AChristmas albumis practically a rite of passage for singer-songwriters. Many mainstream artists tap into the holiday spirit, departing from their typical music offerings to gift fansfestive songs and coverseach year. After all, no musician wants to be put on the naughty list and receive coal in their stocking!
Over the years, the sonic landscape of the season has changed, ushering in tracks from unorthodox genres like pop, hip-hop and punk rock while still honoring past classics, such as Meredith Wilson’s 1951 hit “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.” WhileLil Nas X’s rap-infused “Holiday” andBlink-182’s jingle rock jam “Not Another Christmas” are sure to spice up any holiday bash, no song signals Santa (and winter) is coming thanMariah Carey’s timeless hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
Ahead, in no particular order*, modernChristmassongs — not including covers — that deserve a spot on your seasonal playlist.
*Except for this song because Carey’s (a.k.a.the Queen of Christmas) 1994 masterpiece willalwayshold the No. 1 spot. If there’s one thing needed for the holiday season, it’s the superstar’s voice on loop.
John Legendcould sing the phone book, and we’d listen, but his voice is particularly perfect for Christmas songs — and this cut from his 2018A Legendary Christmasalbum is proof.
Katy PerrychannelsMarilyn Monroein the music video for her2019 Christmas tune, dancing in a glass of eggnog and getting a massage from Rudolph.
Notquiteas jovial as your typical Christmas song, but it’s stilltechnicallyabout the holidaysandhas the word “Christmas” in the title. Plus, it’s quintessential Blink-182, which will bring you tons of joy and cheer if you need a dose of nostalgia.
Originally written and recorded in 1984 to raise awareness and funds for a famine in Ethiopia, the song brought together talent likeBono,Phil CollinsandBoy Georgeand quickly became a classic.
It’s hard to resist bopping around toSia’s 2017 album,Everyday Is Christmas.This song is definitely the frontrunner of the tracklist (and not just becausehusband-and-wife acting duoKristen BellandDax Shepardare the stars of its music video).
Very few boy band Christmas songs match the catchiness of*NSYNC’s “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.”
However, theBackstreet Boyscertainly threw their names into the ring with their 2000 ballad “Christmas Time.”
What a time it was for Christmas bops in the early 2000s! Santa, can you hear me? I wantBritney Spearson repeat all season long, please!
Justin Bieberwill undoubtedly beunder the mistletoe with his wife,Hailey Bieber, on Christmas, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pretend he’s singing this song to you, specifically.
In the words ofTom Petty, “Christmas is a rockin' time” — and it deserves a rockin' song.
Kelly Clarkson’s 2013 holiday song is “all we need underneath the tree.”
Kacey Musgravesdoesn’t need ribbons and bows to cure her woes; she just needs your love!
There’s a reasonStevie Wonder’s 1967 Christmas tune is considered a classic.
This 1981 song would impress everyone at Christmas karaoke. Is that a thing? Can we make it a thing? Get memorizing!
Don’t sleep on thisHansonsong. It’s like the band’s famous “MMMBop” but in Christmas form.
Destiny’s Childput their own spin on the classic “12 Days of Christmas” but decided to shorten it and ask for more than just a partridge in a pear tree, opting for sunglasses, “quality T-I-M-E,” oh, and a Mercedes.
It’s Christmas, and they’ve got the spirit! Christmas in Hollis, Queens, actually sounds pretty amazing.
It’s so likeLady Gagato record a naughty Christmas song. Though you’ve got to admit: It’s incredibly catchy.
Leave it toGinuwine, the creator of “Pony,” to make a sexy Christmas song.
Yep, another Christmas that’s clearly about getting it on in honor of the holiday! Do you thinkNick Lacheystillsings it to his wife,Vanessa Lachey, on Christmas?
No list would be complete withoutAriana Grande’s “Santa Tell Me,” which has become a seasonal staple since its 2014 release.
ABBA’s resurgence might’ve been the greatest gift of all in 2021, but the Swedish Europop group had a “little” present to deliver for the holidays.
Meghan Trainorisn’t just “all about that bass.” She’s also all about spreading that Christmas cheer!
This delightfulEd SheeranandElton John2021 duet will warm up any Christmas party.
Speaking of duets, what could be better than this one from two of music’s most celebrated powerhouse vocalists?
In the 2020 music video for his pop-rap holiday single, Lil Nas X puts away the red coat and shows us his interpretation of an avant-garde Santa Claus — one who has robotic reindeer!
Dim the lights, and thankCamila Cabellofor soundtracking your slow dance with your sweetheart this Christmas.
Need another mistletoe song? Turn upGwen StefaniandBlake Shelton’s darling 2017 duet to spread a little extra love on Yuletide.
Phoebe Bridgers' soothing voice on this mellow Handsome Family 2000 cover would go perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa — or a glass of wine!
source: people.com
