7 Or 8 New Albums For Good (Or Maybe Great) Christmas Gifts
It was a great idea. It really was. You wanted to purchase the new Adele album 25 for one or multiple family members. It was the center of your entire holiday gift giving plan. You had even considered buying the album in bulk so that everyone could have a copy.
Unfortunately, it appears that everyone in America already has this album. For the first time since 1991, the album has sold over a million copies in multiple weeks. Now, thanks to that British songbird, you are left scrambling for some new gifts.
There’s no need to worry, though. Before you turn to the first infomercial you can find and start ordering, there are a number of albums coming out this month that are perfect for every friend and family member you can find. These albums will certainly make you the hit of your holiday celebrations.
Yuri Gagarin– At the Center of All Infinity
This second album from space rock artist Yuri Gagarin is a trippy instrumental collection of heavy grooves. Yuri Gagarin manages to lull you into a relaxed state with deep atmospheric instrumentals before bringing it back with hard rock grooves that would be perfect for a car chase, slow motion fight scene, walking away from an exploding building, or any sort of similar cinematic activity.
Perfect for: That cousin who wishes he lived in an action movie and had a great soundtrack in his life.
Rick Ross– Black Market / G-Eazy– When It’s Dark Out
Every family member has a hip hop fan. December has two wildly different but equally interesting options to offer up.
From the ninth Rick Ross album, one is sure to be able to find more slick production and braggadocios lyrics regarding his wealth, what he spends it on, and what he has had to do to get it. What there seems to be more of, though, is a deeper peek into Ricky Rozay’s life and thoughts about the politic climate. Nas, John Legend, Mariah Carey, and others are along for the ride.
On the other side we have G-Eazy. A direct continuation of 2014’s These Things Happen, this album finds G-Eazy marveling at the fact that he is now a major player in the industry. While Rick Ross opens up more on Black Market, sometimes it seems impossible to get G-Eazy to stop opening up.
One of these two albums should definitely cover any hip hop needs.
Perfect for: your little brother who loves a heavy dose of swagger/introspection with his hip hop.
Okkervil River – Black Sheep Boy (10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)
It’s been ten years since folk-rock group Okkervil River’s breakthrough album Black Sheep Boy. As bands are wont to do, that means it is time for a rerelease.
Aside from the classic lyrics and beautiful instrumentation of Black Sheep Boy, fans can now listen to There Swims a Swan, a collection of full band recordings that show the songs that inspired this album as well as brand new album artwork.
Perfect for: Your older sibling or cousin who was way into alt-rock a decade ago and spent most of their high school time wondering how this album was never number one while Nickelback, Ashlee Simpson, and Disturbed somehow all had number one albums that year
Lil’ Bub– Science & Magic
There is not a lot that YouTube sensation Lil’ Bub cannot do. As a magical space cat, Lil’ Bub is a wildly talented feline.
Yes, the music on this album was written by humans, but according to Andrew W.K., it is a “genuine musical experience” that contains songs that are “her vision.” Apparently magical cats love retro electronic music.
Perfect for: Your lonely cat-loving aunt who also happens to be passionate about electronic music.
Bette Midler– A Gift of Love (Remastered)
This is a collection of Bette Midler’s best love songs. That pretty much says it all.
Perfect for: Your mother.
Original Television Cast of the Wiz LIVE!– The Wiz (Music from the NBC Television Event)
Who doesn’t love sing alongs? Sure, there are curmudgeons like myself who find them irritating, but for the vast majority of people, this is a very pleasant activity.
After being viewed by 11.5 million people, it’s clear that “The Wiz Live!” is a phenomenon. It’s funky soundtrack is sure to spice up any sort of sing along and add a bit of variety to those old show tunes that people will not stop playing (Yes, I am talking about you “Wicked”)
Perfect for: Any mothers who hate Bette Midler or anyone who loves musicals
Cage The Elephant– Tell Me I’m Pretty
Produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, this album will be sure to build upon the alternative rock empire that they have been erecting since their 2008 self-titled debut. Based on the three singles released so far, this album is sure to contain a great deal of diverse timeless sounds.
Perfect for: Internet music writers who happen to make lists about great Christmas albums. Not that I have anyone in particular in mind.
Yes, I know that not everyone is covered by this list. For those not covered, you can just get Adele’s 25. You can never have enough copies of that album.