Albert Hammond brings his storied songwriting and unmistakable warmth to Christmas, his first holiday album of his six decade long career. Known for classics like “It Never Rains in Southern California” and “The Free Electric Band," and for crafting unforgettable songs for legends from Whitney Houston and Tina Turner to Ace of Base and Ziggy Marley, Hammond now turns his talents to a collection of 15 festive tracks, each arranged with his heartfelt touch and fresh production.

Christmas reinvents seasonal favorites with Hammond’s unmistakable flair, including a new take on his own “Under the Christmas Tree,” first released in 1989. Hammond mixes tradition with originality throughout, adding a folksy charm to “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” and an unexpected, dance-worthy twist to a medley of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer/The Hokey Pokey.” His interpretation of “Mary’s Boy Child” even features a children’s chorus, adding warmth and community spirit to the album.

For Hammond, the holiday season represents a chance to reconnect with what matters. “I am grateful, as I am sure you are, that every year we have this time to remember the hope and joy in all of that,” he says. “My prayer is that we can hold these things through more of our days as we live together and, day by day, change the world, too.”

Building on the success of his recent Body of Work album, Christmas continues Hammond’s creative resurgence, giving listeners a holiday album that’s anything but ordinary. From its heartfelt performances to its lively surprises, Christmas is a celebration of the season that’s sure to become a cherished tradition for fans both old and new.