Jackson 5 Christmas Album cover

Jackson 5 Christmas Album

The Jackson 5 · 1970

34 min · 11 tracks · funk

Joyful harmonies and infectious grooves breathe new life into holiday classics, showcasing youthful exuberance and soulful charm.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town Start here — This track captures the lively spirit of the season with its upbeat arrangement and playful vocals, making it a standout in holiday playlists.
  • →
    Give Love on Christmas Day — The poignant lyrics combined with heartfelt vocals showcase the group's emotional depth and have made this song a lasting favorite during the holidays.
  • →
    The Little Drummer Boy — Their rendition transforms this traditional carol into an uplifting anthem, highlighting the Jackson 5's ability to infuse joy into familiar tunes.

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 album blends joyful harmonies and funk rhythms, creating a distinctive holiday sound that showcases the group's versatility.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a lush orchestral arrangement on 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas', setting a warm, festive tone.
  • Several songs incorporate upbeat funk rhythms, particularly 'Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town', which contrasts with more traditional holiday arrangements.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • joyful holiday sing-alongs
  • steady festive background energy
  • youthful exuberance and cheer
  • nostalgic family gatherings vibe

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer darker winter themes
  • seek complex musical arrangements

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Established the Jackson 5's versatility and commercial appeal during their rise.
Themes
holiday cheer· childhood wonder· Christmas nostalgia
Career context
The Jackson 5 Christmas Album was released on October 15, 1970, during the peak of the Jackson 5's initial popularity. This was their first holiday album, following a string of successful singles and albums that established them as a leading act in pop and soul music. The album featured the group's signature sound, blending Motown-style arrangements with their vibrant energy.

Tracklist

  • 1 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas 5:23
  • 2 Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town Start here 2:28
  • 3 The Christmas Song 2:56
  • 4 Up on the House Top 3:20
  • 5 Frosty the Snowman 2:42
  • 6 The Little Drummer Boy 3:19
  • 7 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 2:37
  • 8 Christmas Won't Be the Same This Year 2:34
  • 9 Give Love on Christmas Day 2:59
  • 10 Someday at Christmas 2:48
  • 11 I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus 2:59

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata