What does It's the Holiday Season sound like?

Joyful country pop renditions of classic holiday songs that evoke warmth and nostalgia during the festive season. Rooted in folk and country pop. Start with "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town".

Is It's the Holiday Season a good place to start with Martina McBride?

Yes, It's the Holiday Season is recommended as a starting point for new Martina McBride listeners. Joyful country pop renditions of classic holiday songs that evoke warmth and nostalgia during the festive season. It's the Holiday Season marks Martina McBride's return to seasonal music after a hiatus from holiday albums, following her 2011 release, 'Eleven'. At this point in her career, she was well-established as a country music star known for her powerful vocals and emotional storytelling, making this album a celebration of tradition in her discography.

Who is It's the Holiday Season for?

It's the Holiday Season works well if you're into short, cheerful listening sessions, festive holiday atmosphere and easy background enjoyment.

How many songs are on It's the Holiday Season?

It's the Holiday Season has 9 tracks, running approximately 26 minutes.

It's the Holiday Season

Martina McBride · 2018

26 min · 9 tracks · country music

Joyful country pop renditions of classic holiday songs that evoke warmth and nostalgia during the festive season.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Santa Claus Is Coming to Town Start here — McBride brings a fresh yet familiar energy to this classic, her vocal prowess transforming it into a joyful anthem that resonates with listeners of all ages.
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It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year — Her rendition captures the essence of holiday cheer, with soaring melodies that highlight her vocal range and bring a sense of nostalgia.
→
My Favorite Things — This track stands out due to its upbeat arrangement and McBride's unique interpretation, infusing the song with a sense of excitement and warmth typical of the season.

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 offers solid renditions of holiday classics but lacks standout original material or unique interpretations.

What we noticed

Each track features a full band arrangement with prominent strings and brass, creating a lush sound typical of holiday music.
The album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, with only one track featuring a noticeable tempo shift.
Vocals are layered with harmonies throughout, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the festive feel.
The last two tracks slow down slightly, providing a reflective conclusion to the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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

short, cheerful listening sessions
festive holiday atmosphere
easy background enjoyment
nostalgic seasonal vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality in holiday music, appealing to fans and new listeners alike.
Themes: festive nostalgia· holiday warmth
Career context: It's the Holiday Season marks Martina McBride's return to seasonal music after a hiatus from holiday albums, following her 2011 release, 'Eleven'. At this point in her career, she was well-established as a country music star known for her powerful vocals and emotional storytelling, making this album a celebration of tradition in her discography.
Stylistic neighbors: Reba McEntire· Carrie Underwood· Trisha Yearwood