X out of 10

Sufjan Steven’s Songs for Christmas is, quite simply, the best thing to ever happen to Christmas music. The box set comprises five discs (don’t worry, they’re five relatively short discs) that Stevens sent to friends and family between 2001 and 2006 (there is no 2004 volume, as Sufjan was working feverishly on his epic Illinois).

The five volumes in this collection would serve as a wonderful primer to Stevens’ music, as they illustrate the stylistic changes and artistic development he has been through in only a few short years. The first volume, for example, is very spartan, featuring Stevens’ delicate vocals, a twangy banjo, and the occasional guitar. Volume II, the best in the collection, shows Stevens’ movement toward more upbeat songs and complex arrangements. By Volume V, you’ve seen the many sides of Santa Sufjan: quiet and introspective, giddy and enthusiastic, and deeply devout.

Despite the fact that Sufjan has included many of the Christmas standards (“Jingle Bells”, “Joy to the World”) as well as some deep-hymnal cuts (“Once in Royal David’s City” and three versions of “O Come O Come Emmanuel”), the highlights of this collection are (obviously) Stevens’ original contributions. Songs like “Put the Lights on the Tree” and “Hey Guys! It’s Christmas Time!” evoke all the comforting, warm-fuzzy feelings that many of us remember from childhood.

This collection is the best gift you can give yourself this Christmas, simply for the fact that it will make the family Christmas celebration so much more enjoyable. Personally, I’m really looking forward to not having to ever suffer through my mom’s collection of Christmas music (five words: Michael Bolton sings “Silent Night”) ever again.

(Sorry, mom.)

X = 9.0

Buy Songs for Christmas at Amazon.com