A Tori Kelly Christmas cover

A Tori Kelly Christmas

Tori Kelly · 2020

48 min · 15 tracks · soul

Warm vocal harmonies and soulful arrangements breathe new life into holiday classics, creating a cozy ambiance for festive gatherings.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    O Holy Night — Kelly's rendition of this classic showcases her powerful vocal range and emotional depth, capturing the song's spiritual essence while adding a modern soul twist.
  • →
    25th — As an original track, '25th' highlights Kelly's songwriting skills, weaving personal narratives into the festive theme and providing a fresh perspective amidst traditional songs.
  • →
    All I Want for Christmas Is You — Her cover reimagines this beloved hit with rich vocal harmonies and a soulful interpretation that pays homage to Mariah Carey's original while standing out distinctly.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends familiar holiday tunes with original pieces, showcasing strong vocal arrangements but lacking standout compositions.

What we noticed

  • Vocal harmonies are layered throughout, particularly in tracks like 'Joy to the World / Joyful, Joyful', enhancing the soulful feel.
  • Several tracks incorporate interludes or transitions, such as 'Elf Interlude', which create a thematic flow between songs.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • warm, cozy holiday vibes
  • reflective seasonal moments
  • gentle background ambiance
  • nostalgic festive atmosphere

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on October 30, 2020, 'A Tori Kelly Christmas' marks Tori Kelly's first holiday album following her successful albums 'Unbreakable Smile' (2015) and 'Inspired by True Events' (2019). At this point in her career, Kelly was solidifying her reputation as a versatile artist capable of seamlessly blending pop and soul influences while expanding her discography with seasonal music.
Stylistic neighbors
Andra Day· Lianne La Havas· H.E.R.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Silent Night 4:17
  • 2 25th 3:47
  • 3 Christmas Time Is Here 3:04
  • 4 Joy to the World / Joyful, Joyful 3:41
  • 5 Sleigh Ride 3:05
  • 6 O Holy Night 4:54
  • 7 Gift That Keeps on Giving 3:11
  • 8 Elf Interlude 0:50
  • 9 Let It Snow 1:58
  • 10 O Come, O Come Emmanuel / O Come All Ye Faithful 3:11
  • 11 Go Tell It on the Mountain 2:48
  • 12 This Christmas 3:29
  • 13 Hallelujah (from “Sing” Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) 3:29
  • 14 Kid Again on Christmas 3:04
  • 15 All I Want for Christmas Is You 3:50

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata