What makes Christmas Cheers by Straight No Chaser notable?

'Christmas Cheers' achieved significant commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Holiday Albums chart and generating a new wave of interest in a cappella holiday music. The album has since become a staple in seasonal playlists, influencing countless artists to explore similar festive arrangements. Released on January 1, 2009, 'Christmas Cheers' marks Straight No Chaser's first full-length studio album after their viral success on YouTube. The group, originally formed in the late 1990s at Indiana University, had reformed and gained widespread recognition following a viral performance of 'The Twelve Days of Christmas', leading to a renewed interest in their music.

How many songs are on Christmas Cheers?

Christmas Cheers has 16 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Christmas Cheers

Straight No Chaser · 2009

42 min · 16 tracks · a cappella

A lively blend of a cappella harmonies and playful arrangements rejuvenates classic holiday songs with humor and charm.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Christmas Can-Can — This track cleverly weaves together various Christmas songs into a humorous narrative, showcasing the group's playful spirit and vocal dexterity.
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You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch — Their rendition features dynamic vocal effects that bring the character to life, emphasizing both mischief and merriment in a fresh way.
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O Holy Night — This powerful performance highlights the group's vocal range and emotional depth, offering a poignant contrast to the more upbeat tracks on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong vocal arrangements and humor, making it a distinctive entry in holiday music.

What we noticed

The album opens with a medley that combines multiple holiday songs, setting a playful tone for the rest of the record.
Each track features intricate vocal harmonies and arrangements that highlight the group's a cappella style without instrumental accompaniment.
Several tracks incorporate humorous spoken interludes or playful lyrics, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
The last three tracks slow down the tempo, providing a contrast to the more upbeat earlier selections.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Tracklist

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

1 The Christmas Can-Can 2:42
2 We Three Kings 2:31
3 Christmas Time Is Here 2:18
4 Let It Snow 3:01
5 Donde Esta Santa Claus 2:29
6 I'll Be Home for Christmas 3:05
7 Hey Santa 2:47
8 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 2:21
9 You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch 2:54
10 O Holy Night 3:10
11 Santa Claus Is Back in Town 2:37
12 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 2:35
13 Jingle Bells 2:05
14 Who Spiked the Eggnog? 2:07
15 The 12 Days of Christmas 2:59
16 Last Christmas 2:54

What to play next

Listen next

With a Twist

2010

Go back to

Holiday Spirits

2008

Full Straight No Chaser discography Artists like Straight No Chaser

a cappella

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata