The holiday season is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start blasting my carefully curated Christmas playlist. While this playlist obviously includes classics such as “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and “Last Christmas,” it also includes a good amount of Pentatonix. And before you ask, no I’m not a choir kid, I’m just a sucker for rich acapella harmonies. So here’s a quick list of my favorites, in no particular order!
“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”
You’ve probably heard Michael Buble’s iconic recording of this Christmas classic, but have you heard Pentatonix’s version? While Buble’s rendition has a relaxed and jazzy vibe, Pentatonix’s is more upbeat and fun. Both have a special place in my heart…and on my playlist.
“White Winter Hymnal”
“White Winter Hymnal” is a Fleet Foxes cover, and I discovered the song through a performance by my high school’s chamber choir. What makes this song memorable is the handclaps and snaps that create the beat for the melody to lay on top of. You’ll find yourself wanting to clap along as you listen—though the pattern isn’t as easy to learn as it looks!
“Winter Wonderland/Don’t Worry Be Happy” (ft. Tori Kelly)
This mashup features Tori Kelly, who is one of the most underrated vocalists in my opinion. Her voice blends beautifully with the rest of Pentatonix, and she absolutely nails the melody line. It is definitely my favorite recording of “Winter Wonderland,” and I’ve already looped it several times this December.
“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”
The most well-known version of this song is the recording by Andy Williams, which you’ve probably heard in the mall a few times already. However, I much prefer Pentatonix’s version. My favorite part of the song is the background harmonies which contrast greatly with the bass melodic line. I’d highly recommend playing this back to back with “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.”
“We Need A Little Christmas”
“We Need A Little Christmas” comes from Pentatonix’s latest Christmas album, which was released last month, and it’s already become a new favorite of mine. I absolutely love the tempo changes throughout the song, and, overall, it’s just what I needed to get through the rest of this crazy year.
I hope this list helped you find some new songs to add to your Christmas playlists!