Well, you are finally out of the woods – exams are over and you are probably well on your way to being home for the holidays. But even if you are not, there is nothing quite like holiday music to make you feel at home and get you in the spirit of the season. So here are a few of my favorite seasonal songs, a mix of old favorites and lesser-known but equally as festive tracks.
All I Want For Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
Speaking of old favorites – this classic is not only quite possibly my favorite Christmas song, but also unquestionably my favorite version. The combination of Mariah Carey’s powerhouse vocals and the bubblegum pop catchiness of this anthemic track are irresistible. At the GW Alternative Breaks ball a few weeks back, the DJ (who was wearing a santa hat) put this on, then climbed on his chair and led a spirited sing and dance along – I think that sums up how people feel about this song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn67I6L6sfY
8 Days of Christmas – Destiny’s Child
I am not sure if this is a well-known song or if I can take credit for discovering how fabulous it is, but my sister and I have been blasting it every Christmas for years now. A sassy R&B rendition of the more traditional “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” this track comes courtesy of Destiny’s Child from their early 2000’s prime. It basically sums up everything a girl could dream of for Christmas – including the ideal boyfriend – by listing the gifts that he gave his girl over the course of eight days. The goods include everything from Chloe sunglasses and a Mercedes to a poem that her man wrote for her, but in the end there is a moral deeper than materialism. On the first day of Christmas, this perfect man gives her what really matters: “Quality T-I-M-E!”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Np_T6VBirgA
I Wish It Was Christmas Today – Julian Casablancas
This track, on the other hand, I am pretty sure I can take credit for discovering. Julian Casablancas, the deliciously grungy vocalist of The Strokes, covered this song as a part of his solo project, Phrazes For The Young. While the song – based on a Saturday Night Live skit – is not on the album itself, Casablancas performed a live version with Jimmy Fallon on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon in December 2009. On top of all of that, with heartfelt lyrics like, “I wish it was Christmas today/in the good old U.S. of A,” this song definitely deserves a listen. I mean, come on – he loves America and Christmas. And have you seen him?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wS-k66MKgs
Last Christmas – Taylor Swift
This is a pretty obvious one, but I was informed that this list would be incomplete without some T-Swift. Other artists from Ashley Tisdale to Jimmy Eat World have covered this song as well, but Taylor’s country-infused take on the track is particularly poignant. Besides that, this version of “Last Christmas” is definitely a standout on her Christmas album, which is much-loved by pretty much everyone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Okoo4upS_Hc
Christmas Lights – Coldplay
My cousin first introduced me to this song last Christmas and I cannot stop listening to it. It is less lighthearted than many other holiday songs; with lyrics like, “Just walk away/Those windows say/But I can’t believe she’s gone,” and “Those Christmas lights light up the street/Maybe they’ll bring her back to me,” heartbreak is a major theme here. But a major bonus of this moving song is its typical Coldplay-esque sound and powerful verses.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l61doajc19g
Refuge (When It’s Cold Outside) – John Legend
Another lesser-known track, this song channels the spirit of the holiday season with a laid-back R&B vibe. Reminiscent of what is quite possibly John Legend’s best-known song, “Ordinary People,” romance and relationships are central to this song. Here’s just one example of the touching lyrics: “When it’s cold outside/There’s no need to worry ’cause I’m so warm inside/You give me peace/When the storm’s outside.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yxv3dddiv_E
Christmas Tree – Lady Gaga
There is so much to say about this song…first, the fact that Lady Gaga even has a Christmas song seems notable. And of course, a Lady Gaga Christmas song would have to be chock full of sexual innuendoes and double-entendres. With those expectations, this song does not disappoint. It is also ridiculously catchy and what I would call a “guilty pleasure” holiday song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cP8RzHHhVI
Silent Night – Michael Bublé
There are just so, so many fantastic songs to choose from on Michael’s holiday album, which came out last year. Despite its recent release, it is has already garnered plenty of popularity, and the Pandora station “Michael Bublé Christmas” is pretty popular as well. Last year, my friend and I listened to that station all day every day before winter break; as a result, I know and love all of his Christmas songs and struggled to settle on just one. I would highly recommend listening to the rest of the album as well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6BiSiAeIH0
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Frank Sinatra
In my opinion, Frank Sinatra is the king of Christmas music. His songs are all beautiful and classically styled, which is probably why people still play them years after their release. This song reminds me of my grandfather and snowy nights, which is why I have given it a place of honor at the end of this list. The much-loved Michael Bublé may be the closest thing we have to a modern Frank, but nothing can compare to the original.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ6yQgBvuoI
Auld Lang Syne (Freedom Mix) – Kenny G
“Auld Lang Syne” is a traditional New Year’s song, performed here by the talented jazz saxophonist Kenny G. The “Freedom Mix” aspect is what makes this twist on a holiday classic so special: famous and significant song clips from throughout American history are mixed in with the smooth jazz recording to create a powerfully moving song. The focus is on the tragedy of 9/11, and the song serves to capture the strength and perseverance of the American spirit.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMuMR3tw9qk