Let It Snow: A Holiday Collection

Background

Jewel released her first Christmas album in 1999. Joy: A Holiday Collection was a commercial success, receiving platinum certifications. The announcement of a second Christmas album came on August 6, 2013. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal about recording another Christmas album, Jewel was quoted as saying “I wanted this record to have a resemblance to the first album. It’s a continuation of mood and spirit of that record, with the mood and feel of the album artwork with an image and tone that evokes that spirit.” According to her official website, the album "features country, folk-pop roots with a classical twist."

Production

Let It Snow was recorded in 2013 and produced by Jewel, along with Steve Skinner, Joe Mardin and Robbie Kondor. Included with ten traditional holiday songs are two originals recorded for the album, titled "It's Christmastime" and "Blue Crystal Glow."

Release

The album was released on September 24, 2013, and made available in several editions. The Target edition contains an exclusive track, "Deck The Halls." Bed Bath & Beyond and iTunes offer the deluxe edition, which includes four additional tracks.

Critical reception

Let It Snow: A Holiday Collection has received mostly positive feedback from music critics. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic writes, "(the album) may not transcend the conventions of a Christmas album, but it also avoids the pitfalls and, on the whole, it's better than her first foray into seasonal song."

Personnel

Credits adapted from AllMusic

Commercial performance

As of August 2015, the album has sold 41,000 copies in the United States.