The Best R&B and Soul Christmas Music
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It’s that time of year again! Check out our list of the best R&B and Soul Christmas music to get you in the holiday spirit.
What is R&B and Soul Music?
R&B and Soul music is a genre that combines elements of rhythm and blues, pop, jazz, and gospel. It originated in the 1940s and 1950s with African American artists such as Louis Jordan, Ray Charles, James Brown, Sam Cooke, and Otis Redding. In the 1960s, it evolved into a more polished sound with groups like The Temptations and Marvin Gaye. In the 1970s and 1980s, artists like Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston, and Anita Baker helped to bring R&B and Soul into the mainstream. Today, there are many different subgenres of R&B and Soul music including neo soul, contemporary R&B, and hip hop soul.
The Best R&B and Soul Christmas Albums
It’s that time of year again! Time to break out the holiday decorations, put on your favorite Christmas tunes, and cozy up by the fireplace. What better way to get into the holiday spirit than by listening to some of the best R&B and soul Christmas music? In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best R&B and soul Christmas albums that you should add to your holiday playlist.
Marvin Gaye – A Motown Christmas
If you’re looking for some classic R&B and soul Christmas music, look no further than Marvin Gaye’s A Motown Christmas. This album features some of Gaye’s most popular hits, including “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” and “What’s Going On,” as well as some holiday classics like “White Christmas” and “The First Noel.” A Motown Christmas is the perfect album for anyone who wants to get into the holiday spirit with some of the best R&B and soul music around.
The Temptations – A Motown Christmas
This holiday release from the Temptations collects many of the group’s greatest seasonal recordings made during their years at Motown Records. Included are such classics as “White Christmas,” “Silent Night,” and, of course, the chart-topping title track, “Give Love on Christmas Day.” The plan was to have this album ready for release in time for the 1969 holiday season, but due to production issues (and Motown’s general reluctance to release Christmas music during the label’s early years), it didn’t come out until 17 years later.
Stevie Wonder – A Motown Christmas
Stevie Wonder’s A Motown Christmas is one of the most popular and well-loved R&B and soul Christmas albums of all time. Released in 1973, the album features a mix of original songs and Motown classics, all performed by Wonder in his signature style. Highlights include the joyous “Someday at Christmas,” the beautiful ballad “The Little Drummer Boy,” and the uplifting “Happy Xmas (War Is Over).” A Motown Christmas is the perfect album for anyone who loves soulful holiday music.
James Brown – Funky Christmas
With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about what music you want to put on to get you in the holiday spirit. If you’re looking for something a little different than the traditional Christmas music, why not try some R&B and soul Christmas albums?
There are plenty of great R&B and soul Christmas albums out there, but one that always stands out is James Brown’s “Funky Christmas.” This album is packed with holiday classics like “Santa Claus Go Straight to the Ghetto,” “Soulful Christmas,” and “Merry Christmas Baby.” But what really makes this album special is Brown’s signature funk sound that he brings to all of these holiday classics. If you’re looking for something fun and different to help get you into the Christmas spirit, this is the album for you.
Otis Redding – Merry Christmas, Baby
This Otis Redding classic from 1968 is one of the best R&B and soul Christmas albums of all time. Featuring a mix of holiday classics and original compositions, the album highlights Redding’s incredible vocal range and soulful delivery. While the album didn’t achieve much commercial success upon its initial release, it has since gone on to become a holiday staple, thanks in part to its inclusion on several “Best Christmas Albums” lists over the years. If you’re looking for an R&B and soul Christmas album that truly capturing the spirit of the season, look no further than Otis Redding’s Merry Christmas, Baby.
The Best R&B and Soul Christmas Songs
Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to spread the holiday cheer than with some R&B and soul Christmas songs? This genre of music is perfect for getting you in the Christmas spirit. Here are some of the best R&B and soul Christmas songs to get you into the holiday spirit.
