If you're like me, you probably hate most Christmas music.
Yes, I can hear your shocked/offended gasps coming from everywhere Christmas is celebrated. But my opinion is unwavering: I absolutely despise most Christmas music.
Call me a Scrooge, a Grinch, a miser, what have you. I know I sound like I'm trying to derail Christmas and bring negativity into this season of giving and joy. It's not that I have anything against Christmas, I just think many of the popular songs of the season are overplayed and, quite frankly, annoying.
This is why when I find a Christmas song I actually like, it becomes that much more special. Here are a few Christmas songs that you probably won't hear on the radio or in the mall:
The Beach Boys - "Merry Christmas, Baby"
Who doesn't love the Beach Boys? Brian Wilson and company bring their infectious and irresistible harmonies to the Christmas season with this now well-known track. But there's something about this tune that feels fresh every time I listen to it.
Also, the Beach Boys epitomize Southern California surf culture, so I always get a sense of nostalgia for home when I hear this song.
Carpenters - "Sleigh Ride"
Never ones to shy away from a Christmas special, the Carpenters have some great Christmas songs. Though most of them fall on the traditional side, "Sleigh Ride" is just a fun track that takes you on a wild ride from start to finish.
Plus, Karen Carpenter's timeless voice croons effortlessly, and it makes you feel like she's singing directly to you.
Bing Crosby & David Bowie - "Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy"
I take every chance I get to listen to David Bowie, especially this lovely duet he did with none other than Bing Crosby, one of the rulers of Christmasland himself.
They originally recorded this for a 1977 TV special, but boy does it still hold up today. A classic in its own right.
The Beach Boys - "Little Saint Nick"
Another one off their Christmas album, this tune is a pop dream as catchy as they come. It saddens me that they only made one Christmas album, because honestly I would buy anything these boys touched.
Adolphe Adam - "O Holy Night"
I re-watched Home Alone recently, and when this song came on, I actually got chills up my spine. This choral version of the Christmas classic is by far my favorite I've ever heard.
The beautiful harmonies and soprano voices of these children make this a Christmas song I would even listen to outside of the Christmas season.
Jackson 5 - "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town"
This is pure soul magic, featuring a pre-pubescent Michael Jackson on lead vocal. Instead of a traditional rendition of this well-known song, the brothers recorded a funkified, bass-heavy version that has lasted for decades and will probably last well beyond our lifetimes.
Eagles - "Please Come Home For Christmas"
Since the Eagles are one of the best-selling recording artists of all time, it was inevitable they would do a Christmas song in due time.
This throwback to '50s pop gets a '90s update, but it doesn't feel dated at all. Don Henley's iconic voice rings clear and bright on this tune about wishing for a lover to come home to celebrate the holiday with him.
Wham! - "Last Christmas"
Okay, I know this one doesn't really count since it's on every department store playlist during the holidays, but it still makes the cut on my playlist. It's the epitome of '80s pop, but the contagious melody will always keep your toes tapping.
See? Even if you don't like Christmas music, you can still find something to love.
