As the holiday season gets closer, with stockings hung and trees lit, a playlist to accompany the winter ambiance is crucial. Fortunately, the Chimes has just the selection for celebrations this December.
- “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey
What kind of Christmas playlist would this be if this wasn’t the first song on the list? Terrorizing department store workers since its release in 1994, this song has cemented itself as an iconic song in pop culture. The recognizable first few notes are sure to raise your spirits (or your blood pressure–looking at you, Macy’s employees).
- “Christmas Tree Farm” by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift goes home for the holidays in this 2019 track. In returning to her Pennsylvanian roots, Swift reminds us that Christmas is meant to be spent with loved ones. If you prefer a more classic-sounding Christmas song, check out the Old Timey Version, produced to sound like it was released in the prime of Christmas classics.
- “is it new years yet?” by Sabrina Carpenter
If the Christmas spirit makes you feel grinchy, this might be the song for you. From Sabrina Carpenter’s new Christmas EP “fruitcake,” “is it new years yet?” complains about the frustration that comes with seeing relatives, annoying holiday traditions and not having someone to commiserate with. Carpenter’s cynical, biting lyrics are a change of pace from most Christmas music, but stay true to her introspective trademark sarcasm, all wrapped in a bow with Carpenter’s Barbie-like pop production.
- “Linus and Lucy” by the Vince Guaraldi Trio from “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
Perhaps one of the most widely recognizable piano tracks, “Linus and Lucy” deserves a spot on this list despite its lack of lyrics. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” introduced the world to a scrawny little tree and showed everyone it could be something beautiful and beloved, just like how this song melts cold hearts and makes even the “Scroogiest” of people smile.
- “Baby It’s Cold Outside” by Idina Menzel and Michael Bublé
Who else would be better to listen to than the Broadway-belting ice queen herself? Menzel’s vocals shine with Michael Buble’s iconic Christmas crooning, coming together for a duet that will warm everyone up even in the lowest of temperatures.
- “Someday At Christmas” by The Jackson 5
Everyone knows Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” as a quintessential Halloween song from the previous holiday-themed playlist, but not nearly as many people realize that he and his siblings covered this Christmas jam. Originally released by Stevie Wonder in 1967, The Jackson 5’s version from just three years later adds an explosive energy to the song. Especially with their younger voices, the cover has an unmatched optimism for the future that matches the hope of the season.
- “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” by Tyler, The Creator
Tyler, The Creator put a unique spin on this green classic for the animated version of this beloved story released in 2018. Although it’s a short track, clocking in at less than two minutes, the production packs a punch that makes this song stand out among this list. This song is definitely worth a listen to amp up your next holiday party.
- “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / We Three Kings” by the Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan
This upbeat, jazzy mashup of these standard Christmas tunes is harmony-rich. McLachlan’s vocals shine against the bouncy instrumentals and the collaboration showcases all the talent involved throughout the journey to Bethlehem.
- “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by Band Aid
The 80s synth of this song and the beat mask the somewhat sad lead up to the call to action of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” as it examines the global state of affairs during the so-called happiest time of the year. In order to truly fulfill the reason for the season, the song demands of us to “feed the world” to “let them know it’s Christmas time.”
- “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Perhaps one of the most popular of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s pieces, this song is a staple when it comes to the holiday season. The famous orchestral melody and the guitar part have continued to resonate with listeners over the years. If you’re looking for a deeper cut from their discography, maybe something more lyrical, check out their “Christmas Nights in Blue.”
- “Better than Snow” by Laufey and Norah Jones
Both smooth-singing musicians, Laufey and Norah Jones collaborated on this original song released on their two-track single, “Christmas with You.” This jazzy duet features both voices, with Jones on piano and Laufey on guitar.
- “Please Come Home for Christmas” by the Eagles
Finishing up this list is another cover of a 1960 release by Charles Brown, recorded by the Eagles when they were taking a break after a tour. The melancholic yet hopeful lyrics about seeing your lover for Christmas contrast some of the other songs on this list, which is why it deserves the final spot. It reminds the listener that “Christmas and New Year will find you home” and there will “be no more sorrow, no grief and pain” and we’ll all be happy once again.
Honorable Mentions: “Mary, Did You Know?” by Pentatonix,
“Christmas Everyday” by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles and “merry christmas darling” by Christina Perri.
This playlist can be accessed here.
