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My Gift
Studio album by
Carrie Underwood
ReleasedSeptember 25, 2020 (2020-09-25)
Length41:16
LabelCapitol Nashville
ProducerGreg Wells
Carrie Underwood chronology
Cry Pretty
(2018) 		My Gift
(2020) 		My Savior
(2021)
Singles from My Gift
  1. "Hallelujah"
    Released: November 13, 2020

My Gift is the seventh studio album and first Christmas album by American singer Carrie Underwood. It was released on September 25, 2020, through Capitol Records Nashville. Produced by Greg Wells, My Gift features guest appearances from John Legend and Underwood's oldest son Isaiah.

Background

[edit]

Underwood first announced the album in June 2020.[1] The tracklist was announced on August 27, 2020.[2] Underwood had been wanting to make a full-length Christmas album for a long time, and decided it would be her next musical project after promoting her previous album, Cry Pretty (2018). The album was produced and arranged by Greg Wells.[3]

The album features eight traditional tracks and three originals, two of those co-written by Underwood. One of the traditional tracks, "The Little Drummer Boy", Underwood was going to record alone but kept thinking about her oldest son Isaiah and asked him if he would want to sing with her on it, which he said "yes." John Legend is featured on "Hallelujah" which he co-wrote with Toby Gad. The two recorded it separately via emails and Zoom.[4] During an interview with Today's Country with Kelleigh Bannen, Underwood stated that the song came in late into the album process, and she knew she had to make room for it. It was also her idea to make the song a duet.[5]

In September, Underwood told MusicRow, "I went through like every single song and I went on my iTunes and just started listening to so many versions, and marked down notes to give him [Wells] an idea of what I was looking for. Celine Dion's version of "O Holy Night" is so beautiful and big and classic. That was one I referenced. On the flip side, I didn't think I would find a version I liked of "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee," because so many are so march-y. I was like, "How can we get away from that?" And he had the idea of me singing a cappella. I tried it and it ended up being so unique and it had a certain feeling about it that made me really happy and that's why we put it first on the album."[6] David Garcia, who co-produced Underwood's 2018 album Cry Pretty, co-wrote the songs "Sweet Baby Jesus" and "Let There Be Peace" with Underwood and Brett James.[7]

Promotion

[edit]

Underwood appeared on the Today Show on September 24, 2020, to promote the album.[8] As cross-promotion for the album, Underwood starred in and executive produced an original HBO Max holiday special, airing on December 3, 2020,[9] entitled My Gift: A Christmas Special from Carrie Underwood.[10] In November, Underwood released a bonus track to the album, "Favorite Time of Year", in partnership with Amazon Music.[11] It reached number one on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart, becoming Underwood's second number one hit on that chart and also reached number 62 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.[12]

The official music video for "Hallelujah" was released on November 19.[13] Underwood appeared in a Ring commercial, as cross-promotion for her song "Favorite Time of Year."[14] On November 26, Underwood and Josh Groban were the featured artists for iHeartRadio's Holiday special.[15] Underwood performed "Mary, Did You Know?", "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", and "O Holy Night." On December 3, Underwood performed "O Holy Night" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.[16] On December 8, Underwood performed songs from the album for a Pandora Live event, hosted by Storme Warren.[17] On December 18, Underwood performed "Mary, Did You Know?" on The Kelly Clarkson Show. On December 17, she performed "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" on Late Night with Seth Meyers.[18]

A special edition of the album was released on September 24, 2021.[19][20] It contains three new tracks, including "Favorite Time of Year", which was previously an Amazon Music exclusive.[21] In November 2021, the My Gift Christmas special returned to stream on HBO MAX.[22] In November 2021, Underwood performed "Mary, Did You Know" during ABC's CMA Country Christmas special.[23] Underwood performed "Favorite Time of Year" during NBC's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.[24] On December 1, 2021, Underwood performed two songs – "Let There Be Peace" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" – for the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting.[25] On December 18, the Grand Ole Opry, in partnership with the USO, aired a holiday special for the military, including a performance by Underwood.[26] She performed "Silent Night" for Opry Live: USO Holiday Special.[27]

Singles

[edit]

