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When Christmas Comes Around...
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| When Christmas Comes Around... | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | October 15, 2021 | |||
| Recorded | 2021 | |||
| Studio |
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| Genre | Pop | |||
| Length | 47:51 | |||
| Label | Atlantic | |||
| Producer | ||||
| Kelly Clarkson chronology | ||||
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| Singles from When Christmas Comes Around... | ||||
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When Christmas Comes Around... is the second Christmas album and ninth studio album by American singer Kelly Clarkson, released through Atlantic Records on October 15, 2021, nearly four years after her eighth album Meaning of Life (2017). Produced by Jesse Shatkin, Jason Halbert, Joseph Trapanese and Aben Eubanks, it is her second Christmas album after Wrapped in Red (2013). Featuring cover versions of Christmas songs, as well as original co-penned tracks and duets with Chris Stapleton, Ariana Grande and Brett Eldredge, its release was preceded by the singles "Christmas Isn't Canceled (Just You)" and "Santa, Can't You Hear Me". It also includes previously released singles "Christmas Eve", "All I Want for Christmas Is You", and "Under the Mistletoe" as bonus tracks. The album was nominated for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards.[1]
Promotion for the album included a Christmas special of the same title, which premiered on NBC on December 1, 2021. The Christmas special premiered with a 0.6 rating and 4.3 million total viewers.[2][3] A deluxe reissue of the album featuring two new tracks was released on November 1, 2024, including the single "You for Christmas".[4]
Background and recording
[edit]"My purpose for choosing this lyric as the title of this project was to bring forth a sense of reality to the fact that we are probably in very different places emotionally When Christmas Comes Around... Some of us are consumed with a new love, some of us reminded of loss, some filled with optimism for the coming new year, others elated for some much deserved time away from the chaos our work lives can sometimes bring us. Wherever you are, and whatever you may be experiencing, I wanted everyone to be able to connect to a message on this album. Each year you may even have a new favorite depending on where you are in your life, but while change can be unpredictable there is no better time of year, in my opinion, to breathe hope into one’s life and let possibility wander."
—Clarkson on naming the album When Christmas Comes Around...[5]
Following the release of her first Christmas album Wrapped in Red in 2013 on RCA Records, Clarkson transferred to Atlantic Records and has issued the Christmas tracks "Christmas Eve" (2017), "Under the Mistletoe" (with Brett Eldredge), and a cover of Vince Vance & the Valiants' "All I Want for Christmas Is You" (2020).[6] In an interview on the television program Entertainment Tonight, she revealed that she was not originally intending to record another Christmas studio album due to her fondness for her first, but later decided to following the emotional stress induced by the highly publicized divorce the previous year.[7] In recording the album, Clarkson recorded cover versions of various Christmas classics and wrote new material featuring duets with American recording artists Chris Stapleton and Ariana Grande.[6]
Themes and inspirations
[edit]Atlantic Records has promoted When Christmas Comes Around... as an exploration of "a wide range of holiday emotions and experiences anchored by Clarkson's incomparable vocal prowess".[6] Clarkson has elaborated that the album will explore various themes of love, loss, hope, and optimism — emotions that people tend to experience during the holiday season.[5][7]
Drawing inspiration from her experiences during the past two years, she remarked of the album's title, her first to not have a titular track since My December (2007), as "when Christmas comes around, we are all in different places." Further adding that its selection of tracks will both evoke a somber and posit a jolly atmosphere. Characterizing it as "a different Christmas album", she portrayed When Christmas Comes Around... as feeling more like a normal studio album, but "there's Christmas sprinkled on it."[7]
Release
[edit]When Christmas Comes Around... was released by Atlantic Records on October 15, 2021.[7] A special edition shipped exclusively to Target retail stores would also feature a Christmas card signed by Clarkson.[8] Its lead single "Christmas Isn't Canceled (Just You)", was released on September 23, 2021.[9] "Glow" with Stapleton and "Santa, Can't You Hear Me" with Grande were released as promotional singles alongside the album's release.[10][11] The deluxe reissue of the album was released on November 1, 2024.[4]
Critical reception
[edit]| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [12] |
| Slant Magazine |  [13] |
