By Lilian Nguyen
It’s December, which means cozying up with blankets, sipping hot cocoa, wearing thicker outerwear and of course tuning into the Christmas songs that play nonstop on the radio. To get you ready for this year’s Christmas season, here are a couple of the best songs, timeless classics and underrated songs to help you get into a joyful mood.
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas by Michal Buble
This Christmas song, written in 1951 by Meredith Willson, has been covered by various artists, but one of the most well-known renditions would be Michael Buble’s take on this timeless classic. Along with his other songs in his Christmas album that was released in 2011, “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” peaked at number 10 in Billboard’s Top 100 Holiday songs. With this track being Buble’s most played track with over 600 million streams on Spotify, this piece truly does encapsulate the charming spirit of Christmas as Buble adds his jazz elements into his version, giving it the sound that we know today.
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Frank Sinatra
This is another one of the timeless Christmas classics by Frank Sinatra that is a must-play on radios, even if we do get sick of it at times. Written in 1943 by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, Sinatra would go on to tweak the original lyrics, giving it the lyrics that we are quite familiar with. The most noticeable thing about the song is Sinatra’s pure voice with faded instruments in the background, leaving us with just his warm voice. With the highest peak of number 20, Sinatra’s version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” embraces the warmth that many seek on a cold winter’s day. A choir joins him in his rendition, emulating the Christmas spirit of caroling.
Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24 by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Christmas songs capture the calmness of winter and the happiness of being with family and friends, but “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” released in 1995 by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is one of the very few Christmas themed songs that will leave you headbanging. As a medley of “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” and “Shchedryk,” the song deviates from typical Christmas songs but the loudness of it,blaring from our speakers, is enough for listeners to want to get up and jam to the tunes. Its highest ranking was at number four in the US and it still proves to be one of the most unique Christmas songs as it survives the tests of time.
While the songs mentioned above are just a few of the many renowned classics for Christmas tunes, there are some very underrated songs that not many may be familiar with.
Like It’s Christmas by the Jonas Brothers
After the Jonas Brothers reunited and revived their band, “Like It’s Christmas” was the band’s last song release of 2019. At its highest peak being at number 44 on Billboard’s top 100 listing, the song embraces the joy of coming together for Christmas. Its goofy hook at the beginning of the song brings the listener in as they listen to this romantic bop. Whether the listener has a loved one or not, it perfectly encapsulates how a person, rather than a place, can be someone’s “Christmas” joy.
Where are You Christmas by Faith Hill
“Where are You Christmas,” written by Mariah Carey, James Horner and Will Jennings for How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and performed by Faith Hill, is a song, which unlike the many jovial tunes for Christmas, has a powerful meaning. Although written as a movie score, the song resonates with many listeners who have lost a loved one. Christmas is a time for many to reunite, but without that one person, Christmas can seem bleak and lonely. Peaking highest at number 65 on the Billboard’s top 100, this bittersweet and melancholic tune is for those seeking hope and comfort despite their sorrow.
A Muppets Christmas Carol – Scrooge by The Muppets
This Christmas Carol sure won’t be playing on the radio any time soon, serving as a Christmas musical comedy in The Muppets Christmas Carol movie. This song, along with a series of different songs, follows Charles Dickens’s story: A Christmas Carol, along with one of the most famous Christmas characters, Scrooge. This score in particular, performed by the Muppets cast, is a fun retelling of the money-hoarding and selfish Scrooge. It may not be a Christmas song per se, but this catchy tune (and movie!) will definitely get you in the spirits as you await Christmas day.
Whether you enjoy listening to Christmas songs or not, these tunes are an immutable part of the holiday season and some of these, bring Christmas joy and leave you humming the tune while you’re gathered around the fire with your loved ones surrounding you.
