4 Magical Playlists You Should Be Listening To This Christmas
**Just click where indicated below to visit each corresponding playlist. If you aren't one to read reviews, just ignore the mini-reviews for each song and click on the titles to the left to view a video of the song if you're unfamiliar with it.**
#4 - CHRISTMAS MORNING | Click here for Playlist
The songs on this playlist are some of the most iconic American favorites of all time with a few cheerful randoms intermingled. I selected only songs that, to me, scream that cozy seasonal nostalgia and exuberant, bustling togetherness of Christmas morning. I mostly stuck with traditional picks, but there are several more modern additions, too.
Here are some of the highlights...
White Christmas - The Drifters | I absolutely LOVE this version of an already great song! Adding that barber shop quartet sound is always a good idea, and the effect was so impactful with this old favorite. Makes you wanna watch "Home Alone" or "The Santa Clause", doesn't it?
Little St. Nick - The Beach Boys | It doesn't get much more merry than the Beach Boys, and this song totally speaks to the enthusiasm of Christmas morning. It's bubbly, it's entertaining, and it's just plain jolly!
I Saw Three Ships - Sting | This is a reallllly old carol right here, so much so that most people don't even know this song anymore. But Sting's version brings an eccentric, playful quality to the overall feeling that makes it stand out, which is unusual for this song.
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Andy Williams | Andy Williams is a big favorite of mine, and so it was hard deciding which songs from him to feature in these playlists. This one, though, is such a classic go-to when it comes to high-energy Christmas jingles that center on the nostalgia and community of the season, and I couldn't imagine going through Christmas morning without it appearing somewhere!
Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow - Harry Connick Jr. | This is a fantastic jazzy piece that makes me break out the dance moves, good and bad. It has that sultry, romantic touch while also keeping consistent with the warmth of Christmas music, striking a balance between the childhood zeal of Christmas morning and those starry-eyed affections on the other side of the transition into adulthood.
Christmas in Killarney - Bing Crosby | This is such a congenial, quirky song. It's not traditional of the United States, probably originating in Ireland, which makes the Irish twinge in Bing's voice on this song all the more fun! It also has a boisterous and compelling spirit that is characteristic of Christmas morning, making it an excellent addition to this playlist.
This playlist was created with Christmas Eve in mind. Growing up, my family tended to be reflective on the reason for the season on Christmas Eve, and I wanted this playlist to foster that. It contains mostly solemn, intimate songs poised in very traditional styles, but there are some upbeat, joyful tunes mixed in with the occasional contemporary contributor.
Here are those highlights...
O Come, O Come Emmanuel - Bette Midler | I'd never heard this song until recently, though I'm familiar with both the carol as well as Bette Midler. While the song in and of itself is gorgeous, the way that Bette Midler sings this version is so rich and appropriate. It's absolutely perfect for sitting around the tree and meditating on the substantial lyrics.
Silver and Gold - Burl Ives | If you've seen Rankin and Bass's "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", then you'll recognize this song if you don't already have a relationship with Burl Ives as a separate entity from the snowman narrator. This song actually appears on one of his Christmas albums, which is a favorite of mine at Christmas time and has been so my whole life. I love the simplicity of this song, and think it fits in nicely with the atmosphere of Christmas Eve.
Ave Maria - The Carpenters | As you'll realize once you've reached the ending of these playlists, I'm extremely fond of The Carpenters, and it's VERY difficult for me to narrow down which songs are my favorite. However, this one is in the top five, hands down. I've heard many different versions of this song, and I find myself always comparing other versions to this one. Karen Carpenter had a one-of-a-kind voice, and she really shone in this song.
O Holy Night - Celine Dion | I'm not the biggest Celine Dion fan in the world, but this song makes my hairs stand on end. This is a super challenging vocal piece to pull off, and yet Celine does it justice and more, unsurprisingly.
O Come All Ye Faithful - Art Garfunkel | I love how unassuming this rendition is. It has such a low-key, dreamy sound that is just right for the atmosphere of Christmas Eve.
Joy to the World - Julie Andrews | This one is like listening to Mary Poppins on steroids. It's incredible even aside from the showcasing of Julie Andrews' angelic voice, and certainly does bring joy to the world! As mentioned, there aren't a lot of fast songs on this list, but this song is definitely one of the liveliest ones, and may even take the cake as the most up-tempo.
This one was made especially for hosting a Christmas party, but of course it doesn't have to be limited to that. It's full of peppy holiday jams and some somber but singable ballads that set the perfect mood for a "little yuletide clambake", as said in my favorite Christmas movie by the dashing Bing Crosby. Grab your favorite people and party on!
The highlights...
Baby It's Cold Outside - Dean Martin | I've had a long-time love affair with ol' Dino, and this song is no exception. With equal parts sass and romance, you can't go wrong with this dynamic duet.
Here Comes Santa Claus - Doris Day | Oh, Doris. Ever since I saw her in "Calamity Jane" as a kid I have thought she was the bee's knees, so this song just makes me giddy. With D-Day's clear tones and the super-Christmasy backdrop of sleigh bells and handsome-voiced men, this song is so easy to listen to. It has that classic sound that every holiday party needs, so just sit back and let it lift the spirits of all your party-goers, because it surely will!