In a roundup of new holiday albums, The New York Times music critic Jon Caramanica praised Clarkson's "nimble" vocals and wrote that the original tracks, some of them strikingly "uncelebratory," make the album stand out.[14] In the year-end episode of his Times podcast Popcast, Caramanica again praised the album, calling it "very, very good [...] solid [and] impressive," though "not quite Mariah-level."[15] Mike DeWald of Riff Magazine praised how Clarkson's original songs are "something fresh and listenable."[16] Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine, who gave the album three-and-a-half out of five stars, criticized some production choices but praised Clarkson's "impressive" vocals and "melodic variations" on the classics as the "chief selling point."[17]
Marcy Donelson of AllMusic gave the album three out of five stars, called it "a vibrant, fully orchestral, high-volume set on average", and singled out "Merry Christmas (To the One I Used to Know)" and "Santa, Can't You Hear Me" as highlights among the newest tracks."[12] Vulture's Justin Curto called Clarkson "the queen of the holidays", calling the album a gift for Christmas. Curto especially appreciated the collaboration with Ariana Grande, as it sounds "as majestic as you would expect from the two singers."[18] Sal Cinquemani from Slant Magazine found that while the original songs on When Christmas Comes Around... "don't quite live up to the lofty bar she previously set" on Wrapped in Red, the album "juxtaposes the yuletide blues with jubilant holiday standards," further noting that "Clarkson's vocals, then, are the album’s chief selling point."[17]
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Merry Christmas Baby" | Jesse Shatkin | 3:45 | |
| 2. | "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" | Meredith Willson | Shatkin | 1:54 |
| 3. | "Christmas Isn't Canceled (Just You)" |
|
| 3:51 |
| 4. | "Merry Christmas (To the One I Used to Know)" |
|
| 4:10 |
| 5. | "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" | Johnny Marks | Shatkin | 1:52 |
| 6. | "Glow" (with Chris Stapleton) |
| Halbert | 3:18 |
| 7. | "Santa Baby" |
| Halbert | 2:50 |
| 8. | "Santa, Can't You Hear Me" (with Ariana Grande) |
| Halbert | 4:02 |
| 9. | "Last Christmas" | George Michael | Halbert | 3:09 |
| 10. | "Jingle Bell Rock" |
| Shatkin | 1:56 |
| 11. | "Blessed" |
| Halbert | 3:34 |
| 12. | "Christmas Come Early" |
| Halbert | 2:59 |
| 13. | "Under the Mistletoe" (with Brett Eldredge; Bonus track) |
|
| 3:45 |
| 14. | "All I Want for Christmas Is You" (Bonus track) | Shatkin | 3:46 | |
| 15. | "Christmas Eve" (Bonus track) |
| Halbert | 3:00 |
| Total length: | 47:51 | |||
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "You for Christmas" |
| Ronson | 2:54 |
| 2. | "Sleigh Ride" | Ronson | 2:10 | |
| 3. | "Merry Christmas Baby" |
| Shatkin | 3:45 |
| 4. | "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" | Willson | Shatkin | 1:54 |
| 5. | "Christmas Isn't Canceled (Just You)" |
|
| 3:51 |
| 6. | "Merry Christmas (To the One I Used to Know)" |
|
| 4:10 |
| 7. | "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" | Marks | Shatkin | 1:52 |
| 8. | "Glow" (with Chris Stapleton) |
| Halbert | 3:18 |
| 9. | "Santa Baby" |
| Halbert | 2:50 |
| 10. | "Santa, Can't You Hear Me" (with Ariana Grande) |
| Halbert | 4:02 |
| 11. | "Last Christmas" | Michael | Halbert | 3:09 |
| 12. | "Jingle Bell Rock" |
| Shatkin | 1:56 |
| 13. | "Blessed" |
| Halbert | 3:34 |
| 14. | "Christmas Come Early" |
| Halbert | 2:59 |
| 15. | "Under the Mistletoe" (with Brett Eldredge; Bonus track) |
|
| 3:45 |
| 16. | "All I Want for Christmas Is You" (Bonus track) |
| Shatkin | 3:46 |
| 17. | "Christmas Eve" (Bonus track) |
| Halbert | 3:00 |
Personnel
[edit]Credits adapted from the album's liner notes
Recorded and engineered at
- Brooklyn, New York (Brooklyn Bridge Music)
- Burbank, California (The Eastwood Stage at Warner Bros. Studio, The Listening Station, Glenwood Place Studios)
- Los Angeles, California (The Ribcage)
- Nashville, Tennessee (Ocean Way, Southern Ground)
- New York City (Manhattan Beach Recording)
- Pasadena, California (The Vibe Room)
- Studio City, California (Everland Studios)
- Universal City, California
Performance credits
- Kelly Clarkson – all vocals
- Jessi Collins – background vocals
- Luke Edgemon – background vocals
- Brett Eldredge – featured vocals
- Ariana Grande – featured vocals
- Nayanna Holley – background vocals
- Tiffany Palmer – background vocals
- Bridget Sarai – background vocals
- Chris Stapleton – featured vocals
- Brandon Winbush – background vocals
Musicians
|
|
|
Production
|
|
|
Charts
[edit]| Chart (2021–2025) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Albums (ARIA)[21] | 61 |
| Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[22] | 147 |
| Canadian Albums (Billboard)[23] | 31 |
| Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[24] | 26 |
| German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[25] | 42 |
| Hungarian Albums (MAHASZ)[26] | 23 |
| Lithuanian Albums (AGATA)[27] | 58 |
| New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)[28] | 19 |
| Scottish Albums (OCC)[29] | 80 |
| Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[30] | 41 |
| UK Albums (OCC)[31] | 94 |
| US Billboard 200[32] | 22 |
| US Top Holiday Albums (Billboard)[33] | 1 |
Release history
[edit]| Region | Date | Format | Label | Catalog number | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | October 15, 2021 | Atlantic | 864083-4 | [19][34] | |
| Christmas card CD | 864006-3 | [8] |
References
[edit]- ^ "2023 GRAMMY Nominations: See the Complete Winners & Nominees List".
