Kelly Clarkson (Wrapped in Red) released her ninth studio album “When Christmas Comes Around…” on Oct. 15 and it proves that it is never too early to get into the holiday spirit. 

The album has 12 tracks, with four new songs written or co-written by Clarkson, and eight traditional songs including “Last Christmas” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” There are also three bonus tracks with two more originals and a cover of  the iconic “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”

Clarkson, who released her first holiday album “Wrapped in Red” in 2013, brings a soulful and sassy take on the Christmas classics. “When Christmas Comes Around…” is similar to her first release with a few collaborations between artists and a good blend of upbeat and slower melodies. 

The album has three duets, “Glow” with Chris Stapleton, “Santa, Can’t You Hear Me” with Ariana Grande and “Under the Mistletoe – Bonus Track” with Brett Eldredge, and all are Clarkson originals. “Under the Mistletoe” was originally released in 2020, but was brought back as a deluxe edition. Each song proves that Clarkson is still a powerhouse, 17 years after her first studio album was released in 2004. The album also proves she has incredible range, as she can perfectly sing with anyone, as Stapleton and Eldredge are country music singers and Grande focuses on pop. 

“Glow” is an upbeat, modern Christmas love song about the perfect holiday, except it is missing that one special person and their “glow.” It is a great addition to other Clarkson classics like “Wrapped in Red” and “Underneath the Tree.” The tone is catchy with just the right amount of jingle bells and lyrics like “With all the lights on the trees, even Christmas can’t compete with your glow” give a new take on a traditional song theme of missing a loved one during the holidays. 

“Santa, Can’t You Hear Me,” featuring Grande, is a jazzy mix of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” (Mariah Carey, “Hero”) and “Please Come Home for Christmas” (The Eagles, “Hotel California”) and is about writing to Santa Claus that the only thing they want under the tree Christmas morning is their partner. This song, similar to the first duet, is a new take on a common holiday theme but takes it in a fun, snazzy direction. Grande and Clarkson alternate lyrics instead of taking one verse or the other, making the song seem like it is being sung by friends with a common wish rather than a couple, which is rarely seen in holiday music.  

“Christmas Isn’t Cancelled (Just You)” has a completely different meaning compared to most other holiday songs, as it is about celebrating Christmas and New Year’s alone and being happy about it. With lyrics like “You ruined all my favorite things/But you won’t take Christmas from me” Clarkson turns the tables on other holiday records as she reinforced that you do not need to be in a relationship to enjoy the holiday season. Other parts directly reference this common theme, including “But I’m not feelin’ incomplete/Turns out I don’t need a thing underneath my tree,” which goes back to Clarkson’s own song “Underneath the Tree’’ about her partner being the only gift she needs. 

With some covers of classics and new pieces, Clarkson knocks it out of the park with “When Christmas Comes Around…” Her soulful and jazzy take differentiates this album from others and shows that she is not afraid to be bold. For those ready to kick off the holiday season, this is the perfect way to do so. 

Image from Kelly Clarkson via YouTube