Awesome, Non-Mainstream Christmas Music Finds

The Filipinos are known to be a resilient bunch. You'd think that after Typhoon Ketsana (Ondoy) and Parma (Pepeng) devastated many homes, we'd be feeling completely down in the dumps. Rather, with strength and a strong sense of community to back us up, we deal with it, wipe the dust off of our sleeves, and get on up again. Now everyone seems to be all smiles again. The weather is a bit chillier now, the malls are beginning to get packed, there's Christmas trees and decor everywhere, and Christmas songs fill up all public intercoms now. Yes, it's Christmas season once again (all four months of it!) and there's no stopping the Filipinos from celebrating their most favorite holiday of the year! ;-)

To get you and any "Grinch"s that you know in the Christmas spirit, allow us to share with you some of our recent Christmas album finds. These are not mainstream and I doubt that you've even heard of these artists. In fact, Jojo and I have never heard of them too until now. Jojo enjoys discovering new and unknown artists on the web. He's focused his energy lately on finding Christmas albums. Some of the albums on the list sound quite sentimental and a few are upbeat. Either way, I hope that you'll enjoy these music finds. We'll even tell you where you can download them. ;-) Enjoy! ;-)

1.) WHAT CHRISTMAS MEANS by Anthony Evans

I was taken by Anthony Evan's sweet and melt-your-heart vocals. Definitely a voice that will make you fall in love! ;-) I especially loved "Where are You Christmas" and his version of "The Grown Up Christmas List" and "O Holy Night." His is what I classify as "chill" music. Perfect background music for bonding with loved ones and friends around the Christmas tree. ;-)

Click HERE to download.

2.) CHRISTMAS IS... by Mark Masri

Some of the tracks on this album showcase his classical training. There are a couple of songs that have that "lullaby" orchestration. One song sounds like it's straight from a broadway production. There's pop, ballad, and the traditional/classic Christmas take in there too. Mark Masri collaborated with Jim Brickman and Olivia Newton-John on 3 of the songs in the album. I liked his duet with Olivia Newton-John, in particular. "Everytime It Snows" was totally full of heart. I think that's one of Mark Masri's strengths. Just like he did for the track "A Christmas Time With You, " it's obvious that he truly sings from the heart. Whatever your preferences are, there's something for everyone in this album. I think you'll love it. I consider Mark Masri's "Christmas Is" album a perfect one to listen to with a cup of egg nog or hot chocolate. In other words, perfect "senti" music for those who would like to emote...;-) Hahaha! ;-)

Click HERE to download.

3.) WINTER WONDERLAND by Emilie-Claire Barlow

Wow, her voice is so sultry and sexy! I love her voice -- most especially her low register. Just beautiful! I absolutely loved every single song in this album. She's a real delight to listen to. They're all jazz -- though a few songs are more upbeat than others. I consider "What are You Doing New Year's Eve" to be the perfect song for a slow dance with your partner. ;-) Emilie-Claire Barlow shows off her musicality, excellent breath control, and range in the uber-upbeat "Sleigh Ride." She's playful in "Santa Baby,"Baby It's Cold Outside," and "Jack Frost." There are a few senti songs too. But her version of "Let It Snow" will have to be my favorite among all of them. Overall, I think this album is perfect background music for when wrapping Christmas presents. In there, there are songs that can make you giddy. There are "chill" music in there too to alleviate some of the stress that the Christmas season may bring. Overall, it's a delightful album that can keep you company whatever you're doing this Christmas. ;-)

Click HERE to download.

4.) THE MUSIC OF CHRISTMAS by Steven Curtis Chapman

The strength and beauty of this Christmas album lies in the beautiful, inspiring, and touching lyrics of the songs in this album. Close to about half of the 12 tracks were written by Steven Chapman himself. For instance, "Going Home For Christmas" is a song that talks about the first Christmas after the death of an important member in the family. "Christmas is All in the Heart" reminds us about the real essence of Christmas despite the many struggles that we encounter everyday and during the season. "Precious Promise" retells the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of a beautiful promise through Jesus Christ. There are a few other songs originally-composed songs -- all bearing positive messages about Christmas and what it really stands for. Other than these, the album also has other Christmas classics such as "Angels We Have Heard On High," "O Come All Ye Faithful," "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," and many others -- mostly presented as a medley.

Steven Chapman accompanies his songs with an acoustic guitar. Because of this, the songs have that reflective, introspective, and sentimental touch to it. I think it's an album that's perfect to listen to in your car. When the traffic, chaos, and stress of the Christmas season gets to you, this album will definitely help to relax you and remind you of the true purpose of this season...;-)

Click HERE to download.

5.) SENTIMENTAL CHRISTMAS by Kathy Troccoli

From this list, I think it's pretty obvious that I'm partial to jazz. ;-) I love it when my Christmas songs are jazzy! They just go so well together don't you think? Another new discovery that fits this list perfectly is Kathy Troccoli's Sentimental Christmas album. Because of its orchestration, you can hear subtle hints of jazz in the songs. But altogether, Kathy Troccoli sticks to the traditional take on old Christmas favorites. The songs sound just like their original counterpart except this time, adding Kathy Troccoli's smooth, alto vocals. There's a touch of Big Band music in the songs too thanks to the trumpets and drums. The songs, overall, are upbeat and are sure to make you giddy about the Christmas season. ;-) I classify this album as perfect background music for Christmas shopping. It's one to put everyone in a good mood at the start of your Christmas party or Noche Buena! ;-)

Click HERE to download.

There you go! That's our list for now. I'll try to update as soon as I discover another interesting Christmas album. Have a musical Christmas season everyone! ;-)