- ^ Thaadeus, Shearmen (December 2, 2021). ""Kelly Clarkson Presents: When Christmas Comes Around" ratings". Retrieved March 26, 2022.
- ^ Dwortz, Mallory (December 1, 2021). "How to Watch "Kelly Clarkson Presents: When Christmas Comes Around"". MLive. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
- ^ a b c Iahn, Buddy (September 24, 2024). "Kelly Clarkson shares 'You For Christmas'". The Music Universe. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
- ^ a b Fisher, Kelly (September 27, 2021). "Kelly Clarkson Dishes On Her 'Purpose' For Christmas Breakup Single". iHeartRadio. Retrieved October 3, 2021.
- ^ a b c Towers, Andrea (September 23, 2021). "Kelly Clarkson drops holiday breakup bop 'Christmas Isn't Canceled (Just You)' just in time for... fall". Entertainment Weekly. Meredith. Retrieved October 3, 2021.
- ^ a b c d Calvario, Liz (September 24, 2021). "Kelly Clarkson Shares the Inspiration Behind Her New Breakup Christmas Song and Holiday Album (Exclusive)". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved October 3, 2021.
- ^ a b "Kelly Clarkson – When Christmas Comes Around (Target Exclusive, CD)(Christmas Card)". Target Corporation. Retrieved October 3, 2021.
- ^ Zemler, Emily (September 23, 2021). "Kelly Clarkson Welcomes the Holidays With 'Christmas Isn't Canceled (Just You)'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 3, 2021.
- ^ Clarkson, Kelly; Stapleton, Chris (October 14, 2021). "Spotify – Glow". open.spotify.com.
- ^ Clarkson, Kelly; Grande, Ariana (October 14, 2021). "Spotify – Santa, Can't You Hear Me". open.spotify.com.
- ^ a b Cinquemani, Sal (October 15, 2021). "When Christmas Comes Around... Review by Marcy Donelson". AllMusic. Retrieved October 15, 2021.
- ^ Curto, Justin (October 15, 2021). "Kelly Clarkson Declares It's Christmastime With When Christmas Comes Around …". Vulture. Retrieved October 18, 2021.
- ^ Caramanica, Jon (December 11, 2021). "13 Albums That Revisit (and Redefine!) Holiday Classics". The New York Times. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
- ^ Caramanica, Jon (December 28, 2021). "What We Forgot to Talk About in 2021". The New York Times. Retrieved December 28, 2021.
- ^ DeWald, Mike (October 15, 2021). "Kelly Clarkson celebrates the season on 'When Christmas Comes Around…'". Riff Magazine. Retrieved October 15, 2021.
- ^ a b Cinquemani, Sal (October 15, 2021). "Review:Kelly Clarkson's When Christmas Comes Around Is a Jolly Breakup Album". Slant Magazine. Retrieved October 15, 2021.
- ^ Curto, Justin (October 15, 2021). "Kelly Clarkson Declares It's Christmastime With When Christmas Comes Around …". Vulture. Retrieved October 18, 2021.
- ^ a b "When Christmas Comes Around... (CD Album)". HMV. Retrieved July 23, 2022.
- ^ White, Jack (September 22, 2021). "Kelly Clarkson to release second festive album When Christmas Comes Around... on October 15". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 22, 2021.
- ^ "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 30 December 2024". The ARIA Report. No. 1817. Australian Recording Industry Association. December 30, 2024. p. 6.
