Kelly Clarkson’s ‘When Christmas Comes Around…’ Review: Christmas Makes an Extra-Early Debut

Unfortunately, it’s that time of year again: Musicians and marketing campaigns are starting their premature Christmas celebrations, and Kelly Clarkson’s newest album “When Christmas Comes Around…,” released on Oct. 15, is no exception. The long-revered legend has not had a big hit since the debut single “Heartbeat Song” from her 2015 album “Piece by Piece,” but still remained in the public eye for “The Kelly Clarkson Show” and her role as one of the hosts on “The Voice.” Furthermore, Clarkson has not released a Christmas album since 2013. That record, “Wrapped in Red,” rode its classic mistletoe-and-Christmas-jingle sentiment to the Billboard 200. Likewise, her newest Christmas album brings the cheer and hopeful aspiration to this upcoming holiday season.

Both of Clarkson’s Christmas albums explore a more classical holiday repertoire with songs like “Rocking Around The Christmas Tree” and “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.” Nevertheless, originals like “Glow” and “Blessed” are welcome additions to “When Christmas Comes Around…,” and the album even features collaborations with Ariana Grande and Chris Stapleton. Despite the early release date, Clarkson provides a heartwarming and nostalgic selection of songs that will make listeners forget that it is still October. Her familiar full-ranging vocals comfortably suit the style of the album, delivering Christmas cheer alongside an abundance of all the usual Christmas-related instruments: jingle bells and tambourines, Christmas choirs, and orchestras. Clarkson’s vocals have no doubt retained their compelling edge, and this album certainly delivers sentimental and homey Christmas vibes for her fans. However, for the many who are sick of the progressively earlier and earlier Christmas promotions that last for weeks (sometimes even months) before Christmas time, it may be worth it to avoid this album until at least mid-November.

Like many other artists that release Christmas albums in late October or early November, “When Christmas Comes Around…” speaks to the popularity of the Christmas season as the most promoted holiday in the U.S. Although Clarkson’s album does not provide a large selection of novel Christmas songs, “When Christmas Comes Around…” reminds listeners that it is okay to rejoice, even in the aftermath of such a difficult almost-two year period. It brings back the sentiment of familial comfort that many Americans love to partake in during the coldest part of the year, and reminds everyone that it is alright to look forward to a time when the pandemic will be a thing of the past. Even if it means listening to cozy Christmas albums like “When Christmas Comes Around…,” we can all take a step towards a more hopeful present and future this Christmas season.

— Staff writer Angelina V. Shoemaker can be reached at angelina.shoemaker@thecrimson.com.