On August 28, 2020, the promotional track "Let There Be Peace" was released to YouTube ahead of the album.[28] The song peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart.[12] "Hallelujah" was sent to Adult Contemporary radio on November 13, 2020, and it debuted at number 28 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart for the week ending November 20.[29] The song peaked at number one on the Hot Christian Songs chart, number three on both Adult Contemporary chart and Hot Country Songs chart and at number 54 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStar[30]
The Arts DeskStarStar[31]
The Observer3.5/5[32]

My Gift received mixed reviews from music critics. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic called the album a "stately, somber affair" partly due to the production from Greg Wells, writing that the album "proceeds at a steady pace, adorned with very few bells and whistles, and a sparse choice that helps highlight how Underwood chooses to sing primarily religious-themed material."[30] Tom Cramer of The Eastern Echo gave a positive review, writing that it "will bring the listener the gift of contemplation: to contemplate what the true meaning of Christmas is, what's really necessary to celebrate Christmas during a pandemic, and to contemplate what is going on in the world today", also praising the duet with John Legend, saying it "would be spectacular if they ever get to perform this song together."[33] Emily Simpson of Vinyl Chapters gave a positive review, calling the duet between Underwood and Legend a stand-out track, and writing, "In a decidedly non-traditional year, Carrie Underwood has kept one musical tradition going with this album. My Gift offers us moments of joy and unity, a little dose of Christmas cheer that everyone needs to hear."[34]

Chuck Campbell of Knoxville News Sentinel gave a positive review of the album, awarding it 4 out of 5, calling it "reverential, poignant and heavily religious – calming music suitable for reflection and introspection", but was less favorable toward the duets with John Legend and Underwood's son, calling the former "disjointed and ultimately overcooked" and speculating that the latter will "sound adorable to many, but cloying to others."[35] The Observer gave a positive review of the album, awarding it 3.5 out of 5, but highlighted the promotional single, "Let There Be Peace," calling it "the most soulful" of the album.[32] Katie Columbus of The Arts Desk gave it 2 out of 5 stars, writing, "Listened to in full, My Gift is cloying and repetitive. Whilst reflective and meaningful for some, for others it'll be sorely lacking in festive fun."[31]

Accolades

[edit]

The album received two nominations and one win at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards.

Awards
Year Organization Award Result Ref
2021 Billboard Music Awards Top Christian Album Won [36]
Top Country Album Nominated [37]

Commercial performance

[edit]

In the United States, My Gift sold 41,000 copies in its first week[38] and debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200[39] and number one on the Top Country Albums respectively.[40] The album also debuted at number one on the Billboard Holiday Albums and Top Christian Albums charts, Underwood's first album to do so.[41][42] The achievement made Underwood the first artist to place eight consecutive number one albums on the Top Country Albums chart, according to Billboard.[39] It reached a new peak of number five on the Billboard 200 after moving 53,000 units on the week ending December 19, 2020.[43] The album experienced its best sales on the week ending December 24, when it sold 57,000 copies.[44] My Gift spent a seventh nonconsecutive week atop the tally on Billboard's Top Holiday Albums chart as it re-entered on issue dated October 9, 2021, after six weeks at number one last season following its release on Sept. 25, 2020. The album was reissued on Sept. 24, 2021 with three bonus tracks.[45]

Two of the album's tracks, "Favorite Time of Year" and "Hallelujah", topped the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart.[46] My Gift was certified Gold by the RIAA on November 5, 2021.[47] As of December 2022, the album has sold 628,000 albums.[48]

Other charted songs

[edit]

All the tracks from "My Gift", including the Amazon Music exclusive "Favorite Time of Year", appeared on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart. "Favorite Time of Year" spent two weeks at number one before being replaced by "Hallelujah", making Underwood the first female artist and only the second artist to replace themselves at the top spot in the chart's 17-year history. Additionally with "Silent Night" at number three, Underwood became the first artist to command the top three positions of the chart for multiple weeks (four consecutive weeks).[46] Three of the songs from the album appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, led by "Hallelujah" at number 54, "Favorite Time of Year" at number 62 and "Silent Night" at number 94. The first two songs also peaked high on the Hot Country Songs chart, at numbers three and five respectively, for the week ending January 2, 2021.

