But as for what's coming from the major artists and labels this Christmas, we do have a few projects we're aware of. This early, that usually happens when a group or artist was already working on a Christmas album which just didn't get finished in time for the previous Christmas.
Leading the way, in that regard, is William Shatner's long, long, long anticipated holiday release. I'm guessing I've been following the "news" on this one more closely than most (a function of blogging, more than anything else). So I can definitively tell you that I have no idea what Bill is up to. He's changed directions on this set so many times since he first announced it back in the sixties (oh, OK, it wasn't quite that long ago) that it's anybody's guess whether it'll be satirical or serious, religious or secular, modern or classic. All the while, Captain Kirk has been working on other recording projects, too. So how much of those projects will bleed over into the Christmas album? The answer is we don't have a clue. "Offbeat" is the most frequently applied adjective. But, whatever it ends up being, consider it a victory if William Shatner's Christmas album actually IS released this year and the seasonal tease doesn't drag on for yet another year.
Meantime, we do have this track to enjoy, thanks to the fine folks at The Sounds of Christmas.
Another Christmas album that missed the deadline in 2017 is the one from The Mavericks. Oh, yeah, that delightful Christmas single we got last year? "Christmas Time Is (Coming 'Round Again)"? That was supposed to be a full Christmas album. Raul Malo and the boys are quite confident you'll be hearing the full set this coming Christmas. Personally, I think we came out ahead on that deal, what with the lovely piece of vinyl last year and a full album still to come. While The Mavericks may have changed their minds in the interceding year, "Christmas Time Is Coming 'Round Again" was the originally intended title of the album.
Only slightly less bizarre than a William Shatner Christmas album, we're expecting an Xmas set this year from the eclectic (and sometimes comic) Psych Metal band Big Dumb Face. I s#@& you not. Wes Borland has even given us a title and a release date for this one. "Christmas In The Cave of Dagoth" is scheduled for release on Black Friday in November. Should be a hoot and a half.
David enjoyed some chart success with his 2009 holiday record, "Christmas From The Heart" and hasn't hit the charts much since then. He did have a recording of "Drummer Boy" on a Dapo & Friends Christmas album in 2011 and was a featured performer on the 2012 Christmas entry from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. His Christmas shows have been wildly popular through the years, so I guess it makes sense. And, yes, David says there will be a tour (or, at least, a series of shows) in support of the new Christmas record. Hard to believe the dude's not even 30 yet.
Ruben Studdard is also said to be working on a Christmas album project.
Reality music competitions aren't unique to America. Indeed, we were just following the lead of our friends across the pond. So you've gotta know that they also have the annual holiday releases from former contestants. And it might be there's none more known than Susan Boyle, who intends to release a new Christmas album this year. That would be her third seasonal soiree, following "The Gift" in 2010 and "Home For Christmas" in 2013. Boyle is promising something a little bit different this time out, but gives no clues as to what that might mean. Disco? Reggae? Heavy Metal? One's imagination could run wild.
Yet another staple in recent years, we'll get plenty of holiday a cappella this year. The Country-leaning Home Free announced in 2017 that they'd have a Christmas album in 2018. And then, on the funkier side of town, we're expecting the third Christmas record from Naturally 7. Like the previous two, expect the new one from N7 to be an iTunes exclusive.
Other names to look for this fall include Matt Maher (CCM), Geoffrey Andrews (Worship), Kevin Lucas (eclectic instrumentalist) and Martina McBride. Jennifer Lopez, Electric Six, and First Aid Kit, too, have designs on the Christmas album market, though not necessarily for this year. Dolly Parton is said to be working on a holiday album, as well, which is currently anticipated to drop in 2019. And will we ever see the long promised seasonal spinners from Pat Benatar or Meatloaf? (Reply hazy; try again later.)
And then we have The O'Pears. Ostensibly a Folk trio from Canada, the harmonies of The O'Pears are what keeps you coming back for more. The group is shooting for a November release for their upcoming holiday platter. Here they are with last year's Christmas single, "Quiet Now".