It’s that time of the year again—when stores obnoxiously play holiday music on repeat as the masses swarm the stores in search of that perfect gift for their special someone. What’s blaring through the speakers this year? The newest holiday albums from the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Bad Religion and even the Duck Dynasty clan, the Robertsons.

American Idol alumni Kelly Clarkson has long since made a name for herself that resonates throughout  the music industry. Her reputation precedes her once more with the newly released album Wrapped in Red. Ranked number two on the iTunes Top 100 Albums Chart, Clarkson’s first holiday album is a Christmas smash. The album not only covers the usual holiday favorites, but also original work which separates her album from the rest this holiday season.

Throughout the album, Clarkson displays her extensive vocal range and adds to the traditional sound of Christmas by including her own elements of  pop and borderline country. Wrapped in Red has a definite variety, ranging from the melodic traditional tune of “Please Come Home For Christmas” to the lively and upbeat piece “Underneath The Tree”.

As a whole, Clarkson’s original pieces combined with her artful covers create a well-rounded album full of enough Christmas cheer to last a life time.

Coming from the left field, Bad Religion’s Christmas Songs album has been ranked at the top of music reviews across the country, including issues of Alternative Press. Its covers the classics, but throws tradition out the window and replaces it with the grungy underbelly of the season.

Bad Religion uses their distinct rock and roll sound to make songs like “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “White Christmas” completely their own. Who ever thought holiday music would be something listeners could headbang to?

On top of appeasing punk rock fans all over the country with this incredible introduction to holiday music, Bad Religion is also throwing an act of charity into their latest album by donating 20 percent of all profits made to S.N.A.P., the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. This is one act of generosity that makes this album one of holiday cheer.

With Christmas Songs, Bad Religion succeeds where many rock bands have failed, by turning tradition on its head and still staying true to the holiday spirit. Finally a holiday album that can spread its scope outside the holidays!

Last and certainly least of the latest holiday releases is the appalling contender of the Robertsons family, Duck The Halls. Although it may provide some with a comedic escape from the madness of the holidays, music lovers of every genre should be deeply offended by the horrors found on this travesty masquerading itself as an album.

Duck The Halls fills its set list with abominations like “Rajun Cajun Redneck Christmas” and “Camouflage And Christmas Lights.” These songs, with their severe lack in quality and musical ability, bastardize music culture. The album not only mocks the holiday season but also callously strips apart the art of making music.

Perhaps it could be said that the Robertsons were clever and witty with their rhythmless songs and redneck displays present in Duck The Halls, but there’s one thing for certain: this album is ho-ho-horrible. Maybe it wouldn’t have been as bad if someone had the courtesy to clue them in that a duck call doesn’t actually qualify as a musical instrument.

As people wander through the shopping malls during the season of holiday joy, cheer and greed, at least they will be listening to music that won’t make their ears bleed or put them to sleep. Unless, for some reason, the stores decide to play Duck The Halls, then I advise them to run for the nearest ear plugs.