- ^ "Ultratop.be – Kelly Clarkson – When Christmas Comes Around..." (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
- ^ "Kelly Clarkson Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved December 29, 2021.
- ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Kelly Clarkson – When Christmas Comes Around..." (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved December 28, 2024.
- ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Kelly Clarkson – When Christmas Comes Around..." (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
- ^ "Album Top 40 slágerlista – 2021. 47. hét" (in Hungarian). MAHASZ. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
- ^ "2023 52-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100)" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. December 29, 2023. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
- ^ "NZ Top 40 Albums Chart". Recorded Music NZ. January 1, 2024. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
- ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
- ^ "Swisscharts.com – Kelly Clarkson – When Christmas Comes Around...". Hung Medien. Retrieved December 29, 2024.
- ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
- ^ "Kelly Clarkson Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
- ^ "Kelly Clarkson Chart History (Holiday Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
- ^ Clarkson, Kelly (September 22, 2021). "When Christmas Comes Around..." Apple Music. Retrieved September 22, 2021.
External links
[edit]| Studio albums | |
|---|---|
| Compilation albums | |
| Remix albums | |
| Extended plays | |
| Video releases | |
| Concert tours and residencies |
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| Television | |
| Bibliography | |
| Related articles | |
| Family |
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When Christmas Comes Around...
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Background and development
Conception and inspirations
Kelly Clarkson's second Christmas album, When Christmas Comes Around..., emerged as a natural extension of her 2013 holiday project Wrapped in Red, aiming to create a more intimate and emotionally varied collection that reflected contemporary life experiences. Announced on September 23, 2021, via Atlantic Records, the album was positioned as a follow-up that delved deeper into personal storytelling, with Clarkson expressing a desire to craft music that resonated amid shifting personal circumstances.[10][11] Central to the album's conception were Clarkson's reflections on her family life and evolving role as a mother to her two children, then aged 5 and 7, whom she described as "magical beings" that brought unexpected joy and a profound sense of responsibility. She noted that motherhood, which she initially never envisioned for herself, profoundly shaped the album's joyful and nostalgic tone, infusing it with themes of kindness, snuggling, and simple traditions like baking cookies for Santa to evoke a sense of wonder and hope. This familial influence contributed to the project's therapeutic quality, particularly in the wake of the previous two years marked by pandemic-related cancellations and disruptions, which Clarkson cited as prompting a need for "Christmas cheer" to counter emotional hardships.[12][2] The title track's lyric choice underscored Clarkson's intent to capture "holiday magic" in a post-pandemic context, acknowledging how individuals might be in "very different places emotionally" during the season, blending optimism with realism to "breathe hope into one’s life." Inspirations also drew from classic holiday songs, such as reworking elements into originals like "Glow" featuring Chris Stapleton, which adopted a soulful, vintage vibe reminiscent of traditional carols, and her ongoing experiences performing Christmas music on The Kelly Clarkson Show, where the festive energy of live segments reinforced her passion for the genre's emotional range.[12][10][2]Song selection process
The standard edition of When Christmas Comes Around... consists of 15 tracks, strategically blending covers of holiday standards with original songs to create a festive yet personal collection. Notable covers include the soulful rendition of "Merry Christmas Baby," originally by Charles Brown, while originals such as "Christmas Isn't Canceled (Just You)" inject a sassy, contemporary edge reflective of Clarkson's evolving artistry. This mix was curated to balance nostalgia with innovation, ensuring the album appeals to both traditional listeners and those seeking fresh holiday fare.[3] Kelly Clarkson, as executive producer, played a pivotal role in emphasizing soulful and upbeat selections to differentiate the project from her 2013 Christmas album Wrapped in Red, which leaned more heavily on orchestral big-band arrangements. She aimed for a vibrant, emotionally resonant sound that captured joy amid personal challenges, drawing from influences like 1950s and 1960s holiday music. Producer Jason Halbert noted the intentional focus on uplifting production, such as playful horns and girl-group-style vocals on tracks like "Christmas Isn't Canceled (Just You)," to lighten potentially heavy themes without veering into melancholy.[13][14] Collaboration with key producers, including Halbert and Jesse Shatkin, facilitated the curation of traditional carols like "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" alongside modern interpretations, such as the duet "Santa, Can't You Hear Me" with Ariana Grande. Live elements, including a 40-piece orchestra for strings, added a timeless soulfulness to the selections. Certain songs were excluded to maintain thematic cohesion, particularly avoiding overly somber pieces that might undermine the album's celebratory tone; Halbert explained this choice as a way to transform personal introspection into relatable, lighthearted holiday spirit.[13][14]Recording and production
