Clichés are such for a reason. For me, Christmas really is the smell of gingerbread in the oven, the feeling of a gas fireplace, and the sound of holiday music. Modern Christmas music is wonderful, but there's nothing like revisiting the classics. Blending the two is even better, of course. As we grow nearer and nearer to the big day, grab a peek at some of my favorite modern twists on classic carols below.
14. "O Come All Ye Faithful" (John Francis Wade) by Josh Groban feat. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir
I actually think Josh Groban overdoes it a little bit in this song, but who can resist the beauty of that organ and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir? I remember in sixth grade, my history teacher played this album during our last test before Christmas break to calm us down. Seven years later, at least I can say it's still just as soothing.
13. "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" (Frank Loesser) by Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Zooey Deschanel's voice is already so achingly beautiful and rich. I don't need to imagine Tom finally dragging Summer to karaoke, the two of them choosing this song as a break from the Smiths. Because, um, the movie isn't "(500) Days of New Year's." But you know, just because I don't need to imagine it doesn't mean I don't. And cry. A lot. Because I do.
12. "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" (Darlene Love) by Mariah Carey
Listen, it's about time a Mariah Carey Christmas song other than "All I Want for Christmas" got some love. If that just so happens to be a song she didn't write—well then, we can't have it all.
11. "Baby, It's Cold Outside" (Frank Loesser) by James Taylor and Natalie Cole
This one clocks in at number 11 because it's already kind of a creepy song if you listen to the lyrics, and I can’t tell if James Taylor's effeminate voice makes it more or less creepy. Or which one would be worse.
10. "Last Christmas" (Wham!) by Carly Rae Jepsen
One of these things is not like the others, I know. But this cover of Wham!'s hilarious Christmas hit was too good to pass up. Carly Rae Jepsen's soft voice is perfect for the kind of pining this song expresses without making the song self-indulgent. You know, even more than it already is.
9. "Jolly Old St. Nicholas" (Benjamin Hanby) by Jim Brickman
Who doesn't love a melodious, instrumental Christmas tune? Play it when you've got the fire going and are listening for the sound of the oven timer, when you're opening presents and laughing about the ugly socks from Aunt Cheryl. When lyrics are too much, as they are often too much.
8. "Blue Christmas" (Elvis Presley) by Michael Bublé
Don't crucify me, but I find Michael Bublé's Christmas album a little overplayed. Sure, it's good, but is it "twice every half hour on the radio" good? Maybe this song, which modernizes Elvis' ballad whilst keeping true to its bluesy roots, is. I won't argue that.
7. "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" (John Frederick Coots and Haven Gillespie) by The High Kings
There isn't much by The High Kings that I don't like, actually. And there isn't much Christmas music that I don't like. But between the speaking in the beginning and the Irish accent throughout the song, this one holds a special place in my heart.
6. "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" (traditional carol) by Annie Lennox
I feel like it would be very easy to get on a kind of roll with this song, letting every verse sound the same. So many artists get lost in its repetitive melody. But not Annie Lenox, who switches every verse up and keeps the song interestingly beautiful instead of habitually.
5. "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" (Meredith Willson) by Bing Crosby
It's hard to hear this song and not be transported to a shopping mall after Thanksgiving, garland wrapped around every railing and a huge tree near the food court. It's true that this song is everywhere. But for a good reason, mind—Bing Crosby's crooning is exactly the kind of old-fashioned holiday spirit that feels the most like home.
4. "Carol of the Bells" (Mykola Leontovych) by Straight No Chaser
I'm always in awe of a cappella groups. I'm even more in awe of Straight No Chaser. I'm even more in awe of this "Carol of the Bells" cover. A small part of me cries, "Conspiracy!" every time I hear it, because how do they manage to make such beautiful, instrumental sounds with just their voices?! But the larger part of me is just slack-jawed and astounded.
3. "We Three Kings" (John Henry Hopkins, Jr.) by Sufjan Stevens
I honestly didn't think I could love a "We Three Kings" cover more than Rod Stewart and Mary J. Blige's. But if impossibilities are to occur, of course they occur at Christmas. Of course Sufjan Steven's stripped, wilderness-sounding tunes are the cause.
2. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" (Hugh Martin and Ralph Blame) by The Jackson 5
It would not surprise me to learn that my mom played this song for me while I was in the womb. That would certainly explain my existence-long draw to it. Or maybe it's just a good song. Either way, it's one I probably don't have to tell you to check out. But I'm going to anyway. Because if you only listen to one Christmas album this year, let it be the Jackson 5's.
1. "Auld Lang Syne" (Robert Burns) by Rod Stewart
"Auld Lang Syne" is already my favorite holiday song. And the only thing that stopped me from making this list entirely Rod Stewart's album "Merry Christmas, Baby" is that it's only 13 songs long. Yes, I am horribly biased, but listen to his liquid-gold harmonies and try to tell me you didn't either a) shiver, or b) cry. "Auld Lang Syne" is important because it blends meaning and execution. With the nostalgia and longing communicated throughout, it's impossible to forget the sentiment behind the song: "for old times' sake."
Everyone who celebrates Christmas is bound to have a different one. Different food, traditions, venues, relationships. But as radio stations and TV networks know, one thing binding people during the holidays, as ever, is music. So gather your CDs, build your playlists, and don't forget to sing along.
