personal favorite version of “Jingle Bells”, and it’s one of the more unique and different covers. “Green Christmas” and “Hanukkah Blessings” are both originally written, and they both have an awesomely festive feel. I really like how this album has a couple Hanukkah centered songs, which is something you rarely hear. I like how it’s not just solely Christmas, but another winter holiday as well. “Elf’s Lament” is an amazing song, and not just because it’s an original. They got Michael Buble to duo with the band, which is both cool and adds another awesome voice. Their version of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” was also really good, and even though I don’t like the original, I really like their cover. It still has the old 80’s feel to it, but more modern and better sung. “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”, featuring Sarah McLachlan, is probably the song they are best known for from this album. I’d say it’s one of the best recordings of this song, and I really love it. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Wonderful Christmastime” are both instrumentals done with a keyboard. They have a really nerdy sound, and they sound a lot like Napoleon Dynamite. I like the geeky but fun sound they have. I love how they sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus, which is a funny yet serious track on the album. It’s a great addition, and I love its inclusion. The album ends with “Auld Lang Syne”, similar to the Beach Boys’ Christmas album. It caps off the holiday vibe with a feeling of goodbye, which is comforting and gives closure. It ends the album with a great feeling. Overall, I would HIGHLY recommend this album to everyone, and I look forward to it every year. This album is officially Berry Approved, so go give it a listen!