Studio sessions
The recording of When Christmas Comes Around... took place primarily in 2021 at studios in Los Angeles and Nashville, including The Eastwood Stage at Warner Bros. in Burbank, California, and Brooklyn Bridge Music in Nashville, Tennessee. These locations facilitated a collaborative environment that blended Clarkson's pop sensibilities with country influences, reflecting her Texas roots and current residence in the region.[3] Sessions extended from summer through fall 2021, with Clarkson juggling the demanding schedule of her daytime talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, which taped in Los Angeles during this period. This timeline enabled her to record vocals and oversee production during off-days and breaks, ensuring the project aligned with an October release. The process emphasized live instrumentation, including brass sections and orchestral elements, to achieve a warm, organic holiday atmosphere that prioritized emotional depth over polished digital production. COVID-19 protocols presented notable challenges, leading to some remote contributions from collaborators and musicians to minimize on-site gatherings while maintaining safety. Despite these constraints, the sessions captured the album's intimate, festive spirit through in-person band performances where possible, with engineers like Robert Venable and Jesse Shatkin handling key tracking duties.[14] This approach contributed to the album's cohesive sound, blending classic covers with original tracks in a live-feel setting.Key collaborators
The album's primary production was handled by Jesse Shatkin and Jason Halbert, longtime collaborators of Clarkson who shaped its blend of festive covers and original compositions. Shatkin, known for his work on Clarkson's earlier albums like Piece by Piece, produced several classic covers, including "Merry Christmas Baby," "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas," "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," "Santa Baby," and "Under the Mistletoe," infusing them with lush, orchestral arrangements that emphasize Clarkson's vocal range.[14] Halbert, Clarkson's musical director and frequent co-producer, led the production on the original tracks, such as "Glow" (co-produced with Danja), bringing a contemporary pop-soul edge to the holiday themes.[15][16] Songwriting for the originals highlighted Clarkson's hands-on involvement, as she co-wrote multiple tracks to personalize the album's emotional core. For "Glow," a duet with Chris Stapleton, Clarkson collaborated with songwriters Jason Halbert, Hayley Warner, Jesse Thomas, and Danja (Floyd Nathaniel Hills), crafting lyrics about enduring love amid holiday glow.[16] She also co-penned "Santa, Can't You Hear Me" with Aben Eubanks, addressing themes of longing and festive frustration, while "Merry Christmas (To the One I Used to Know)" was co-written with Halbert and Eubanks, reflecting on post-breakup holidays.[3] Additionally, "Christmas Isn't Canceled (Just You)" featured Clarkson alongside Halbert and Jessi Collins, turning personal heartbreak into an upbeat anthem. Throughout, Clarkson contributed to arrangements, ensuring the tracks aligned with her vision of joyful yet introspective Christmas music.[17] Guest vocalists added star power and vocal chemistry to key duets. Ariana Grande joined Clarkson on "Santa, Can't You Hear Me," delivering harmonious pleas in a track that became a standout single for its playful yet poignant delivery.[3] Chris Stapleton provided soulful country-inflected vocals on "Glow," complementing Clarkson's performance with his gravelly timbre to evoke warmth and nostalgia.[16]Music and lyrics
Musical style and genre
When Christmas Comes Around... is characterized by a predominant pop-soul and R&B holiday style, infused with jazz and gospel elements that give it a warm, nostalgic feel.[18] The album's sound draws on traditional holiday music while incorporating contemporary production, creating a dynamic blend that feels both festive and personal.[19] Clarkson's vocal delivery remains versatile and powerful, echoing the emotive range seen in her non-holiday albums like Meaning of Life, where she similarly explores soulful pop terrains.[18] Instrumentation plays a key role in evoking classic Christmas atmospheres, with prominent use of brass sections for lively energy, pianos for melodic warmth, and strings for orchestral depth.[19] These elements contribute to the album's big-band influences, adding a layer of sophistication to the holiday arrangements without overwhelming the intimacy of the performances.[18] The production, handled by collaborators like Greg Kurstin, ensures a polished yet organic sound that highlights Clarkson's voice as the central force.[19] The tracks exhibit notable variations in tempo and mood, ranging from upbeat swing numbers to more subdued ballads. For instance, "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" features a swinging, brass-driven rhythm that captures joyful exuberance, while "Merry Christmas Baby" opts for an intimate ballad approach with gentle piano and strings for emotional resonance.[19] Similarly, "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" delivers an energetic, pop-infused swing vibe, contrasting with quieter gospel-tinged moments in tracks like "Blessed." These shifts keep the album engaging, balancing high-energy holiday cheer with reflective introspection.[18]Thematic elements
