Kelly Clarkson is starting the Christmas jingles early this year with her new album “Wrapped in Red.” 

In the artist’s first Christmas album, listeners will enjoy covers of favorite holiday classics along with five new songs that are sure to become Yuletide favorites. 

However, it’s hard to imagine anyone rocking out to these festive tunes while many haven’t even thrown away their Halloween pumpkins yet. 

Regardless of the strange choice to release the album in October, “Wrapped in Red” is fabulous. Clarkson’s new record showcases her powerhouse vocals, while paying tribute to several genres. 

“Wrapped in Red” has combinations of jazz, soul, pop, and even a little country, offering something to every listener. 

The album opens with one of the songs Clarkson co-wrote, “Wrapped in Red.” This holiday pop song is a about falling in love during the holidays and includes endearing lyrics such as,  “I’m at your door / with nothing more / than words I’ll never say / In all this white / you’ll see me like / you’ve never seen me yet / wrapped in red.”    

Her next song on the album is another original song, “Underneath the Tree,” a lively pop song that is again about finding love during the holidays and is likely to become a Christmas classic. 

The upbeat sound and cheerful bells will make listeners want to wrap presents and drink hot cocoa while listening to this jingle. 

The 16-track album features several timeless Christmas favorites such as “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “Blue Christmas” and “Silent Night.” 

In her version of “Silent Night” she offers a melodic country rendition featuring some of Clarkson’s idols, Reba McEntire and Trisha Yearwood. 

While all the songs are enjoyable, Clarkson revealed that some songs were more enjoyable to record than others. 

“My favorite classic is ‘Run Run Rudolph,’ just because it got to be a little more rock and roll. The producer, Greg, he did not see that coming.” Clarkson said in a radio interview with Ryan Seacrest. 

Her new rendition of “Run Run Rudolph” offers music lovers an edgier-yet-spirited version of this classic tune. Clarkson also dedicates a new song on this festive album to her husband Brandon Blackstock called “Winter Dreams (Brandon’s Song).”

“Don’t Wake me up / If this is love / Please let me be / Swept / completely off my feet / This snow globe scene is turning me / This Christmas Eve / “I” became “we” / Don’t wake me please / From this winter dream / Winter dream / Winter dream.”

The sweet pop song is charming and will warm the hearts of listeners. Although her new song, “4 Carats,” suffers in comparison to Clarkson’s other songs. 

While the song has catchy lyrics, it sounds more forgettable compared to the other gems on this record. 

In an odd choice, Clarkson includes a jazzy swing cover of “My Favorite Things” from “The Sound of Music” which is not a holiday song. Even though the song contains no Christmas or holiday lyrics, Clarkson’s cheery cover will lift the spirits of her listeners this winter season. 

Her album also includes a jazzy cover of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” featuring Ronnie Dunn. Clarkson and Dunn’s voices sink together to make a flirtatious-yet-playful vibe and will surely become a favored version of this unforgettable tune. 

Clarkson closes her album with a breathtaking cover of “Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel.” 

The only complaint about this cover is that this talented artist does not sing the entire song, closing it after a minute and a half, leaving her listeners wanting more of her angelic voice. 

Those interested are highly encouraged to add Clarkson’s “Wrapped in Red” to their Christmas jingle collection.