Image by Miles Forshay

During the holiday times, you’ll hear a million different songs, unique to that joyful time of year. You’ll hear Mariah Carey, Elvis, maybe even some Frank Sinatra if you’re lucky enough. But in all of this musical chaos, there’s five voices that ring through clear: Tito Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, and of course, Michael Jackson.

While known for much of their music, such as albums like ABC or Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5, I don’t feel they’re as known for The Christmas Album. It does some iconic songs, such as I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, or their rendition of Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Still a popular album, you can’t deny the musical genius of songs they play like Someday at Christmas or Up on the HouseTop (my favorite song).

But what is it about that album that makes it so good? It’s much different from their other albums, and pretty different from any other Christmas albums out there as well. What I think is their upbeat sort of 70’s R&B sound that’s so iconic to them just isn’t seen in any other Christmas music. But why would this sound not be used by other artists in Christmas music? Probably just because nobody could replicate it, that type of sound the album has would be hard to use with any other music besides any that makes you want to cozy up on your couch with hot chocolate in your hands and a blazing fireplace.

Typically with the Jackson 5, you’ll hear mostly Michael’s voice, then maybe a little bit of everyone else. But you’ll hear everybody in the Christmas album. Yes, some songs still feature Michael with the other brothers as the chorus, but you don’t see it as often. No doubt you’ll hear Michael on all the upswinging songs, but – a rare sight in any of their other music they make – you’ll hear Jackie Jackson’s deeper, smoother voice in many of the songs, considering some songs on the album have a slower, bluesy definition. 

Now, don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of other holiday music that is just incredible. Some of them could probably compete for the title of the best song, such as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, White Christmas, or All Want for Christmas is You, but the fact is that I think they’d all lose. The best holiday music is this music by The Jackson 5, and there shouldn’t even be a debate. It’s the one album I’ve consistently listened to all the way through for years, and the cheerful themes from that time give you something to smile about during the holidays.