When is it a good time to start listening to Christmas music? According to Kelly Clarkson, October is an appropriate time. This month, Clarkson released her second Christmas album, titled When Christmas Comes Around… Some people hate the idea of listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving, but Clarkson said this album has a lot of meaning for her.
Clarkson has been going through a bitter divorce this past year. With all of the negative feelings, she wanted to make sure that this difficult time would not overshadow the holiday that she has always loved. Now that she has young children, she wants to ensure that her divorce will not ruin Christmas for her or them.
All of this is articulated in the first single released from the album, “Christmas Isn’t Cancelled (Just You).” She sings about how she will have all of the fun and wonders of Christmas without “you,” who we have assumed is her soon-to-be ex-husband.
Clarkson does have some original tracks on the album, in addition to covers of some Christmas classics, like “Santa Baby,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” and “Last Christmas.” Featured artists on the album include Ariana Grande, Brett Eldredge, and Chris Stapleton. It is an overall jazzier sound than her previous Christmas album, suggesting maybe she is looking for a newer sound.
Whether or not listeners think it’s the right time of year for Christmas music, this album clearly carries a lot of meaning for Kelly Clarkson, and it will still be around when the Christmas season is here.