The lyrical content of When Christmas Comes Around... emphasizes themes of joy, family, love, and resilience, portraying the holiday season as a time for emotional recovery and connection amid life's challenges. Clarkson has described the album as reflecting the "varying stages of our lives," where holidays can evoke both celebration and introspection, particularly in the context of post-pandemic recovery when many were emerging from isolation and uncertainty.[20] This sense of reality grounds the songs in authentic experiences, highlighting love's enduring role in fostering hope and togetherness during difficult periods, such as personal upheavals or global hardships.[2] Original tracks like "Christmas Isn't Canceled (Just You)" explore empowerment and resilience, with lyrics that depict a protagonist moving forward from heartbreak to reclaim holiday joy, refusing to let past relationships dim the season's spirit.[21] The song serves as an anthem of self-empowerment, blending festive imagery with messages of independence and emotional strength, allowing listeners to find liberation in the holidays. Clarkson co-wrote the track, infusing it with personal conviction drawn from her own life transitions, which adds layers of relatability to its themes of love's evolution and personal growth.[22] Nostalgia permeates the album's cover versions of holiday standards, such as "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" and "Sleigh Ride," which evoke fond memories of traditional celebrations through vivid depictions of family gatherings, twinkling lights, and shared warmth. These selections tie into broader Christmas traditions by prioritizing secular elements like communal cheer and seasonal magic, creating a comforting bridge to collective cultural experiences without overt religious focus. Clarkson's interpretations personalize these classics, with references to loved ones underscoring the album's emphasis on relational bonds and enduring affection.[23]Release and promotion
Marketing strategies
The marketing strategies for Kelly Clarkson's ninth studio album, When Christmas Comes Around..., emphasized early holiday excitement through digital and television platforms to build anticipation ahead of its October 15, 2021, release. Teaser campaigns commenced in September 2021, with Clarkson posting on Instagram about her personal obsession with Christmas and previewing lyrical content from the lead single "Christmas Isn't Canceled (Just You)" on September 15.[24] The full album announcement followed on September 23, 2021, shared across social media, where she revealed the tracklist featuring collaborations with artists like Ariana Grande and Chris Stapleton, alongside covers of holiday classics.[4] As host of The Kelly Clarkson Show, Clarkson integrated promotions into episodes, announcing the single on September 15 and using the platform to share her enthusiasm for the project, leveraging her daytime TV audience for broad reach.[25] To extend commercial reach, the campaign included partnerships with brands for holiday merchandise directly tied to the album. Official exclusive collections were launched in early October 2021 through Warner Music Group channels, offering themed items such as apparel, ornaments, and bundled album packages designed to complement holiday celebrations.[26] These collaborations aimed to create immersive fan experiences beyond music consumption. Engagement efforts featured virtual listening parties and behind-the-scenes content shared online to foster community interaction. Clarkson hosted a TikTok Holiday Kickoff Celebration livestream on December 3, 2021, performing tracks from the album and interacting with fans in real-time, serving as a post-release extension of pre-launch buzz.[27] Additional behind-the-scenes videos, including recording sessions and personal holiday anecdotes, were posted on YouTube and Instagram throughout September and October, providing glimpses into the album's production.[28] The strategies specifically targeted families and holiday enthusiasts, capitalizing on Clarkson's relatable persona as a mother and Christmas aficionado to promote wholesome, festive content suitable for multi-generational audiences.[29] This focus aligned with broader promotional ties, such as the NBC holiday special sponsored by Wayfair, emphasizing home and family traditions.[30]Singles and media
