What makes The McGarrigle Christmas Hour by Kate and Anna McGarrigle notable?

The album has been praised for its intimate and personal take on holiday music, which helped it become a staple among fans of folk and seasonal music. It reflects the McGarrigles' cultural roots and artistic approach to storytelling through song, earning them recognition within the genre. By the time of this release in 2005, Kate and Anna McGarrigle had established themselves as significant figures in folk music since their debut in the 1970s. The McGarrigle Christmas Hour came as a celebration of their legacy, showcasing their signature harmonies while also including new arrangements of Christmas classics.

How many songs are on The McGarrigle Christmas Hour?

The McGarrigle Christmas Hour has 14 tracks, running approximately 52 minutes.

The McGarrigle Christmas Hour

Kate and Anna McGarrigle · 2005

52 min · 14 tracks · folk rock

A heartfelt blend of folk harmonies and traditional carols that evoke warmth and nostalgia during the holiday season.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Seven Joys of Mary — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its rich vocal harmonies and traditional arrangement, capturing the essence of Christmas joy.
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What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve? — The track showcases their ability to reinterpret classic songs with emotional depth, making it a standout moment on the album.
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Blue Christmas — Their rendition infuses a sense of longing and melancholy into this familiar tune, highlighting their unique vocal interplay.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends traditional and original holiday music with strong harmonies but lacks a cohesive narrative arc.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate instrumental interludes that transition smoothly between songs, enhancing the overall flow.

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

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Seven Joys of Mary 4:51
2 Old Waits Carol 2:36
3 O Little Town of Bethlehem 3:58
4 Il est né / Ça bergers 4:35
5 What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve? 3:02
6 Rebel Jesus 4:10
7 Some Children See Him 3:56
8 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 4:07
9 Counting Stars 3:19
10 Spotlight on Christmas 3:23
11 Wisemen 4:02
12 Port Starboard Sox 3:27
13 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 3:27
14 Blue Christmas 3:36

What to play next

Listen next

ODDiTTiES

2010

Go back to

La vache qui pleure

2003

Full Kate and Anna McGarrigle discography Artists like Kate and Anna McGarrigle

folk rock

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