Released 18 years ago this November
What a Night! A Christmas Album
Harry Connick Jr. · 2008
70 min · 18 tracks · jazz
A festive blend of jazz-infused holiday classics that radiate warmth and joy throughout the seasonal celebration.
Top tracks — play these first
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It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year Start here — Connick's rendition transforms this well-loved classic into a lively jazz performance, complete with upbeat instrumentation that enhances its celebratory spirit.
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Please Come Home for Christmas — This track stands out for its emotional depth, with Connick's smooth vocals conveying longing against a rich musical backdrop that adds to its heartfelt appeal.
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Christmas Time Is Here — A poignant interpretation of the beloved song that highlights Connick’s ability to evoke nostalgia through both vocal delivery and arrangement, making it a memorable highlight of the album.
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O Come All Ye Faithful — In this track, Connick infuses traditional elements with a jazzy flair, showcasing his unique style while honoring the song's original spirit.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends familiar holiday tunes with jazz arrangements, creating a pleasant but conventional listening experience.
What we noticed
- Many tracks incorporate big band elements, with brass and woodwind sections adding depth to the festive sound.
- The sequencing alternates between upbeat and slower ballads, maintaining a lively yet warm atmosphere throughout.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- festive gatherings with friends
- swinging rhythms for holiday cheer
- nostalgic moments by the fire
- joyful sing-alongs with family
- elegant backdrop for celebrations
Maybe skip if you
- seeking intense emotional depth
- prefer modern, edgy sounds
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A festive album that showcases Connick's style but is not a primary entry point.
- Career context
- By 2008, Harry Connick Jr. had already established himself as a multifaceted artist with several successful albums and a notable career in film and television. 'What a Night! A Christmas Album' marked his return to holiday music following the release of 'Harry for the Holidays' in 2003, further solidifying his position as a leading voice in jazz-influenced Christmas music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jamie Cullum· Diana Krall· Norah Jones
Tracklist
- 1 It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year Start here 3:28
- 2 What a Night! 3:24
- 3 Christmas Day 3:24
- 4 Have a Holly Jolly Christmas 4:05
- 5 Please Come Home for Christmas 4:26
- 6 O Come All Ye Faithful 4:15
- 7 Dance of the Sugarplum Fairies 2:46
- 8 Let There Be Peace on Earth 3:30
- 9 Winter Wonderland 3:50
- 10 It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas 3:30
- 11 Santarrific 3:58
- 12 Jingle Bells 5:28
- 13 Zat You Santa Claus 3:40
- 14 We Three Kings 4:45
- 15 Song for the Hopeful 4:35
- 16 Deck the Halls 3:00
- 17 Christmas Time Is Here 5:07
- 18 O Christmas Tree 3:22
What to play next
Your Songs
2009
Continues the warm, jazzy vibe with heartfelt interpretations of popular tunes.
Harry for the Holidays
2003
Sets a festive tone with holiday classics that lead into the current album's celebration.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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