The lead single from When Christmas Comes Around..., "Christmas Isn't Canceled (Just You)", was released on September 23, 2021, ahead of the album's launch, and received a lyric video highlighting its sassy, post-breakup holiday theme. A performance video of the track aired during Clarkson's NBC holiday special, emphasizing its upbeat, empowering vibe.[31] The duet "Santa, Can't You Hear Me" with Ariana Grande appeared on the album upon its October 15, 2021, release and was later issued as a live single on December 2, 2022, capturing their collaborative vocal chemistry in a big-band pop style.[32] The track gained notable chart traction during the holiday season, boosted by a live performance featuring both artists on the NBC special Kelly Clarkson Presents: When Christmas Comes Around, which premiered on December 13, 2021, and showcased festive staging with holiday lights and ensemble backing.[33] Promotional efforts included performance videos for other tracks, such as "Glow" (a duet with Chris Stapleton), which aired in TV specials like Christmas in Rockefeller Center on November 29, 2023, presenting the song's soulful, harmonious glow amid twinkling decorations.[34] These visuals tied directly into the album's overarching holiday narrative, with the NBC special serving as a central media hub that integrated multiple songs from the project through celebrity cameos and themed segments.Deluxe edition promotion
A deluxe edition of the album, titled When Christmas Comes Around... Again, was released on November 1, 2024, adding two new original tracks: "You for Christmas" and a cover of "O Holy Night." Clarkson promoted the reissue through social media announcements in late October 2024, including Instagram posts teasing the new content and encouraging pre-saves. The release was tied to her ongoing holiday specials and performances, further boosting the album's seasonal chart performance.[35]Critical reception
Contemporary reviews
Upon its release in October 2021, Kelly Clarkson's When Christmas Comes Around... received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised her vocal range and joyful delivery across the album's blend of original songs and holiday standards.[8][36] Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine awarded it 3.5 out of 5 stars, highlighting how Clarkson "juxtaposes the yuletide blues with jubilant holiday standards," noting her emotive performance on tracks like the duet "Santa, Can't You Hear Me" with Ariana Grande as a standout that captures heartfelt longing.[8] Critics frequently commended Clarkson's versatile vocals, describing them as "compelling" and capable of infusing both upbeat and melancholic tunes with warmth and power.[36] In Riff Magazine, the reviewer emphasized her "shine" on soulful opener "Merry Christmas Baby," praising the expansive arrangement that showcases her range without overpowering the holiday spirit.[19] AllMusic's Marcy Donelson gave the album 3 out of 5 stars, calling it "a vibrant, fully orchestral, high-volume set on average" with soulful production that elevates covers like "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas."[37] Some reviews pointed to weaknesses in the album's reliance on over-familiar covers that occasionally lacked fresh innovation. Cinquemani noted the "faithful" rendition of "Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree," which felt off-theme amid the more personal originals.[8] Similarly, a review in The Harvard Crimson praised the sentimental appeal and Clarkson's compelling vocals across the album's mix of originals and holiday standards.[36] Aggregate scores reflected this mixed but favorable consensus, with Album of the Year compiling a 65/100 based on early critic input.[38]Accolades and recognition
The album When Christmas Comes Around... received a nomination for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, held in 2023 for releases from the previous year.[39] The 2024 deluxe edition, retitled When Christmas Comes Around… Again and released on November 1, added the original track "You for Christmas" and a cover of "Sleigh Ride," which were promoted through official visualizers, live performances including at the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, and streaming campaigns to extend the album's holiday appeal.[40]Commercial performance
Chart achievements
The album When Christmas Comes Around... debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Holiday Albums chart on October 30, 2021, marking Kelly Clarkson's second chart-topper on the ranking following her 2013 release Wrapped in Red. It held the summit position for three consecutive weeks during the 2021 holiday season and has re-entered the chart each year thereafter, accumulating a total of 47 weeks as of November 2025. On the all-genre Billboard 200, the album entered at number 22 in its debut week, becoming Clarkson's ninth top-40 entry on the tally. Internationally, the album achieved modest success on holiday-oriented lists. It peaked at number 31 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart in January 2022. In the overall UK Albums Chart, it later re-entered at number 94 in January 2023 and number 79 in January 2024. The album's singles also made notable impacts on U.S. charts. The lead single "Christmas Isn't Canceled (Just You)" debuted at number 79 on the Billboard Hot 100 dated December 25, 2021, marking Clarkson's 21st entry on the ranking. The Ariana Grande collaboration "Santa, Can't You Hear Me" peaked at number 76 on the Hot 100 in January 2023, while reaching number 50 on the Holiday 100. Both tracks benefited from seasonal airplay and streaming, contributing to the album's enduring chart presence. The 2024 deluxe edition, retitled When Christmas Comes Around... Again and featuring two new original songs ("You for Christmas" and "Sleigh Ride"), contributed to the album's ongoing presence on the Top Holiday Albums chart during the holiday period.Sales figures