“Merry Christmas, Baby” – Otis Redding
One of the most popular R&B Christmas songs, “Merry Christmas, Baby” was originally recorded by Gospel singer Charles Brown in 1947. It wasn’t until 1962 that Otis Redding put his own spin on the holiday classic, and the tune has been covered by everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Christina Aguilera since.
“Please Come Home for Christmas” – Charles Brown
One of the best-loved R&B Christmas songs of all time, “Please Come Home for Christmas” was originally recorded by Blues singer Charles Brown in 1960. This beautiful, heart-wrenching ballad has been covered by many artists over the years, but it remains a holiday classic.
“Santa Claus Go Straight to the Ghetto” – James Brown
This song was released as a single in 1968 and reached number one on the US R&B chart. It’s a fun, upbeat tune that celebrates the holiday season in the ghetto.
“Soulful Christmas” – James Brown
Christmas is a special time of year where we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and reflect on the year that has passed. It’s a time to be with family, friends, and loved ones. It’s also a time to eat good food, exchange gifts, and listen to great music. There are many different genres of Christmas music, but one genre that sometimes gets overlooked is R&B and soul.
R&B and soul Christmas songs are some of the most beautiful and heartfelt tunes you’ll ever hear. They’re perfect for adds a little extra flavor to your festive playlist. From classics like “Merry Christmas Baby” by Otis Redding to modern bangers like “This Christmas” by Chris Brown, there’s something for everyone in this list of the best R&B and soul Christmas songs. So turn up the volume, sit back, and enjoy some of the best holiday tunes around.
“Christmas in Harlem” – Kanye West
“Christmas in Harlem” is a song by American hip hop recording artist Kanye West. It was released on December 17, 2010, by his label GOOD Music. The song features rapper CyHi the Prynce and R&B singer Teyana Taylor, who sings the chorus. Santa Clausも make a wish list I just might surprise you with something really ice You better watch out, better not cry’Cause Santa’s coming tonight.”
The single had been available for free online since December 16, 2010. The song is featured on his mixtape Good Friday and was later revealed to be a single from West’s upcoming fifth studio album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Musically, “Christmas in Harlem” contains elements of soul and hip hop music; its production features soaring gospel choirs mixed with jazzy horns and a drum beat sampled from the 1980s charity single “We Are the World”. The track received positive reviews from music critics who complimented Kanye’s verses and Teyana Taylor’s vocals on the chorus.
It peaked at number 81 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in January 2011 and also charted in Belgium and France.
Why We Love R&B and Soul Christmas Music
R&B and soul Christmas music fills us with the warmth of the holiday season. The best R&B and soul Christmas music is soulful, intimate, and reflective of the holiday spirit. It’s the perfect music to curl up by the fire with a mug of hot cocoa, and it always seems to make the holiday season a little more magical.
It’s Funky
There’s just something about R&B and soul Christmas music that gets us in the holiday spirit. Maybe it’s the funky beats or the smooth vocals, but whatever the reason, we can’t get enough of it.
Whether you’re looking for a new Christmas playlist or just want to hear some of your old favorites, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of our favorite R&B and soul Christmas songs to get you in the holiday spirit.
It’s Soulful
R&B and soul Christmas music is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. The genre’s smoothing sounds and sentimental lyrics are the perfect backdrop for cozy fireside gatherings, family dinners, and festive parties. Christmas classics like “Please Come Home for Christmas” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” sound even better when they’re performed by R&B and soul legends like Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and Otis Redding.
Whether you’re looking for a festive party playlist or some mellow tunes to help you wind down after a long day of holiday shopping, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of our favorite R&B and soul Christmas songs to get you in the spirit.
It’s the Perfect Music for Relaxing and Celebrating
R&B and soul Christmas music is the perfect way to relax and celebrate the holidays. The slower tempo and smoothing melodies provide the perfect backdrop for eggnog sipping and conversations with loved ones. And, since Christmas is a time for giving, many R&B and soul artists donate their time and talents to perform holiday concerts and release holiday albums that benefit various charities. So, not only does R&B and soul Christmas music soothe the soul, it also helps others in need.