Track listing

[edit]
My Gift track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee"
3:55
2."O Come, All Ye Faithful"
3:14
3."Let There Be Peace"
3:59
4."The Little Drummer Boy" (featuring Isaiah Fisher)
2:56
5."Sweet Baby Jesus"
  • Underwood
  • James
  • Garcia
4:29
6."Hallelujah" (featuring John Legend)
4:35
7."O Holy Night"
4:41
8."Mary, Did You Know?"
3:26
9."Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
3:49
10."Away in a Manger"
2:41
11."Silent Night"
3:31
Total length:41:16
Amazon Music bonus track
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
12."Favorite Time of Year"
3:17
Total length:44:33
Special edition bonus tracks
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
13."All Is Well"
3:50
14."Let There Be Peace" / "Something in the Water" (live from My Gift: A Christmas Special)
  • Underwood
  • James
  • Garcia
  • DeStefano
8:39
Total length:57:02

Personnel

[edit]

Vocals

  • Isaiah Fisher – featured vocals (track 4)
  • Brett James – background vocals
  • John Legend – featured vocals (track 6)
  • Carrie Underwood – lead vocals
  • Nina Woodford – background vocals

Musicians

  • Steven Becknell – French horn
  • David Campbell – arranger
  • Heather Clark – flute
  • Andrew Duckles – viola
  • Donald Foster – clarinet
  • David Garcia – acoustic guitar
  • Steven Holtman – contrabass trombone
  • David Kalmusky – electric guitar
  • Rong Huey Liu – oboe
  • Mac McAnally – acoustic guitar
  • Carolyn Riley – viola
  • David Stone – bass
  • David Washburn – trumpet
  • Greg Wells – acoustic guitar, arranger, bass, drums, electric guitar, percussion

Production

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for My Gift
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[71] Gold 500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Release history and formats for My Gift
Region Date Edition(s) Format Label Ref.
Various September 25, 2020 Standard
Capitol Nashville [72]
October 30, 2020 Vinyl [73]
September 24, 2021 Deluxe
  • CD
  • digital download
  • streaming
 [74]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

My Gift

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
My Gift is the first Christmas album by American country music singer and songwriter Carrie Underwood, released on September 25, 2020, through Capitol Nashville Records. The record comprises 11 tracks, blending classic holiday carols with original compositions, and emphasizes themes of faith, joy, and reverence through Underwood's powerful vocals and orchestral arrangements. The album opens with an uplifting rendition of "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" and includes staples like "O Come All Ye Faithful," "The First Noel," and "O Holy Night," alongside Underwood's originals such as "Sweet Baby Jesus" and "Favorite Time of the Year." Produced by Greg Wells and featuring collaborations with artists like John Legend on "Hallelujah," My Gift was promoted through live performances, including a livestream concert and an HBO Max holiday special titled My Gift: A Christmas Special from Carrie Underwood, which aired in December 2020. A special edition released on September 24, 2021, added three new tracks—"Favorite Time of the Year," "All Is Well," and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"—expanding its festive appeal. Upon release, My Gift debuted at number one on the , marking Underwood's eighth consecutive -topping in that category, as well as topping the Christian Albums and . It remained at number one on the Christian Albums for 11 weeks and achieved in the United States. Critics praised the 's spiritual depth and Underwood's emotive delivery, with reviewers noting its "reverential, poignant, and heavily religious" tone that distinguishes it from typical holiday releases.

Background and development

Concept and inspiration

My Gift is Carrie Underwood's first full-length album, conceptualizing the holiday season through a lens of spiritual reflection and personal offering. Released on September 25, 2020, by , the project blends traditional holiday standards with original compositions, emphasizing the religious essence of rather than secular festivities. Underwood aimed to create music that serves as a heartfelt , drawing listeners back to the faith-based origins of the holiday. The album's core inspiration stems from the classic "Little Drummer Boy," which tells the story of a poor offering his only possession—his drumming—as a gift to the newborn . Underwood connected deeply with this narrative, viewing it as a for using one's innate talents to honor . She explained that the song resonated personally, especially after becoming a , as it mirrored teaching her children about giving from the heart despite having little material wealth. This theme directly influenced the album's title, My Gift, symbolizing Underwood's own God-given ability to sing as her offering during the season. Underwood's motivation was further shaped by her upbringing in , where church and family traditions instilled a profound appreciation for Christmas's spiritual significance. She sought to share this joy and encouragement, particularly amid global challenges like the , by producing an album that promotes peace and hope. The inclusion of her then-five-year-old son, Isaiah Fisher, on a version of "Little Drummer Boy" added a familial layer, reflecting her desire to pass down values of generosity and faith. Through collaborations with artists like on the original track "," Underwood expanded the concept to foster communal celebration of divine gifts.

