No matter what any Scrooge tells you, Christmas actually begins the day after Halloween, and there’s no better way to start the holiday than with Mariah Carey‘s Merry Christmas album.
The celebrated holiday material debuted in 1994 with a selection of original songs, as well as remakes of classic Christmas tunes. Carey is celebrating the album’s 25th year with a “Deluxe Anniversary Edition” of the album that was released on Friday. It’s filled with extra material, including remixes of the album’s initial lineup and live versions of songs.
Mimi was clearly in Christmas mode as soon as the clock struck 12 for November 1. In an Instagram video, she switched right out of her Halloween outfit into her Christmas onesie within a matter of seconds.
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” went on to be the biggest hit from the Merry Christmas album, with millions of streams, sales and radio play. However, the timeless tune isn’t the only accomplishment from the holiday project.
Carey used her master arrangement skills and expert songwriting to create a number of classics from the Merry Christmas era. Hit the flip for some underrated cuts sure to get you in the Christmas spirit.
“O Holy Night”
I personally don’t want to imagine a Christmas without this song present. Though the original song is a holiday classic, Carey took it to new heights, especially with her powerful pipes belting “O night divine” at the track’s climactic ending. If anyone else has covered this song, I don’t need it.
“Jesus Born on This Day”
With Mariah’s religious and spiritual background, the queen will remind you that Christmas is, in fact, Jesus’ birthday. Can you imagine if this song (originally penned by Mariah and Walter Afanasieff) was actually played in Bethlehem when Jesus took his first breath? The angels and all of the middle east would be drawn to his royal arrival.
“Joy to the World”
One of Mariah’s most iconic intros is probably the beginning of “All I Want for Christmas Is You”. With minimal instrumentation, Carey almost sings a cappella for a song that breaks into merry instrumentation fifty seconds in. Mimi adapts the same formula for “Joy to the World”, only this time, the song breaks into a house-y, dance mix fifty-five seconds in. Leave it to Mariah to get the party started right under the Christmas tree.
“Silent Night”
What can I say, I love a Mariah Carey ballad. Throw a little church up in there and I’m sold. This is exactly what Mimi did with her rendition of “Silent Night”. Listen to it and be born again.
“Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child”
Speaking of church, Mariah gets caught up in the spirit with “Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child”. Who doesn’t stan a diva who digs into her gospel roots every now and then? Try not to break out into a praise break towards the end of the song. I dare you.
