I don't much care for Christmas music. When I'm driving, I'm dismayed at the sudden decline in the quality of music aired during the holiday season, due to one of my favorite radio stations playing solely Christmas music. After awhile, you get sick of hearing the umteenth cover of "Joy to the World." And there are some Christmas songs that just should have never been written; I would live a very full life if I never had to hear the sappy, emotionally blackmailing "The Christmas Shoes."
But now and then, I switch to Christmas music and find a Christmas song that I like. So here are 8 of my favorite Christmas songs, ranked and counted down from eight:
8. "Wonderful Christmastime" by Paul McCartney
For some reason, this one always ends up on "Worst Christmas Songs" lists. Sure, perhaps it isn't the best produced song ever, and it certainly doesn't hold up to any of McCartney's hits with the Beatles. But I switch to it every time it is played on the radio because it just makes me feel pure joy, and conveys the pure joy of the holiday season.
7. "When Love Came Down" by Point of Grace
This is one my mom always listens to around Christmastime. It's a masterful, original piece, with an exquisite arrangement, and performed so beautifully by Point of Grace, conveying almost breathtaking beauty, which is suitable for the holiday season.
6. "That's Christmas to Me" by Pentatonix
A newer song, released in the last couple of years, doesn't really have much of a focal point, other than to serve as a vehicle for Pentatonix to show off their impeccable a cappalla skills and musical abilities in Christmas apparel. But hey, nothing wrong with that, and they certainly don't disappoint!
5. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by James Taylor
It's only fitting that James Taylor cover this one. His soothing voice is perfect for this song, which evokes images of a peaceful evening sitting by the fireplace, in Christmas sweaters, with Christmas cookies and a decorated tree.
4. "Grown Up Christmas List" by Amy Grant
No ranking of Christmas songs would be complete without Amy Grant, the queen of Christmas music. On this track, she reminisces about being a child anticipating presents from Santa Claus, and compares it to being an adult now, and wishing for "no more lives torn apart, and wars would never start..." It has a bit of a cliche "I dream of world peace" vibe to it, but Grant performs it beautfiully, as always, plus some cliches are ubiquitious for a reason. In light of the presidential election, this song felt especially relevant.
3. "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" by Johnny Mathis
I particularly enjoy this song at the beginning of the holiday season, when lights and decorations begin going up, and the city begins to look, well, more like Christmas. It's a song that brings me great joy and captures the pure joy of the holiday season.
2. "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby
Of course, it was inevitable that this would be on here. After all, who could resist Bing Crosby's deep, bass voice crooning to this delightful classic, which paints an almost heavenly picture of a "white Christmas"?
1. "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings" by Barenaked Ladies ft. Sarah McLachlan
Most covers of Christmas songs are redundant and unoriginal, but this one is quite a pleasant surprise. Featuring a catchy acoustic arrangement and beautiful harmonizing by McLachlan and the Barenaked Ladies, this cover is delivered with earnest passion, and is a delight to listen to.