Recording and production

The recording of My Gift began in late 2019, following the completion of Underwood's Cry Pretty Tour 360, with initial planning and some sessions occurring in Los Angeles before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The album was primarily produced and arranged by Grammy-winning producer Greg Wells, known for his work with artists like Adele and Katy Perry, who handled the bulk of the orchestral elements from his base in Los Angeles. Wells collaborated closely with renowned arranger and conductor David Campbell to lead a world-class orchestra, whose musicians recorded while adhering to pandemic safety protocols, including mask-wearing during sessions. Mixing was overseen by 14-time Grammy winner Serban Ghenea, ensuring a polished, cinematic sound that blended traditional holiday instrumentation with contemporary production. Due to the global health crisis, the majority of the production shifted to a fully virtual format in 2020, with Underwood recording her vocals in Nashville while communicating via Zoom with Wells and the remote orchestra in . Underwood described the process as challenging yet rewarding, noting, "It wasn't what any of us envisioned, but we made it all work and I'm so proud of the album." Several tracks incorporated co-production from David Garcia, who co-wrote and co-produced originals like "Let There Be Peace" and "Sweet Baby Jesus." Tracks such as "Favorite Time of the Year" and "All Is Well" were fully produced by Wells. The virtual setup allowed for flexibility but required meticulous integration of elements, resulting in a lush, orchestral sound that Underwood envisioned as a "" to fans during a difficult year. Notable recording highlights included guest features that added personal and collaborative depth. Underwood's then-5-year-old son, Isaiah Fisher, joined her on "Little Drummer Boy," with Underwood acting as a supportive "stage mom" in the Nashville studio booth to guide his performance, creating an emotional family moment captured in behind-the-scenes footage. provided vocals for the duet "Hallelujah," an original song he co-wrote, recorded separately and layered into the track remotely. Backing vocals on "Let There Be Peace" were contributed by The McCrary Sisters, enhancing the album's gospel-infused tracks. These elements were finalized by September 2020, culminating in the album's release on September 25 through .

Release and promotion

Singles and other songs

The lead single from My Gift, "Hallelujah", a duet with , was released digitally on September 24, 2020, one day prior to the album's launch. Written by Legend and , the soulful holiday track blends influences with contemporary production, emphasizing themes of joy and praise. An official , directed by Sam Cahill, premiered on November 20, 2020, featuring Underwood and Legend performing in a warmly lit, festive setting. The song debuted at number 61 on the and later peaked at number 54, while topping the chart for one week in December 2020, marking Underwood's third number-one hit and Legend's first on that tally. It garnered 8.6 million U.S. streams in its peak tracking week, alongside strong radio airplay and digital sales. Preceding the album's release, Underwood issued "Let There Be Peace" as a promotional single on August 28, 2020, available as an instant gratification track with digital pre-orders. Co-written by Underwood, , and David Garcia, this original composition serves as a serene for harmony during the holiday season, featuring orchestral arrangements and Underwood's signature . The track highlights the album's blend of new material with tradition, setting a contemplative tone for the project. In support of the 2021 My Gift (Special Edition), Underwood released "Favorite Time of the Year" as a promotional single on September 23, 2021. Originally debuted as an exclusive bonus track on November 12, 2020, the upbeat original—co-written by Underwood, James, and Garcia—captures the excitement of Christmas traditions like decorating and family gatherings. It received prominent TV exposure, including performances on NBC's in November 2021 and during Underwood's Max holiday special. The song underscores Underwood's personal connection to the holidays, drawing from her roots and family life. Beyond the singles, My Gift comprises a selection of traditional Christmas standards and original songs, emphasizing , , and festivity. Original tracks like "Sweet Baby ," another Underwood-James-Garcia collaboration, offer intimate reflections on the Nativity with and elements. Notable covers include a soaring rendition of "," "Mary, Did You Know?" infused with emotional depth, and "" delivered in a minimalist, piano-driven style. Collaborations add variety: Underwood duets with her young son Isaiah Fisher on a playful "Little Drummer Boy," incorporating childlike percussion for a heartfelt family moment. The Special Edition expands the collection with "All Is Well," a tender cover evoking peace, and a live medley of "Let There Be Peace" and David Crowder's "Something in the Water" recorded during Underwood's 2020 HBO Max special. These selections showcase Underwood's versatility, transitioning from powerful ballads to joyful anthems while honoring the album's spiritual core.

