Luis Miguel - Navidades Luis Miguel

Luis Miguel trades boleros for sleigh bells on Navidades Luis Miguel, his 2006 Christmas album and a seasonal favourite for his many fans.

By the mid-2000s, El Sol de México had spent more than two decades as one of Latin music's biggest stars, growing from teen idol into the suave interpreter behind the Romance albums. For a full set of holiday songs, he turned mostly to well-loved Christmas standards and gave them a distinctly Latin glamour, with every lyric sung in Spanish.

The arrangements are lush and swinging, with brass and strings framing that famously smooth voice. "Santa Claus Llegó a la Ciudad" bounces along with playful energy, "Blanca Navidad" slows things to a candlelit croon, and "Noche de Paz" closes the album with reverent, hushed beauty. In between, "Navidad, Navidad" keeps the mood light and festive.

Throughout, Luis Miguel brings the same polish he gives his romantic ballads, phrasing each line with the ease of a crooner completely in his element. Nothing is rushed, and every song feels dressed for a black-tie party.

This is the kind of record that becomes part of a family's December routine, the one that comes out with the decorations every year. Put it on while the lights go up and let the season begin.