Is Christmas Kisses a good place to start with Ariana Grande?

Yes, Christmas Kisses is recommended as a starting point for new Ariana Grande listeners. A festive collection blending contemporary R&B with pop melodies, celebrating the warmth of the holiday spirit. Released on December 17, 2013, 'Christmas Kisses' came after Ariana Grande's successful debut album, 'Yours Truly'. The EP showcased her growing artistry and vocal prowess, solidifying her presence in the pop landscape as she transitioned into a holiday music staple.

Who is Christmas Kisses for?

Christmas Kisses works well if you're into short, festive listening bursts, playful holiday spirit and warm, cozy vibes.

How many songs are on Christmas Kisses?

Christmas Kisses has 5 tracks, running approximately 16 minutes.

Christmas Kisses

Ariana Grande · 2013

16 min · 5 tracks · contemporary R&B

A festive collection blending contemporary R&B with pop melodies, celebrating the warmth of the holiday spirit.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Last Christmas Start here — Grande's cover transforms this classic into a soulful ballad, highlighting her impressive vocal range and emotional depth.
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Santa Tell Me — This original track blends catchy pop hooks with festive themes, showcasing Grande’s ability to create modern holiday classics.
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Snow in California — 'Snow in California' presents a dreamy soundscape paired with evocative lyrics about an idealized winter romance, reflecting Grande's lyrical maturity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The EP effectively blends R&B with holiday themes, showcasing Grande's vocals while maintaining a cohesive festive sound.

What we noticed

The EP opens with a cover of 'Last Christmas', featuring a slow build-up that transitions into a more upbeat tempo in the second track.
Each song showcases Grande's vocal range, with intricate melismas and harmonies layered throughout, particularly in 'Santa Tell Me'.
The production incorporates contemporary R&B elements with festive instrumentation, including bells and strings, creating a holiday atmosphere.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

short, festive listening bursts
playful holiday spirit
warm, cozy vibes
lighthearted seasonal background

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Released after her debut, it helped solidify her presence in mainstream music.
Themes: contemporary holiday spirit· California winter nostalgia· festive romantic longing
Moods: Nostalgic· Chill
Career context: Released on December 17, 2013, 'Christmas Kisses' came after Ariana Grande's successful debut album, 'Yours Truly'. The EP showcased her growing artistry and vocal prowess, solidifying her presence in the pop landscape as she transitioned into a holiday music staple.
Stylistic neighbors: Dua Lipa· Jessie Ware· Tinashe