For many of us, it’s just about the time of year when the wind starts to blow colder, the air smells of bonfires and burning leaves, and lights and decorations begin to go up. It’s difficult to name a more sentimental time than the holiday season, and nothing aids that nostalgia more than the music that comes with it. There’s nothing like sitting by the fireplace (digital or not) and spinning familiar anthems of sleigh rides and snow.
Every year, multitudes of artists take their shot at releasing an annual holiday hit —and for those who celebrate, why not? The incentive of an annually renewable Christmas cash-out is enough for plenty of artists to try their luck, but the reality is that it just isn’t for everyone. When it comes to covers, many of the classics were arranged when jazz was at its peak, meaning much of their melodic and chordal structure was highly complex. While this isn’t true for every song in this category, it’s also true that a Christmas album may be completely off-brand for an artist. For example, can you imagine someone like HARDY or Eric Church doing a serious holiday project? It would likely go against their brooding, masculine persona, leading to a schism with their brand and a tacky stain on their discography.
While holiday releases can be totally hit or miss, we’ve created a list of artists who we believe could create an exceptional soundtrack for the winter season.
5. The War & Treaty
In the country realm, there’s a long history of iconic duos. In the nineties, with acts like Brooks & Dunn and Montgomery Gentry, the outlaw era with Willie and Waylon (although not exclusive), and even dating back to Porter Wagoner and his many “featured female singers”. Today, there are fewer duo groups in the spotlight, though as of late, The War And Treaty has been a name in many country fans’ conversations. Much of the band’s commercial success and recognition is due to their feature on Zach Bryan’s “Hey Driver,” which became one of Bryan’s most popular tracks from his self-titled album. However, many would argue that the song’s most special attribute is the chorus, sung solely by The War And Treaty. The combination of Michael’s soul and Tanya’s vocal control made a lasting impression on country fans and led to a much larger audience.
Since their recent popularity, the duo has been featured on Josh Groban’s “Do You Hear What I Hear?,” showcasing their voices in a new light. With such audible chemistry, it’s easy to envision the couple singing covers of tracks like “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” or even an original. In their own music, The War And Treaty has shown a uniquely creative touch, making music that goes beyond the norm of radio-friendly music. However, because their main notable track is a feature on a Zach Bryan song, it’s been difficult for them to maintain hype on their own. Therefore, the actual idea of attempting a Christmas record comes with less risk. In addition, having a household holiday anthem in their pocket could greatly impact their career. Because the majority of people who know “Hey Driver” likely haven’t heard most of the duo’s own catalog, a Christmas hit could be their much-needed draw to bring in fans. This idea isn’t so much because they have overflowing potential to be successful in Christmas music, but more because it could be a more successful route than water falling singles that never break the surface.
4. The Red Clay Strays
If you’re looking for an artist or band that can both make you dance and cry, look no further than The Red Clay Strays. There’s something so vulnerable, yet strong, about their music, and somehow the two elements don’t counteract each other. Songs like “Wondering Why” and “I’m Still Fine” trigger an emotional response with a perfect balance of lyrical and melodic tension. With strong rock, blues, and soul influences, the band feels like a slightly modernized Elvis, and few acts have found more success in Christmas music than the king himself.
With multiple tracks rooted in religious themes, it wouldn’t be totally out of left field for The Red Clay Strays to start rolling out a Christmas-themed project. Whether it’s original music or covers, it’s easy to believe that if they attempted, they could create many country Christmas songs worthy of keeping in the yearly rotation. Taking musicality into consideration, their own versions of “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” and “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town” would make total sense.
3. Chris Stapleton
Most people, both inside and outside the country music bubble, know who Chris Stapleton is. Between his powerhouse vocals, the craftsmanship in his songwriting, and the iconic cover that needs no mention, he’s earned a level of respect that few artists of his generation can match. What many don’t realize is that early in his career, Stapleton played in rock bands and bluegrass groups, which sharpened his musicianship long before his solo breakout. While many of his biggest songs are full-band, his music doesn’t need a big production to stand tall.
Even when stripped down to the bone, like on “Whiskey and You,” Stapleton proves he never needs much more than his voice and a guitar to leave a mark.
The depressing qualities of a song like that are exactly the qualities that would make an ultimate Christmas album, but before you close this tab out of disagreement, think of songs like Merle Haggard’s “If We Make It Through December.” If you haven’t heard it, the title describes the story well, hitting on culturally relatable themes like poverty and common struggle, and delving into deeper territory than the usual cheer and joy of the season. Stapleton’s tendency to write with a similar vulnerability makes him an ultimate candidate for this type of unhappily holiday music. However, he would likely do just fine with an album full of high esteem and jolliness, too.
2. ERNEST
In today’s country music scene, artists tend to drift either very gritty or very polished, and ERNEST is a rare example of someone who sits perfectly in the middle. By cultivating a purely traditional style with modern production, Ern has created his own sound. There’s a spectral clarity in his music, making it radio-ready, yet still desirable for the high-brow fans of “old country” that have a distaste for most country newcomers.
If you’ve heard tracks like “Tennessee Queen” and “Would If I Could,” you’ve heard the smoothness of Ernest’s voice. That same warmth could easily lend itself to Christmas music, as Michael Bublé and Frank Sinatra did with holiday classics. With just a few small tweaks to his usual arrangements, Ernest could step into the Christmas songbook without straying from what makes his sound special. Who knows, maybe there’s a Deville Records holiday compilation in the works. Only time will tell.
1. Charley Crockett
It’s hard to pinpoint a truly defining title for Charley Crockett, although country music gladly welcomes the “Lonesome Drifter” with open arms. With influence from many sources, he brings elements like blues, soul, New Orleans swing, and Texas country into his own sound. Sculpted by hard times and lessons learned, his lyrics are full of wisdom, truth, and intricate stories of love, struggle, and even murder. Built around creativity and authenticity, Crockett’s music speaks for itself, dissolving outside accusations and proving he’s the furthest thing from a “cosplay cowboy.” After all, you wouldn’t expect a poser to cover artists like George Jones and Tanya Tucker, because they probably wouldn’t know them. That deep historical knowledge of country music adds richness to the multilayered character under the cowboy hat.
With today’s active generation of country artists in mind, no one has more potential to make the ultimate Christmas album than Charley Crockett, and the reasons are clear. The way he weaves New Orleans influences into his music, paired with the character of his voice and the warm, funky instrumentation that runs through his catalog, makes him feel like he stepped straight out of the era when the most timeless Christmas records were made. His sound feels less like imitation and more like a reincarnation of that golden age. That said, there’s not an artist or band out today that would seem like a more natural fit for a Christmas record. If there ever was an artist to make Christmas music today that sounded like it was recorded smack dab in the middle of the twentieth century, it’s Charley. As far as that old-fashioned, crooner-esque sound goes, in today’s world, he’s as close as it gets.
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While it’s uncertain if any of these artists or acts will ever reach a point where they feel a Christmas album is necessary or even appropriate for their catalog, a well-crafted holiday release from any of them would be a treat, offering potential for long-lasting royalties and reward. Most of all, it would be a true gift to their fans. Isn’t that what Christmas is all about?