Marketing and media

The promotion of My Gift emphasized holiday-themed cross-media partnerships, television specials, and charitable initiatives to align with the album's festive spirit and Underwood's family-oriented image. Underwood announced the project on July 20, 2020, via and a promotional video explaining the title's personal significance as a reflection of giving during challenging times, particularly amid the . The campaign included merchandise bundles such as limited-edition vinyl (released October 30, 2020) and apparel, available through the official My Gift store, to engage fans directly. A key element was the HBO Max holiday special My Gift: A Christmas Special from Carrie Underwood, which Underwood starred in and executive produced alongside Gary Goetzman and Tom Hanks' . Premiering on December 3, 2020, the 45-minute program featured performances of album tracks like "Hallelujah" (a duet with ) and "Little Drummer Boy" (with her son Isaiah Fisher), backed by a live and conducted by Rickey Minor. Directed by Sandra Restrepo, the special blended traditional carols with behind-the-scenes footage from the album's remote recording sessions, aiming to "spread holiday joy" during a difficult year; it streamed exclusively on the platform throughout the season. Underwood promoted the album through high-profile television appearances, including performances and interviews on NBC's TODAY on release day (September 25, 2020), where she discussed the project's inspiration and her ACM Entertainer of the Year win, and again in December to preview the HBO special. She also appeared on on December 18, 2020, sharing anecdotes about family traditions and the album's creation. Additional broadcast spots included a Circle All Access interview highlighting her prior Christmas performances and a discussion on using the music to "create light in a dark year." These outings, often featuring live renditions of singles like "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee," helped build anticipation and tied into broader programming. Commercial tie-ins extended the reach, such as a 2020 Amazon Music and Ring holiday advertisement where Underwood sang "Favorite Time of the Year" (an exclusive track on Amazon Music) to a Ring Video , showcasing family greetings at the door; this with Universal Music Group Nashville aimed to leverage Amazon's ecosystem for wider artist exposure. An interactive LIVE event on December 8, 2020, hosted by [Storme Warren](/page/Storme Warren) at Nashville's Oceanway Studios and presented by , offered virtual performances, album insights, and fan Q&A, later broadcast on SiriusXM channels like The Highway and Country Christmas. Complementing these efforts, the Season of Giving campaign launched via Underwood's C.A.T.S. Foundation donated $100,000 worth of Chromebooks to schools in her hometown of , encouraging fans to share acts of kindness online; this philanthropic angle reinforced the album's themes of generosity and community support. Overall, the strategy focused on multi-platform accessibility to maximize holiday engagement without large-scale tours, given pandemic restrictions.

Live performances and specials

Due to the and its impact on the live events industry, including an estimated $30 billion loss in 2020, My Gift was promoted primarily through televised and virtual live performances rather than traditional concert tours. Underwood delivered live renditions of album tracks on major television programs throughout late 2020 and 2021. On the album's release date, September 25, 2020, she performed on NBC's TODAY show, including a medley featuring "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee." In December 2020, she appeared on , performing selections from the album live. The Pandora LIVE virtual event on December 8, 2020, at Nashville's Oceanway Studios provided fans with live performances, behind-the-scenes insights, and a Q&A session, hosted by and broadcast on SiriusXM. The HBO Max special My Gift: A Christmas Special from Carrie Underwood, which premiered on December 3, 2020, served as a central live component, featuring orchestra-accompanied performances of tracks like "O Come All Ye Faithful" and collaborations such as "Hallelujah" with John Legend. Supporting the 2021 Special Edition, Underwood performed "Favorite Time of the Year" live at NBC's on November 25, 2021, and "Mary, Did You Know?" during ABC's CMA Country Christmas special on November 24, 2021. Additional 2021 appearances included "Silent Night" on the Grand Ole Opry's Opry Live: USO Holiday Tour broadcast and "O Come All Ye Faithful" at the . Songs from My Gift have since been incorporated into Underwood's post-pandemic concert setlists, including during her residency and ongoing tours as of 2025.

