Every year after Thanksgiving is over, my December playlist immediately filters in all those Christmas songs that I’ve been waiting to play since last December. More often than not “Twelve Days of Christmas” and “Rudolph The Red-Nose Reindeer” just aren’t doing it for me anymore.
Maybe you’re in the same place and are dying for some new Christmas classics. Lucky for you, listed below are some songs you may have not known existed. Christmas covers can sometimes be a flop, but here are some that have made it through my cut.
‘60s and ‘70s Christmas Hits
If you never thought you could celebrate the holidays while hearing the iconic voices of the Beach Boys, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Elton John, you thought wrong.
The soft harmonies of the Beach Boys go great with Christmas classics. Some of The Beatles have mastered Christmas with upbeat eccentric 80s hits. And of course, Elton John has succeeded at Christmas tunes as well.
- “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” – John Lennon and Yoko/Plastic Ono Band (1971)
- “Wonderful Christmastime”- Paul McCartney (1979)
- “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” – The Beach Boys from the “Christmas With The Beach Boys (1964)
- “Little Saint Nick” – The Beach Boys “The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album” (1964)
- “Step Into Christmas” – Elton John “Caribou” (1974)
Tyler, The Creator Christmas Creations
Tyler, The Creator and Christmas. An interesting combination to say the least, but for some reason it works. While both of these songs are inspired by Dr. Seuss’ “The Grinch,” they feel both festive and make you want to dance crazy at the same time. With thoughtful production and strong beats, Tyler, The Creator kills Christmas in the best way possible.
- “Lights On (feat. Ryan Beatty & Santigold)” – Tyler, The Creator from his EP “Music Inspired by Illumination & Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch
- “I Am The Grinch” – Tyler, The Creator
Girls Rule Christmas
The songs listed below never miss. Would Christmas really be Christmas without Mariah Carey? These songs can be looked at as corny — and I don’t disagree — but they never fail to be added to my Christmas playlist. Whether you love it or hate it, I am certain Mariah Carey’s hit “All I Want For Christmas Is You” will be played somewhere you go this holiday season.
- “All I Want For Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey
- “Santa Tell Me” – Ariana Grande
- “Santa Baby” – Eartha Kitt
- “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” – Kacey Musgraves, Lana Del Rey
Alt Christmas
Just about every artist has done Christmas and this list continues to show it. Surf rock bands, Peach Pit and Lunar Vacation bring us sentimental songs that ring in the holidays in a cool, calm and collected way. If you’re feeling like you need to let out a good cry, Phoebe Bridgers’ Christmas songs got you covered. Alt-rock bands, Wolf Alice and Roar bring us out-of-the-ordinary holiday songs that still feel festive.
Last but not least, Wallows’ Dylan Minette and The Regrettes’ Lydia Night give listeners “Holiday-ish;” which is a romantic holiday song that could make you wish you were spending the holidays with someone.
- “Holiday-ish”- The Regrettes feat. Dylan Minette
- “Christmas Song” – Phoebe Bridgers
- “7 O’ Clock News / Silent Night” – Phoebe Bridgers, Fiona Apple, Matt Berninger
- “Christmas Kids” – Roar
- “Did I Make You Cry on Christmas ( Well, You Deserved It)” – Peach Pit
- “In The Bleak Midwinter” – Wolf Alice
- “Last Christmas” – Lunar Vacation
The Classics
Growing up, these songs were the Christmas anthems played in my household. The dreamy voices of Frank Sinatra, Jo Stafford, Bing Crosby and Brenda Lee could put me to sleep in the best way possible. Their calming voices have been around for decades, truly never fading. Written and produced by George Michael, “Last Christmas” by Wham! is iconic. As well as The Jackson 5’s “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.”
- “It’s a Marshmallow World” – Jo Stafford
- “Baby, It’s Cold Outside (with Dorothy Kirsten)”- Frank Sinatra, Dorothy Kirsten
- “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” – The Jackson 5
- “Winter Wonderland”- Bing Crosby
- “Last Christmas”- Wham!
- “Jingle Bell Rock”- Brenda Lee
Bieber Christmas
I had to. There’s no better way to end my list than with something that never gets old and that’s Justin Bieber’s “Mistletoe” and “Drummer Boy.”
- “Mistletoe” – Justin Bieber
- “Drummer Boy”- Justin Bieber