In the United States, When Christmas Comes Around... sold over 43,000 units in its first week, encompassing a combination of physical sales, digital downloads, and streaming-equivalent albums. The 2024 deluxe edition, titled When Christmas Comes Around... Again, provided a boost through renewed interest in holiday streaming and physical reissues during the season, supporting the album's sustained commercial performance.Track listings and formats
Standard edition
The standard edition of When Christmas Comes Around..., released on October 15, 2021, by Atlantic Records, comprises 15 tracks that mix original holiday songs co-written by Kelly Clarkson with renditions of Christmas standards, totaling approximately 48 minutes in length.[41] Produced primarily by Jesse Shatkin, Jason Halbert, Aben Eubanks, and Joseph Trapanese (arrangements), the album emphasizes Clarkson's versatile vocals over lush orchestral backings and contemporary pop elements.[42] Several tracks feature guest artists, including Ariana Grande on the duet "Santa, Can't You Hear Me," Chris Stapleton on "Glow," and Brett Eldredge on "Christmas Come Early."[43] The track listing, including durations and songwriters, is presented below:| No. | Title | Duration | Songwriter(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Merry Christmas Baby" | 3:45 | Kelly Clarkson, Aben Eubanks |
| 2 | "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" | 1:54 | Meredith Willson |
| 3 | "Christmas Isn't Canceled (Just You)" | 3:51 | Kelly Clarkson, Aben Eubanks, Mark Nilan Jr., MoZella[22] |
| 4 | "Merry Christmas (To the One I Used to Know)" | 4:10 | Kelly Clarkson, Jason Halbert, Mark Nilan Jr., MoZella[44] |
| 5 | "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" | 1:53 | Johnny Marks[45] |
| 6 | "Glow" (featuring Chris Stapleton) | 3:18 | Kelly Clarkson, Jason Halbert, Jesse Shatkin, Hayley Warner, Danja |
| 7 | "Santa Baby" | 2:51 | Joan Javits, Philip Springer, Tony Springer |
| 8 | "Santa, Can't You Hear Me" (featuring Ariana Grande) | 4:03 | Kelly Clarkson, Aben Eubanks |
| 9 | "Last Christmas" | 3:10 | George Michael[46] |
| 10 | "Jingle Bell Rock" | 1:57 | Joe Beal, Jim Boothe[47] |
| 11 | "Blessed" | 3:35 | Lindy Robbins, Tobias Gad, KOLE |
| 12 | "Christmas Come Early" (featuring Brett Eldredge) | 3:00 | Dave Lubben, Molly Kate Kestner, Brock Monroe, Bobby Strand[48] |
| 13 | "Under the Mistletoe" | 3:46 | Justin Bieber, Usher Raymond IV |
| 14 | "All I Want for Christmas Is You" | 3:47 | Mariah Carey, Walter Afanasieff |
| 15 | "Christmas Eve" | 3:01 | Kelly Clarkson, Jason Halbert, Mark Nilan Jr., MoZella |
Deluxe edition (2024)
On November 1, 2024, Kelly Clarkson released the deluxe reissue of her 2021 holiday album, titled When Christmas Comes Around... Again, through Atlantic Records. This expanded version comprises 17 tracks in total, incorporating the original 15 songs alongside two new recordings.[49] The additions include the original composition "You for Christmas," a festive track written by Clarkson, and a newly arranged cover of the classic "Sleigh Ride."[50] These tracks were produced to enhance the album's holiday offerings, providing fresh material for listeners during the 2024 season.[9] The reissue responds to ongoing fan interest in Clarkson's Christmas music, extending the album's availability with updated content to celebrate the holidays anew.[51] It features refreshed packaging, including new artwork that distinguishes it from the standard edition.[52]Credits
Personnel
Kelly Clarkson provides lead vocals on all tracks of When Christmas Comes Around....[14] Featured vocalists include Ariana Grande on "Santa, Can't You Hear Me," Chris Stapleton on "Glow," and Brett Eldredge on "Under the Mistletoe." Background vocals are contributed by Jessi Collins, Nayanna Holley, Brandon Winbush, and Bridget Sarai across various festive tracks.[53][14] The album's musicians encompass a range of instrumentalists supporting the holiday arrangements. Key contributors include:| Role | Personnel | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drums, Percussion | Aaron Redfield | Tracks 1, 2, 5, 7, 10, 13 |
| Drums | Lester Estelle | Tracks 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15 |
| Guitar | Aben Eubanks | Tracks 13, 15 |
| Guitar | Erick Serna | Tracks 2, 5, 7, 10, 13, 14 |
| Guitar | Luke Sullivant | Track 9 |
| Bass, Upright Bass | Kyle Whalum | Tracks 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13 |
| Piano, Keyboards, Hammond B-3, Programming | Jason Halbert | Tracks 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15 |
| Synthesizer, Drum Programming, Percussion | Jesse Shatkin | Tracks 1, 2, 5, 7, 10, 13, 14 |
| Keyboards | Aben Eubanks | Track 8 |
| Piano, Organ | Tommy King | Tracks 1, 2, 5, 7, 10 |
| Trumpet, Brass Arrangement | Keyon Harrold | Tracks 1, 2, 5, 7, 10, 13, 14 |