A Christmas album is practically a rite of passage for singer-songwriters. Many mainstream artists are tapping into the holiday spirit, deviating from their typical musical offerings to gift fans with festive songs and covers each year. After all, no musician wants to be put on the naughty list and get coal in the sock!
Over the years, the season’s sonic landscape has changed, introducing songs from unorthodox genres such as pop, hip-hop and punk rock, while still honoring past classics, such as Meredith Wilson’s 1951 hit “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”. ” While Lil Nas X’s rap-infused “Holiday” and Blink-182’s “Not Another Christmas” are sure to spice up any holiday party, no song signals that Santa (and winter) is coming like Mariah Carey’s timeless hit “All I Want” for Christmas is you.”
Ahead, in no particular order*, modern Christmas songs — not including covers — that deserve a spot on your seasonal playlist.
“All I Want For Christmas Is You” Mariah Carey
*Except for this song because Carey’s (aka the Christmas Queen) 1994 masterpiece will constantly holds the No. 1 spot. If there’s one thing you need for the holidays, it’s the voice of a superstar.
“Bring Me Love” by John Legend
John Legend could sing the phone book and we’d listen, but his voice is especially perfect for Christmas carols — and this clip from his 2018. A legendary Christmas the album is proof.
“Christmas Tree Farm” by Taylor Swift
The song, which celebrates Taylor Swift’s time growing up on a Christmas tree farm, is fresh, fun, Christmas pop perfection — complete with an adorable music video featuring footage her parents, Andrea and Scott Swift, took during the holidays.
“Cozy Little Christmas” by Katy Perry
Katy Perry channels Marilyn Monroe in the music video for her 2019 Christmas song, dancing in a glass of eggnog and getting a massage from Rudolph.
“It’s Like Christmas” by the Jonas Brothers
What can we say? We are “naïve” to everything that Kevin, Joe and Nick sing.
“Not Another Christmas Song” by Blink-182
Not Enough cheerful like a typical Christmas carol, but still technically about holidays and has the word “Christmas” in the title. Plus, it’s quintessential Blink-182, which will bring you plenty of joy and cheer if you need a dose of nostalgia.
“Do they know it’s Christmas?” by Band Aid
Originally written and recorded in 1984 to raise awareness and funds for famine in Ethiopia, the song brought together talents such as Bono, Phil Collins and Boy George and quickly became a classic.
“Santa Claus is coming for us” Sia
It’s hard to resist jumping to Sia’s 2017 album. Every day is Christmas. This song is definitely number one on the playlist (and not just because husband-and-wife duo Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard are the stars of its music video).
“Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” by *NSYNC
Very few boy band Christmas songs match *NSYNC’s infectious “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.”
“Christmas Time” by the Backstreet Boys
However, the Backstreet Boys certainly threw their names in the ring with their 2000 ballad “Christmas Time.”
“My Only Wish (This Year)” by Britney Spears
What a time it was for Christmas bops in the early 2000s! Santa, can you hear me? I want Britney Spears on repeat for the whole season, please!
“Last Christmas” by Wham!
This song has spawned 1,000 covers, but nothing beats the 1984 original by Wham!
“Mistletoe” by Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber will no doubt be under the mistletoe with his wife, Hailey Bieber, on Christmas Day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pretend he’s singing this song to you.
“Christmas All Over Again” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
In the words of Tom Petty, “Christmas is a rockin’ time” — and it deserves a rockin’ song.
“Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson’s 2013 holiday song is “all we need under the pine.”
“Ribbons and Bows” by Kacey Musgraves
Kacey Musgraves doesn’t need ribbons and bows to cure her problems; she just needs your love!
“What Christmas Means to Me” by Stevie Wonder
There’s a reason Stevie Wonder’s 1967 Christmas song is considered a classic.
“Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses
This song from 1981 would impress everyone at Christmas karaoke. Is that a thing? Can we make something out of it? Learn by heart!
“Everybody Knows the Claus” by Hanson
Don’t sleep on this Hanson song. It’s like the famous “MMMBop” band, but in Christmas form.
“8 Days of Christmas” by Destiny’s Child
Destiny’s Child put their own spin on the classic “12 Days of Christmas,” but they decided to cut it short and go for more than just a partridge in a pear tree, opting for sunglasses, “quality TIME,” oh, and a Mercedes.
“Christmas in Hollis” by Run-DMC
It’s Christmas and they have spirit! Christmas in Hollis, Queens actually sounds pretty amazing.
Lady Gaga’s “Christmas Tree”.
It’s so like Lady Gaga to record a naughty Christmas song. Although you have to admit: it’s incredibly attractive.
“Mistletoe” Ginuwine
Leave it to Ginuwine, creator of “Pony,” to make a sexy Christmas song.
“This gift” of 98 degrees
Yes, another Christmas that is clearly being made to be in honor of the holiday! Do you think Nick Lachey still sings it to his wife, Vanessa Lachey, at Christmas?
“Santa Tell Me” by Ariana Grande
No list would be complete without Ariana Grande’s “Santa Tell Me,” which has become a seasonal staple since its release in 2014.
“Little Things” by ABBA
ABBA’s resurgence may have been the biggest gift of all in 2021, but the Swedish Europop group had a “little” gift to deliver for the holidays.
“I believe in Santa Claus” Meghan Trainor
Meghan Trainor isn’t just “all about that bass.” She also works to spread that Christmas cheer!
“Merry Christmas” by Ed Sheeran and Elton John
This wonderful duet by Ed Sheeran and Elton John from 2021 will heat up any Christmas party.
“Santa, Can’t You Hear Me” by Kelly Clarkson and Ariana Grande
Speaking of duets, what could be better than these two of music’s most famous singers?
“Holiday” by Lil Nas X
In the 2020 music video for his pop-rap holiday single, Lil Nas X ditches the red coat and shows us his take on an avant-garde Santa — one with robotic reindeer!
“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” by Camila Cabello
Dim the lights and thank Camila Cabello for the soundtrack to your slow dance with your sweetheart this Christmas.
“You Make It Feel Like Christmas” by Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton
Need another mistletoe song? Turn up Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton’s darling 2017 duet to spread a little more love this Christmas.
“Santa Baby” by Alicia Keys
We bet Kris Kringle is as much a fan of Alicia Keys’ seductive, bluesy rendition of the 1953 Christmas classic — popularized by Eartha Kitt — as we are.
“So Much Wine” by Phoebe Bridgers
Phoebe Bridgers’ soothing voice on this mellow Handsome Family 2000 cover would go perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa — or a glass of wine!
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education