Music and lyrics

Composition and themes

"My Gift" consists of eleven tracks that blend traditional Christmas carols with original compositions, emphasizing orchestral arrangements and gospel-infused elements. Produced by Greg Wells and featuring a world-class orchestra conducted by David Campbell, the album's sound is characterized by lush, sweeping strings, choral backing, and Underwood's soaring vocals, creating a reverent and contemplative atmosphere rather than upbeat festivity. The arrangements are generally classy and predictable, with acoustic guitar accents in select tracks like "Favorite Time of the Year" and gospel choir support in "Let There Be Peace," highlighting a Southern Baptist influence that underscores the music's spiritual depth. Lyrically, the album explores themes of Christian , , , and the nativity, focusing on the holy aspects of without references to secular figures like . Original songs co-written by Underwood, such as "Let There Be ," "Sweet Baby ," and "Favorite Time of the Year," convey messages of global unity, divine love, and the birth of , with lines calling for " to every " and reflecting on the Christ. Traditional covers like "" and "" reinforce these motifs through their emphasis on reverence and lullaby-like serenity, while the duet "" with adds a layer of quiet on and redemption. Overall, the themes prioritize spiritual reflection and community giving, presenting as a time for heartfelt devotion and familial warmth, as exemplified by Underwood's collaboration with her son on "The Little Drummer Boy."

Musical style

"My Gift" is characterized by a stately and sober musical style that emphasizes spiritual and reverential interpretations of , blending traditional holiday standards with original compositions focused on and devotion. The album largely eschews secular holiday cheer in favor of devout, Christian-themed tracks, creating an atmosphere of solemn celebration rather than festive exuberance. This approach aligns with Underwood's country roots while incorporating pop and contemporary Christian elements, resulting in a polished yet predictable sound that prioritizes emotional depth over innovation. The production, led by with orchestral arrangements conducted by David Campbell, features sparse arrangements adorned with minimal ornamentation, allowing her powerful vocals to take center stage. Instrumentation is understated, often relying on , , and subtle orchestral swells to evoke intimacy and grandeur, as heard in the stripped-down rendition of "." Gospel influences are prominent, particularly in tracks like "Let There Be Peace," which incorporates a for a Southern Baptist-tinged anthem quality, enhancing the album's spiritual resonance. Duets, such as the collaboration with on "," add layers of harmonic richness through blended vocal performances, described as seamlessly intertwining two of music's most emotive voices. Original songs like "Sweet Baby " further exemplify the album's fusion of genres, merging -inflected melodies with contemporary Christian production to deliver poignant, faith-centered narratives. While the overall style maintains a slight flavor early on—evident in gentle twang and rhythmic subtlety—it shifts toward more traditional and gospel-leaning arrangements as the record progresses, underscoring Underwood's intent to offer a meaningful, inspirational holiday collection.

Reception

Critical response

My Gift received mixed reviews from music critics, who praised Underwood's vocal delivery and the album's reverent tone while critiquing its repetitive pacing and lack of festive energy. On , described it as a "stately, sober affair," noting that Underwood's powerful voice sometimes overwhelms the intimate holiday setting, though the sparse production allows the music to breathe and creates a dignified experience. He highlighted the inclusion of her young son on "Little Drummer Boy" as overly sentimental but commended the overall emphasis on reverence over cheer. Chuck Campbell of the awarded the album 4 out of 5 stars, calling it "reverential, poignant and heavily religious—calming and inspirational, but not always engaging." He appreciated its suitability for reflection but found the duets with and her son Isaiah less compelling, suggesting the project leans too heavily into solemnity at the expense of broader appeal. Some reviewers found the album's slow tempos and spiritual focus limiting. In The Arts Desk, the critic labeled it "cloying and repetitive," appealing primarily to audiences seeking traditional, faith-centered music but lacking the "festive fun" for more upbeat celebrations; however, the duet "" with was singled out for its uplifting . Conversely, V13.net offered a more positive take, emphasizing the warmth in Underwood's renditions of standards like "" and originals such as "Let There Be Peace," which incorporates elements, positioning the record as an ideal soundtrack for nostalgic mornings.

