Multi-platinum artist Clay Aiken released his soulful rendition of the holiday classic “Merry Christmas, Darling,” originally performed by one of his personal favorite artists, the Carpenters. With his signature style, Aiken brings a heartfelt warmth to the beloved ballad, evoking feelings of love, reflection, and the magic of Christmas. This track serves as the third single from his highly anticipated holiday album, ‘Christmas Bells Are Ringing,’ set to release on November 22nd. The album follows the debut of Aiken’s fresh takes on Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime” and the timeless Bing Crosby classic, “Do You Hear What I Hear.”
Produced by Grammy Award-winner Ron Fair, the album marks Aiken’s first studio project in over a decade. ‘Christmas Bells Are Ringing’ brings a nostalgic yet contemporary twist to timeless holiday classics. Aiken has curated a mix of cherished seasonal standards, reimagined in his inimitable style, following a hiatus that included ventures into politics and time spent raising his teenage son.
The album is a celebration of Aiken’s return to the holiday music genre that helped solidify his place as a beloved artist. His previous holiday album,‘Merry Christmas With Love,’ released in 2004, was a record-breaking success, selling nearly 300,000 copies in its first week and achieving platinum status. It became the best-selling holiday album of that year, earning Aiken three Billboard Music Awards.
The new record boasts fresh takes on holiday staples like Nat King Cole’s “Caroling, Caroling” and Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime”, as well as a show-stopping rendition of “Pure Imagination” which reimagines the Willy Wonka andamp; the Chocolate Factory-classic as a fitting soundtrack for the holiday season.
As 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of his classic album ‘Merry Christmas With Love,’ Clay Aiken’s latest project promises to bring the same timeless joy to listeners, making it an ideal soundtrack for the holiday season.
Track Listing for ‘Christmas Bells Are Ringing’:
Merry Christmas, Darling
It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
Caroling, Caroling
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Pure Imagination
Ave Maria
All Year Long
Wonderful Christmastime
Magic Moments
On This Silent Night
'Wishful Thinking’ explores the longing to reconnect with people no longer in your life
Accompanied by Cover of “Cowboy Take Me Away” by The Chicks
First Collaborative Record In Eight Years, ‘Room On The Porch’ Out May 23 Via Concord Records
Includes Eight Bonus Tracks
Parker McCollum – Out June 27
Performing at Bowery Ballroom in NYC Saturday, April 5th
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