R&B albums full of new and traditional Christmas songs is a tradition that dates back almost as far as R&B itself. Over the years, there have been hundreds - if not thousands - of R&B artists who've remade traditional Christmas songs and given them an R&B twist. While we can't and won't go back and revisit every R&B Christmas CD of the past 50 years, this list is dedicated to some of the best R&B Christmas albums of 1990s and 2000s.
1. I'll Be Home for Christmas, Brian McKnight
Brian McKnight's latest holiday release, I'll Be Home for Christmas, which was released in the U.S. on Oct. 7, 2008, isn't his first Christmas album, but it's undoubtedly one of the best that's come out in a long while. It's romantic, charming, fun, occasionally whimsical and most of all, spiritual.
2. Miss Patti's Christmas, Patti LaBelle
For anyone who's ever wondered why and how Patti LaBelle has managed to stay a relevant, successful recording artist while so many other singers have come and gone over the years, Miss Patti's Christmas is a perfect example why. Patti puts her all into singing each and every one of the 10 songs on the album. There's not a single lackluster performance, nor a poorly sung note on the entire album.
3. I'll Be Home for Christmas, The Isley Brothers
This 40-minute collection of 10 new and classic holiday-themed songs is like the audio equivalent of a lit fireplace in the dead of winter: it's warm, comforting and refreshing, not to mention peaceful, tender and romantic.
4. "A Mary Mary Christmas," Mary Mary
A Mary Mary Christmas is an album of new and classic holiday music by the R&B/Gospel duo Mary Mary. It was released by My Block Records back in October 2006.
5. "Christmas Is 4 Ever," Bootsy Collins
Released in October 2006, this is one of the wackiest, most fun Christmas albums ever. Bootzilla, baby!
6. "Merry Christmas," Mariah Carey
Merry Christmas, which features both cover versions and original material, is the most successful holiday album ever in the United States, sales-wise. Mariah's version of "Silent Night" is a definite must-hear.
7. "This Is Christmas," Luther Vandross
This Is Christmas, which was released in October 1995 then re-released in August 2004, contains seven original songs and three traditional Christmas songs. Luther's silky smooth voice epitomizes the love and joy of the holiday season.
8. "8 Days of Christmas," Destiny's Child
Older folks may grumble, but if you're under 25 and female, you'll probably enjoy this upbeat album which puts a hip-hop-spin on some traditional Christmas songs.
9. "Christmas, Love And You," Will Downing
Released in 2004, this collection of 10 traditional Christmas songs is one of the best holiday albums ever, mostly due to Downing's rich, warm vocals.
10. "Snowflakes," Toni Braxton
Toni's vocals on this sultry album of holiday music are steamy enough to heat up many cold winter nights.
11. "Christmas Interpretations," Boyz II Men
This album of classic song remakes is full of Boyz II Men's usual lush harmonizing.
12. "Bethlehem," Brian McKnight
A soft, deeply spiritual album reminiscent of the late Nat "King" Cole.