Accolades and legacy

Upon its release, My Gift received recognition for its commercial success and artistic contributions to holiday music. The album earned a nomination for Top Christian Album at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards, which it won, marking Underwood's twelfth overall win at the ceremony. Additionally, the single "Hallelujah," featuring John Legend, won Video of the Year at the 2021 CMT Music Awards, extending Underwood's record as the most-awarded artist in the show's history with her twenty-second victory. The project was certified Gold by the RIAA on November 5, 2021, denoting 500,000 equivalent units in the United States. Though My Gift did not secure Grammy nominations, it was eligible for consideration in categories such as Best Country Album at the , reflecting its blend of country and contemporary Christian elements. Underwood was also overlooked for major nods at the 2021 despite the album's chart dominance earlier that year. The album's legacy lies in its role as Underwood's inaugural foray into holiday recordings, emphasizing faith-infused interpretations of classics and originals that aligned with her personal beliefs. It introduced a more spiritual dimension to her discography, influencing her subsequent gospel project My Savior (2021), which won the Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album. The accompanying HBO Max special, My Gift: A Christmas Special from Carrie Underwood, premiered in December 2020 and has since become a recurring holiday broadcast, featuring performances with guests like and underscoring the album's enduring appeal as a family-oriented festive tradition. By prioritizing worshipful themes over secular holiday fare, My Gift solidified Underwood's versatility as a genre-spanning artist while resonating with audiences seeking inspirational seasonal music.

Commercial performance

Chart performance

My Gift debuted at number one on the chart upon its release on September 25, 2020, marking Carrie Underwood's eighth consecutive number-one debut on that tally and making her the first artist to achieve this feat. The album also launched at number one on both the Top Christian Albums and Top Holiday Albums charts, reflecting its strong appeal in genre-specific markets during the holiday season. In its debut week, My Gift entered the all-genre at number eight, Underwood's eighth top-ten entry on the ranking, and generated 43,000 equivalent album units, all from pure album sales. The album sustained significant chart momentum into late 2020, reclaiming the number-one position on the Top Country Albums chart for a third non-consecutive week in December and consistently remaining in the top five on the Top Holiday Albums chart throughout the holiday period. On the Top Christian Albums chart, My Gift held the top spot for 11 weeks following its release, underscoring its enduring popularity in that category. By the week ending December 19, 2020, it reached a new peak of number five on the , driven by 53,000 units amid heightened holiday streaming and sales. Internationally, My Gift performed strongly on country charts but had more modest showings on all-genre rankings. It debuted at number one on the Country Albums chart—Underwood's fifth leader there—and number one on the Country chart, while peaking at number 57 on the for one week and number 42 on the Canadian Albums Chart. The 2021 special edition release further bolstered its holiday chart presence, debuting at number one on the Top Holiday Albums chart.
Chart (2020–2021)Peak position
Canadian Albums ()42
UK Albums (OCC)57
5
Christian Albums ()1
Holiday Albums ()1
Top Country Albums ()1
The album's year-end performance included a number 155 ranking on the 2021 , highlighting its sustained sales and streaming impact beyond the initial holiday window.

Sales and certifications

Upon its release on September 25, 2020, My Gift debuted at number one on the chart, marking Underwood's eighth consecutive number-one debut on that tally, and achieved 43,000 equivalent units in its first week , all from traditional sales. The also entered at number one on the Top Albums and Top Christian Albums charts, as well as number eight on the 200. The project experienced seasonal resurgences during subsequent holiday periods, reflecting strong ongoing consumer interest in holiday music; for instance, it sold 33,000 copies in a single week during late December 2024. Overall, My Gift has contributed to Underwood's cumulative certified units exceeding 95 million in the as of October 2025. In terms of certifications, , released in September 2021 with three additional tracks, was certified Gold by the (RIAA) on November 5, 2021, denoting 500,000 units shipped in the United States. No international certifications have been awarded for the album to date.

