R. Kelly changes gears with a Christmas album

R. Kelly performs at the 2013 BET Awards
Recording artist R. Kelly performs onstage during the 2013 BET Awards in Los Angeles.
Mark Davis | Getty Images for BET 2013

Today's Morning Edition music is from "It's Christmas Day" from R. Kelly's new album "12 Days of Christmas."

It's his first-ever holiday album and it features all original tracks.

A holiday album was a surprise for many R. Kelly fans. The R&B star is not exactly known for warm, family-friendly songwriting. But he insists he just really loves Christmas. And he's always wanted to do an album like this.

He's playing at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis Saturday night. If it's anything like earlier shows on the tour, you can expect there to be lots of red velvet and fake snow involved.

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