Reggae Christmas

Unlike most other holidays, Christmas has a distinct soundtrack—every winter we get treated to countless collections of seasonal jams. While there's always a special place for the classic albums—from Johnny Mathis, Elvis, and Phil Spector, among others—there's something to be said for the weirder additions, i.e. the Muppets with John Denver, the gangsta rap collection Christmas on Death Row, and 15-minute celebrity William Hung's Hung for the Holidays. Add Christafari to that latter category. Founded in 1990 by Rastafarian-turned-Christian Mark Mohr, Christafari have been making a unique brand of Christ-minded reggae music ever since, touring the world and releasing more than 15 albums. On Reggae Christmas, they reinvent traditional favorites, infusing them with breezy island rhythms, soulful organ vamps, exotic percussion, funk-driven horns, and plenty of gooey low end. Featured performers include Avion Blackman, Solomon Jabby, Dyna, and Kapena; "Mele Kalikimaka," "O Come All Ye Faithful," and "Everyday Is Christmas" are standouts.