Album of the Day

More than 40 years into one of the most legendary careers in music history, Aretha Franklin cut her first holiday album, THIS CHRISTMAS, in 2008. Franklin began that career in the church (her father was one of Detroit's most prominent ministers), so songs like “Ave Maria” and “Angels We Have Heard on High” fit her like a glove. But the collection goes well beyond traditional carols, encompassing R&B with a Gamble & Huff composition and the Donny Hathaway title track (in which Aretha duets with son Edward). And she puts a sassy stamp on “'Twas the Night Before Christmas” that's sure to put a smile on your face. The Queen of Soul may be gone, but on THIS CHRISTMAS, that glorious voice still rings out joyfully.