Hark! Pentatonix Visit New Cultures In Upcoming Holiday Album

Written by Zoe Tevyaw, Photo courtesy of RCA

Pentatonix is once again ringing in the season with their 11th full-length album – 6th holiday-themed – Holidays Around The World, releasing on October 28 through RCA Records. The record promises a new blend of genres and sounds with a variety of international collaborations and some classic tunes thrown in, too. With this album, the group explores more world cultures, building upon and expanding the holiday empire they have built. 

“Prayers For This World,” the only released single, came out September 23 as a strong introduction to what listeners should expect from the rest of the set. It presents the idea of rising above the hatred of the world through faith, a thread listeners can expect to continue in the record. The track highlights Pentatonix’s amazing vocal blend in a smooth and swelling piece imploring listeners to create change in the world through love. 

To further the festivities, the group will be hitting the road starting November 17th with “Pentatonix: A Christmas Spectacular!” featuring Girl Named Tom, winner of the 21st season of The Voice, as their supporting act. Pentatonix historically have visually enrapturing live performances with remarkable special effects and choreography – expect from them what you would a rock show. With the emphasis on global cultural appreciation, fans may see that theme seep into their live shows.

The joint album and tour announcement came in the form of a short, 55-second video featuring an innovative arrangement of “Joy To The World” over some notably Queen-esque visuals. The video hones in on the dense vocal layering for which Pentatonix is known to add a new intensity to the normally light and cheery holiday experience. The fervor with which the group attacks the classic tune helps set them apart from the typical holiday album release. These are not simply new or renewed songs added to the vast holiday library – they have a life and strength of their own.

Not only has Pentatonix excited fans with new music and live shows, but they have also announced the release of their fifth Disney+ special Pentatonix: Around the World for the Holidays at the streaming platform’s D23 convention. This will follow PTX as they seek inspiration for Holidays Around The World, which will serve as the soundtrack, by traversing an array of countries and cultures. Using XR and AR technology to aid with the visuals of the special, viewers can expect to see something entirely different from the band. While no release date announcement has been made for the special, it is expected to drop by the end of fall.

It’s never too early to get in the spirit! Holidays Around The World will be available to listen to on October 28 and see on tour starting November 17.