Songs for Christmas cover

Released 20 years ago this November

Songs for Christmas

Sufjan Stevens · 2006

123 min · 42 tracks · alternative rock

A whimsical blend of traditional carols and original tunes, infused with Stevens' delicate arrangements and introspective lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    That Was the Worst Christmas Ever! — This track stands out for its humorous yet poignant narrative about childhood disappointment during the holidays, showcasing Stevens' skill at blending whimsy with emotional depth.
  • →
    O Come O Come Emmanuel Start here — Stevens’ rendition transforms this classic hymn into a hauntingly beautiful experience, utilizing lush instrumentation that highlights his ability to reinterpret familiar melodies.
  • →
    Joy to the World — In this version, Stevens infuses traditional joy with a contemporary twist, incorporating playful elements that reflect his overall artistic approach and make it uniquely engaging.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends original and traditional songs with unique arrangements, creating a distinct holiday sound.

What we noticed

  • Many tracks are arranged for solo voice or minimal accompaniment, creating an intimate atmosphere that contrasts with the larger holiday music tradition.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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

  • whimsical celebrations of nostalgia
  • for holiday gatherings
  • playful interludes with varying tempos
  • reflective moments during winter evenings
  • cheerful sing-alongs with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy dance tracks
  • prefer straightforward structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — It showcases Stevens' unique take on holiday music but isn't a primary entry point.
Career context
Released on November 21, 2006, 'Songs for Christmas' arrived after Sufjan Stevens gained significant attention from his acclaimed album 'Illinois' in 2005. This collection of holiday songs showcased Stevens' eclectic style and deepened his reputation as a unique voice in indie music while establishing him as an artist willing to explore unconventional themes.
Stylistic neighbors
Iron & Wine· Andrew Bird· Fleet Foxes
New to Sufjan Stevens? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Silent Night 0:44
  • 2 O Come O Come Emmanuel Start here 4:00
  • 3 We’re Goin’ to the Country! 2:17
  • 4 Lo! How a Rose E’er Blooming 3:22
  • 5 It’s Christmas! Let’s Be Glad! 1:55
  • 6 Holy Holy, Etc. 0:41
  • 7 Amazing Grace 4:09

Disc 2

  • 1 Angels We Have Heard on High 0:45
  • 2 Put the Lights on the Tree 1:48
  • 3 Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing 4:43
  • 4 I Saw Three Ships 2:34
  • 5 Only at Christmas Time 2:14
  • 6 Once in Royal David’s City 3:40
  • 7 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing! 0:45
  • 8 What Child Is This Anyway? 6:47
  • 9 Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella 1:39

Disc 3

  • 1 O Come O Come Emmanuel Start here 1:03
  • 2 Come On! Let’s Boogey to the Elf Dance! 3:49
  • 3 We Three Kings 2:58
  • 4 O Holy Night 4:04
  • 5 That Was the Worst Christmas Ever! 3:18
  • 6 Ding! Dong! 0:55
  • 7 All the King’s Horns 2:59
  • 8 The Friendly Beasts 3:42

Disc 4

  • 1 The Little Drummer Boy 3:43
  • 2 Away in a Manger 2:54
  • 3 Hey Guys! It’s Christmas Time! 4:41
  • 4 The First Noel 0:52
  • 5 Did I Make You Cry on Christmas Day? (Well, You Deserved It!) 3:21
  • 6 The Incarnation 2:23
  • 7 Joy to the World 4:20

Disc 5

  • 1 Once in Royal David’s City 2:01
  • 2 Get Behind Me, Santa! 3:49
  • 3 Jingle Bells 0:36
  • 4 Christmas in July 3:16
  • 5 Lo! How a Rose E’er Blooming 1:45
  • 6 Jupiter Winter 3:50
  • 7 Sister Winter 5:04
  • 8 O Come O Come Emmanuel Start here 1:06
  • 9 Star of Wonder 7:07
  • 10 Holy, Holy, Holy 3:50
  • 11 The Winter Solstice 3:22

What to play next

The Avalanche
Listen next

The Avalanche

2006

It expands on the themes of introspection and delicate arrangements found in 'Songs for Christmas'.
Joy: Songs for Christmas, Volume IV
Go back to

Joy: Songs for Christmas, Volume IV

2005

This EP continues the holiday spirit with more original and traditional tunes.
Full Sufjan Stevens discography Where to start with Sufjan Stevens Artists like Sufjan Stevens
alternative rock

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