Description
Mary J Blige – A Mary Christmas – Double Green Vinyl Record
Indie Exclusive
First Time On Vinyl!
Includes two never-released songs!
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
A Mary Christmas is the first holiday album by American R&B and soul singer Mary J. Blige, released on October 15, 2013. Known for her powerful voice and emotional depth, Blige brings a unique mix of soul, gospel, and jazz to traditional holiday songs, creating an album that’s both celebratory and heartfelt. Produced by Grammy-winning producer David Foster, A Mary Christmas is Blige’s interpretation of Christmas standards, infused with her signature style and emotional warmth. The album combines well-loved carols and seasonal classics with lush orchestration and soulful arrangements, making it a standout holiday album in the R&B genre.
Mary J. Blige had long expressed interest in recording a holiday album, seeing it as a way to connect with fans during a time of joy and reflection. Partnering with David Foster, known for his work with artists like Whitney Houston and Michael Bublé, allowed Blige to explore new musical directions while staying true to her R&B and soul roots. A Mary Christmas blends gospel influences with pop and jazz elements, highlighting Blige’s versatility and ability to reinterpret classic songs with fresh energy and emotional resonance.
The album’s arrangements are rich and sophisticated, featuring orchestral strings, brass, and gospel choirs that add a sense of grandeur to each track. Blige’s vocals are powerful yet nuanced, giving each song an emotional depth that resonates with listeners. With her soulful voice at the center, A Mary Christmas creates a warm, intimate holiday atmosphere that showcases Blige’s connection to both the music and the spirit of the season.
Key Tracks
“Little Drummer Boy” – Blige opens the album with this classic carol, giving it a soulful twist. Her powerful voice, supported by rich percussion and a backing choir, brings intensity and reverence to the song, capturing the spirit of humility and celebration.
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – A heartfelt rendition of the classic holiday ballad, Blige’s version is intimate and tender. Her voice is full of warmth and emotion, making it one of the album’s standout tracks and perfect for quiet holiday moments.
“My Favorite Things” – This jazz-inspired take on the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic showcases Blige’s versatility. The lively arrangement, paired with her soulful delivery, brings a new energy to the song, blending jazz and soul seamlessly.
“This Christmas” – A festive favorite, “This Christmas” has a joyful, upbeat arrangement. Blige’s voice shines in this energetic and celebratory rendition, making it a feel-good anthem for the season.
“The Christmas Song” – Blige’s take on this Nat King Cole classic is elegant and smooth, featuring lush orchestration and her signature soulful voice. It’s a timeless rendition that captures the warmth and nostalgia of the holiday season.
“Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” – Blige brings a playful, jazzy feel to this Christmas staple, showcasing her fun side and adding a lighthearted touch to the album. Her unique take on the song keeps it fresh and engaging.
“When You Wish Upon a Star” (feat. Barbra Streisand) – This collaboration with Barbra Streisand adds a touch of magic to the album. The duet combines Blige’s soulful warmth with Streisand’s classic vocal style, creating a beautiful interpretation of the beloved song.
“Mary, Did You Know?” – Blige’s rendition of this contemporary Christmas song is soulful and reflective, capturing the song’s spiritual message with deep emotion. Her voice, filled with reverence, brings out the song’s message of wonder and faith.
“Do You Hear What I Hear?” (feat. Jessie J) – Featuring British singer Jessie J, this duet combines Blige’s soulful voice with Jessie J’s pop edge, creating a dynamic and powerful version of the song. The vocal interplay and harmonies make it one of the album’s most impactful moments.
“Noche de Paz (Silent Night)” – Blige closes the album with this Spanish-language version of “Silent Night,” showcasing her versatility and respect for diverse musical traditions. Her pronunciation is clear and heartfelt, and the song’s gentle arrangement makes it a beautiful and peaceful conclusion.
A Mary Christmas explores themes of joy, celebration, peace, and spirituality, all conveyed through Blige’s powerful voice and emotional delivery. The album balances festive and reflective tones, with a selection of songs that range from upbeat holiday classics to reverent hymns. Working with David Foster, Blige was able to experiment with lush orchestration, gospel choirs, and jazz elements that complement her vocal style and bring out the emotional layers of each song.
The album’s production is smooth and polished, creating a sense of intimacy and warmth. Foster’s arrangements allow Blige’s vocals to shine, placing her voice at the forefront and creating a sound that is both sophisticated and accessible. The gospel-inspired backing vocals and orchestral instrumentation give the album a rich, cinematic quality, making it a standout within the genre of holiday music.
A Mary Christmas received positive reviews from critics, who praised Blige’s vocal performance and the album’s polished production. Fans appreciated her fresh take on holiday classics, with many noting that her soulful interpretations brought new life to familiar songs. The album was a commercial success, reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard Holiday Albums chart and resonating with listeners looking for a modern, soulful approach to Christmas music.
Since its release, A Mary Christmas has become a holiday staple for fans of R&B and soulful Christmas music. The album’s mix of traditional and contemporary arrangements, combined with Blige’s passionate delivery, has made it a go-to choice for holiday playlists and gatherings, particularly among those who appreciate a soulful, gospel-inspired approach to the season.
Track Listing
Mary J. Blige – Little Drummer Boy
Mary J. Blige – Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Mary J. Blige – My Favorite Things
Mary J. Blige – This Christmas
Mary J. Blige – The Christmas Song
Mary J. Blige – Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
Mary J. Blige Duet With Barbra Streisand Featuring Chris Botti – When You Wish Upon A Star
Mary J. Blige – Mary Did You Know
Mary J. Blige Duet With Jessie J – Do You Hear What I Hear
Mary J. Blige – Petit Papa Noël
Mary J. Blige Duet With The Clark Sisters – The First Noel
Mary J. Blige Duet With Marc Anthony – Noche De Paz (Silent Night)