Track listing and editions

Standard edition

The standard edition of My Gift, released on September 25, 2020, by , features eleven tracks that combine classic Christmas hymns with newly penned holiday songs co-written by Underwood. The album was produced by David Garcia and includes guest appearances by Underwood's son Isaiah Fisher and singer .
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee"Traditional3:56
2."O Come All Ye Faithful"Traditional3:14
3."Let There Be Peace", , David Garcia3:59
4."Little Drummer Boy" (featuring Isaiah Fisher)Katherine K. Davis, Henry Onorati, 2:56
5."Sweet Baby Jesus", , David Garcia4:30
6."Hallelujah" (with ), 4:35
7."O Holy Night"Traditional ()4:41
8."Mary, Did You Know?", Buddy Greene3:26
9."Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", 3:50
10."Away in a Manger"Traditional2:41
11."Silent Night"Traditional ()3:31

Special edition

The special edition of My Gift was released on September 24, 2021, by , expanding the original 2020 album by adding three new tracks to the existing 11 songs, resulting in a total of 14 tracks. This version was issued ahead of the 2021 holiday season and includes a live medley recorded during Underwood's Max special My Gift: A Christmas Special from Carrie Underwood, which originally aired in December 2020. The new additions include the original holiday song "Favorite Time of the Year," written by Underwood, , and , which evokes joyful anticipation of . "All Is Well" reinterprets the traditional carol (written by and ) with a gospel-infused emphasizing and redemption. The third track is a live medley of "Let There Be Peace" (Underwood, James, Garcia) and "Something in the Water" (Underwood, David Garcia, ), performed solo during the Max special. These tracks complement the album's mix of classic carols and originals, with production on the new studio tracks by . The was made available in multiple formats, including standard , double LP vinyl (pressed on crystal clear or green-colored variants), and a limited containing the alongside exclusive merchandise such as a long-sleeve and a custom-printed box. The full track listing is as follows:
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee"Traditional3:56
2.""Traditional3:14
3."Let There Be Peace", , David Garcia3:59
4."Little Drummer Boy" (featuring Isaiah Fisher)Katherine K. Davis, Henry Onorati, 2:56
5."Sweet Baby Jesus", , David Garcia4:30
6."Hallelujah" (with ), 4:35
7."O Holy Night"Traditional ()4:41
8."Mary, Did You Know?", Buddy Greene3:26
9."Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", 3:50
10.""Traditional2:41
11.""Traditional ()3:31
12."Favorite Time of the Year", David Hodges, 3:17
13."All Is Well", 3:54
14."Let There Be Peace/Something in the Water" (live), , David Garcia; , David Garcia, 6:26

Credits

Personnel

Carrie Underwood provided lead vocals on all tracks of My Gift. Featured vocalists included Underwood's son Fisher on "Little Drummer Boy" and on "". The McCrary Sisters contributed backing vocals throughout the album. David Campbell arranged and conducted the world-class orchestra that underpinned the album's sound. handled primary production and arrangements. Mixing was performed by at MixStar Studios in , and mastering by at Sterling Sound in . The album's instrumentation drew from a full , with additional contributions such as by David Garcia on "Let There Be Peace" and on "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and ""; electric guitar by David Kalmusky on ""; and brass by Steve Holtman (), Alan Kaplan (), and David Washburn () on "Little Drummer Boy". String sections included cellists Erika Duke, Andrew Duckles, and Carolyn Riley; violists like Rodney Wirtz; and other orchestral players across multiple tracks.
RolePersonnel
Lead Vocals
Featured VocalsIsaiah Fisher,
Backing VocalsThe McCrary Sisters
Producer
Arranger/ConductorDavid Campbell,
Mixing
Mastering
Orchestra LeaderDavid Campbell

Production team

The production of 's debut My Gift was primarily led by Grammy-winning producer, mixer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist , who handled production and arrangement duties across the record. Wells, known for his work with artists such as and , brought a blend of contemporary polish and l grandeur to the project, incorporating a world-class to enhance the 's spiritual and festive tone. Mixing was overseen by 14-time Grammy Award-winning engineer , whose expertise ensured a balanced, radio-ready sound that highlighted Underwood's vocals alongside the lush instrumentation. Acclaimed arranger, composer, and conductor David Campbell led the orchestral elements, drawing on his extensive experience with recordings by artists like and to create sweeping, cinematic arrangements for several tracks. The album was recorded at in Hollywood, , Rocket Carousel Studio in , and Addiction Sound Studios, with mastering handled by at Sterling Sound in .

References

  1. https://store.carrieunderwood.fm/products/my-gift-cd
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  58. https://www.carrieunderwoodofficial.com/carrie-underwood-to-release-first-ever-christmas-album-my-gift-this-fall/
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