#20 - Diana Krall, Christmas Songs
Release Year: 2005
Genre: Holiday Jazz
How much do I like my favorite track on the album? 13.6 points
I’ll Be Home for Christmas
This is always a favorite to begin with when the Christmas season rolls around. Diana’s version is simple with moments of heavy instrumentation, just enough to remind you that yes, indeed she is playing with a full orchestra. I envision being a traveler to home during this song, which I often am in real life.
How did/does this album influence my own taste in music overall? 11.2 points
It’s a Christmas album. And one of my favorites. However, it’s not an influence definer for me.
Does this album hold up since its release? 12.8 points
This is a great, classically produced Christmas album. Put it on during the season, and you won’t be disappointed.
What percentage of the album do I listen to? 10 points
All of it. I will confess that I am a huge sucker for Christmas music to begin with so that plays into things here.
What did/do the critics think of this album? 7 points
Critics say it’s too vanilla. I disagree. That’s why the critics get less of a say here.
What is the sentimental value to me of the album? 14.4 points
I love it. I’ve loved it for almost 20 years at this point. That counts for something. It’s by far my most listened to in the holiday category
What was the artists involvement of the production of the album - songwriting, instrumentals, vocals, uniqueness? 12 points
This is where it takes a bit of a ding. While her vocals are truly incredible on this, I just can’t support giving this a higher score because the lack of original material.
Overall Rating out of 100 points = 81 points
Hopefully you read this early on enough holiday season to add this to your holiday music queue. As the only holiday entrant, well, sort of (more on that later) on this list, it really had to be good. Especially given how much time in the year Christmas music is actually played. Diana Krall always delivers on the vocals. Always. If you’re down for a chill out by the fire listening to some very unfilled holiday music with the occasional rager (I’m looking at you “Jingle Bells” and “Sleigh Ride”). This album also benefits from not including a version of “Little Drummer Boy”, sorry if you’re reading this and that’s your favorite. My review for this is simple, just like the album. Go have yourself a listen.