Last Christmas - Wham! | This is one of my all-time favorite Christmas songs, and I don't exactly know why. Is it the made-in-the-80s synths and drum pads? Maybe. The fact that if you didn't know it was George Michael singing you would think it was possibly a woman? Definitely not. But while the answer to that question may always remain a mystery, it's no secret that this song is excellent Christmas party material regardless.
Mister Santa - Amy Grant | This one isn't popular to my knowledge, but if you like Amy Grant + that old school treasure "Mr. Sandman", then you'll savor this song. Grant took "Mr. Sandman" and changed most of the lyrics to reflect children speaking to Santa Claus, then threw in some jingle bell sounds for good measure. While some might consider the whole song a cop-out rip-off, you can't deny that its got merit as an upbeat party jam!
All I Want for Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey | Pretty sure everyone under the sun has heard this one because it's now widely considered as a staple every year. I have very limited love for MiMi, but part of the reason I can appreciate her to any degree is because of this song. It's so stinking catchy, how can you NOT sing along?!
Jingle Bells - Frank Sinatra | I love me some Sinatra! This is one of my favorite tunes off his many Christmas albums, and it's ideal for a Christmas get-together. It's not your run-of-the-mill rendition of the traditional Jingle Bells, which makes it that much more fun!
This last one was where I stuck all the most whimsical songs that threw tradition out the window, either in how the song was performed, or how the artist strayed from the usual list of carols. There's everything from Michael Buble to She & Him to MercyMe to Train on this playlist. It's a little heavy-weighted on the folksy side and is the longest of the playlists, so it's a great background soundtrack to decorating the tree or making Christmas goodies in the kitchen when you're trying to wind down and just enjoy the season.
The highlights...
You're Here - Francesca Battistelli | Ya'll. This soooooong!!! It's so beautiful, and even if you aren't a huge Franny B fan, this one will surely still get to you so long as you don't have a heart of stone. The lyrics almost always make me tear up, and the chorus is so musically enchanting that it gets stuck in your head and makes you just wanna cuddle up under a blanket and chew on it for hours.
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day - Echosmith | This is an underrated song to begin with, but Echosmith really hit the nail on the head with their rendition of it, both vocally and musically. It's just good! It's powerful yet understated, and just an all-around delight to listen to. As far as I know it's their only Christmas song to date, but listening to this one certainly makes me hope they will come out with more, and sooner rather than later!
Sweet Little Jesus Boy - Jamie Grace | This was an accidental find for me, and boy (no pun intended), am I glad! I'm not usually big on Jamie Grace from a pop perspective, but if all her music sounded like this, I'd listen to it until it died!!! This song is mellow and pure, a stripped-down acoustic prize, very befitting of the nature of the lyrics. Even if you've never even heard of this old ballad, don't let this one slip under your radar!
Song for a Winter's Night - Sarah McLachlan | This song is like a winter lullaby. It's tender yet haunting, and features all the best characteristics of Sarah McLachlan's endeavors. It's another very simple, acoustic song that's great for resting by the fire with a mug of steaming coca after a long day.
Carol of the Bells - The Bird and the Bee | Even more than the last song, The Bird and the Bee's take on this old choir fave is straight-up haunting, but in a good way! The lilting vocals and borderline dark musical arrangement is very impressionable on the listener, even to those familiar with the style of this artistic duo. They seamlessly marry out-of-the-box pop with the retro sounds of decades past, giving this playlist yet another colorful facet.
Merry Christmas Darling - Christina Perri | This is a nicely done cover of an old Carpenters song, which automatically makes me have high standards for it because The Carpenters are so dear to my heart. But luckily, Perri didn't disappoint with this one. I love that she added only tidbits of modern flare while mostly staying true to the technique and detail of the original song. It flawlessly straddles poignant and delicate, which is fittingly classic of both The Carpenters and Christina Perri.
Dear Santa - Mr Little Jeans | This is an artist I've never heard of before now, but she makes such a cute little holiday diddy! The lyrics may be bittersweet, but the tune possesses a contagious liveliness with its punchy sixties vibe. The musical movements are natural and catchy, and it has every potential of being one of those gems you find yourself hitting the repeat button for.
Cuddle Up - Catey Shaw | I have no idea who this gal is, either, but she has such a memorable voice! It's perfect for the style of this song, which makes you sway back and forth to the beat and smile like a Christmas loon! It's peppy and fun with a great driving energy, and the lyrics are charming and festive. A good one for trying to keep your head while driving in this insane Christmas traffic!
Winter Wonderland - Jason Mraz | First of all, I swear there are more guys on this playlist than the highlights make it seem. Secondly, if you haven't heard this song on the radio yet, you're missing out since you started living under that rock! It's such a unique twist on this classic song. You get to bob your head along to the sweet acoustic instrumentals and try to figure out where the vocals patterns are going to take you, and then they surprise you over and over again. It's AWESOME!!
And there you have it! Four *magical* playlists you should be listening to this Christmas and EVERY Christmas hereafter! Enjoy, and have yourself a wonderful Christmas season in 2015!
Interested in knowing how to liven up your Christmas parties? Check out this post!
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