The holidays are upon us. It’s that time of year again. Christmas music can’t be escaped; whether you’re in your dorm room, grocery stores, or any public place, it’s playing 24/7. Other than duetting Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” at the top of your lungs with your best friends, many holiday songs can lift your spirit and keep you motivated until the end of the fall semester. Here are some underrated holiday classics and more modern Christmas covers that can be added to your playlist this year.
- “Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses
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This song is by far the most underrated in my opinion. The Waitresses were an early 80s new wave rock band that released two albums. They are best known for their singles, “I Know What Boys Like” and “Christmas Wrapping.” The song “Christmas Wrapping” is about opting to spend the holiday season alone in 1981. If you consider yourself a fan of innovative and experimental 80s music, then be sure to give this song a listen.
- “Hey Santa!” by Carnie And Wendy Wilson
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Carnie and Wendy Wilson are the daughters of Beach Boys front man Brian Wilson. The sisters released a Christmas album in October 1993. “Hey, Santa!” is a personal favorite of mine because of its upbeat early 90s vibe. However, the lyric, “My baby said that he’d be home for Christmas and now it’s almost midnight” suggests that maybe the song isn’t as happy as it sounds.
- “It’s A Marshmallow World” by Jo Stafford
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Though the song was first a hit for Bing Crosby, the iconic Jo Stafford version was released in 2017. This comes as a big surprise because of Jo’s reputation in the 1940s-1950s jazz era. She was also known for releasing the most popular version of “You Belong to Me,” written by Chilton Price, Redd Stewart, and Pee Wee King. “It’s A Marshmallow World” by Jo Stafford beautifully describes the snowy white winter scenery that comes to our minds at this time of year.
- “Christmas Time Is Here” by The Vince Guaraldi Trio
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This song is best known for its appearance in the 1965 Charlie Brown Christmas Special. Vince Guaraldi was an American jazz pianist and is noted for composing music for the Peanuts television show. The Charlie Brown Theme Song, “Great Pumpkin Waltz,” and “Linus and Lucy” are all popular works from Guaraldi. “Christmas Time is Here” will bring you back to simpler times this holiday season and make you feel like a part of the Peanuts gang.
- “Last Christmas” by Wham!
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Released in 1984, “Last Christmas” is the ultimate Christmas bop. It’s easy to see why it was nominated for the Brit Award for British Video of the Year as well as the Awit Award for Best Vocal Arrangement. Don’t we all wish we could experience Christmas in the 80’s? Even though “Last Christmas” is undoubtedly a heartbreak song, we can’t help but jam out to it every year.
- “Wonderful Christmastime” by Paul McCartney
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The legendary Paul McCartney released “Wonderful Christmastime” in 1979. It was recorded during the sessions for his solo album, which was released in 1980. Everyone loves the classic Christmas songs of the 40s and 50s as well as the newer releases, but it is important to appreciate the cheerful synth-pop stylings of the 70s and 80s. “Wonderful Christmastime” is a must-have song for your holiday playlist.
- “Man With The Bag” by Jessie J
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Jessie J’s version of “Man With The Bag” is a perfect example of a classic Christmas song with a modern touch. The singer, known for her revolutionary 2000s pop songs, sings this classic with ease and perfection as her voice sounds glorious on every note. The song talks about the excitement that adults and children have waiting for Christmas morning when Santa has delivered all of the presents underneath the tree. The song has a jazzy, upbeat swing that’ll get anyone excited for Christmas. Definitely give this one a listen.
- “Winter Things” by Ariana Grande
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“Winter Things” by Ariana Grande presents a different take on the classic representation of winter. As a Florida native, Grande is used to a warm and sunny December. In this song, she describes her longing for classic winter activities and her desire to bundle up in layers. Some of us in the northeast wish that the winter wasn’t so bitterly cold, but Ariana Grande wishes to turn her tropical hometown of Boca Raton into an ice-cold paradise for a change.
- “Someday At Christmas” by Stevie Wonder / “Someday At Christmas” by The Jackson 5
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If you’re looking for a song about the giving nature of the holiday season, this is the song. Both versions by Stevie Wonder and The Jackson 5 are worth a listen, as both versions are sung with heart and soul by the recognizable Black Motown singers. “Someday At Christmas” discusses the dream of a world where there is peace and love. Both versions wonderfully portray the uplifted and hopeful spirit of the song.
- “Sleigh Ride” by Tori Kelly/ “Sleigh Ride” by The Ronettes/ “Sleigh Ride” by The Boston Pops Orchestra & Arthur Fiedler
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There have been many versions of this song that have become popular. “Sleigh Ride” is a staple holiday song most popularly known as an instrumental performed by The Boston Pops Orchestra & Arthur Fiedler. If you want to listen to a fun pop version of the song, singer Tori Kelly has created a version on her latest Christmas album that is a good remix. The Ronettes version is also an upbeat Christmas staple.
There are so many other songs we wanted to include, but this list would go on forever. Put on your favorite Christmas pajamas, make some hot chocolate, and jam out to our favorites with your roomies. This perfect holiday mix is sure to get you through the rest of the fall semester. Break the tension of finals season by getting cozy and giving our favorite Christmas songs a listen.