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Brandi Carlile, Leon Thomas & Magnus Ferrell Christmas Covers (Plus a JYT Original) Adorn Starbucks’ First Holiday Album in More Than a Decade
Starbucks is releasing Holiday Blend, its first holiday album in more than a decade, bringing well-known artists together to record Christmas songs for streaming and coffeehouse playlists. The project renews the company’s association with music and also supports humanitarian relief.
The album arrives on 4 November through Interscope Records and Universal Music Group. Brandi Carlile covers Joni Mitchell’s “River”, Leon Thomas takes on James Brown’s “Soulful Christmas”, and other contributors include Coco Jones, Magnus Ferrell, TRÍADA and The Womack Sisters; boy band JYT adds an original song. Starbucks says the release includes a $500,000 donation to World Central Kitchen. Its previous holiday album, Holidays Rule, came out in 2012.
In short
- Starbucks has released its first holiday album since 2012.
- The compilation features six artists and an original song by JYT.
- It includes a $500,000 donation to World Central Kitchen.
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The case for
A new holiday album could bring pleasure to customers and listeners while renewing Starbucks’ long-running connection with music. The reported $500,000 donation to World Central Kitchen also gives the release a humanitarian benefit, and the mix of familiar covers and an original song may help introduce audiences to different artists.
The case against
The project may also be viewed as a commercial campaign that uses seasonal music and a charitable donation to strengthen Starbucks’ brand. Even with a substantial contribution, listeners could reasonably ask whether the album’s promotional value to the company outweighs its public benefit, or whether the artists and cause receive enough visibility in return.
Explained simply
Starbucks has used music in its coffeehouses and promotions for years, including curated playlists and albums featuring established artists. Its earlier holiday album, Holidays Rule, was released in 2012.
The new collection brings together singers including Brandi Carlile, Leon Thomas, Coco Jones and Magnus Ferrell to record Christmas songs, alongside an original track by boy band JYT. It is being released through Interscope Records and Universal Music Group, and Starbucks says the project includes a $500,000 donation to the humanitarian organisation World Central Kitchen.
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