Pentatonix has three of the best Christmas Albums of all time. If you are looking for some fresh festive cheer this year Pentatonix is exactly what you need. The 5-piece two time Grammy award winning a Capella group bring their unique spin to the Christmas genre. The group first made its name as a YouTube sensation and then as the winners of NBC’s The Sing off’s third season. Pentatonix specialises in innovative arrangements of contemporary and classic pop and rock songs. In 2016, Pentatonix released their third-holiday album and I can promise you all three are equally as magical!
PTXmas (2012)
As expected from a Christmas EP, all the carols featured are covers of traditional yuletide favourites; from 19th-century West British smash hits (Angels We Have Heard on High), to the more contemporary jazz standards (This Christmas). Anyone who has heard Pentatonix before knows their a cappella sound is amazing. This album does not disappoint, and thus raises the bar, this time for Christmas music.
You’ll be blessed by Kirstie and Mitch’s clear captivating voices, especially in O Holy Night and Carol of the Bells. Scott’s incredible range will blow you away (you’ll hear him sing low in O Come, O Come Emmanuel). Kevin’s steady beatboxing rhythms throughout the album and the horn section (The Christmas Song) proves his dedication to his craft. And last but never the least, Avi’s bass is as always, unbelievable, and his solos, especially in ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’ are hauntingly beautiful.
That’s Christmas to Me (2014)
Opening with the ever-favoured Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy by Tchaikovsky, listeners are immediately drawn in by the use of interesting rhythmical techniques and sound effects. Filled with soaring highs and plummeting lows, the song quickly reminds us of the combined talent of Pentatonix. Their original song “That’s Christmas to Me” is so uplifting. “Mary, do you know?” just brings tears to my eyes and thus may be my favourite version of the song ever. The vocals are beautiful. Most of all the blending of voices and the general mixing of the CD and the various arrangements bring out the crisp clean sound of winter. If you’re building a Christmas collection this is a must!
A Pentatonix Christmas (2016)
This is the third festive album from the incredibly talented and versatile Pentatonix..“O Come All Ye Faithful” opens things up with a traditional first verse. But as the song progresses the song is elevated to greatness by adding a solid bassline and a few of Scott Hoying’s incredible runs. It combines a little bit of the original song along with a folk sound, delivering a mind-blowing final product..It works beautifully and will leave you smiling with a different take on this classic carol. Call me biased because I love a Capella but I swear Pentatonix is one of the most skillful ensembles making music today and if these albums don’t prove that I don’t know what will!