I always think of Christmas as a kind of traditional holiday. People are trying to recreate feelings of waking up Christmas morning with the family all around, just like they did when they were kids. We watch the Christmas movies from when we were kids, read the Christmas stories from when we were kids, and listen to Christmas music from when we were kids. It doesn't have to be this way, though. New Christmas movies come out every year, and people take on new holiday favorites like Elf and Love Actually. So, why is it that the Christmas music is so slow to adopt new classics?
An article on Washington Post by writer Allison Stewart does a great job of breaking down the insurmountable barrier that faces a recording artist when trying to make a new Christmas classic. The truth is, new Christmas music comes out every year, but it gets passed over by the same old classics we have listened to for forever. This year, I thought I might share some more recent Christmas songs that deserve your attention. They're fun, they're pop-y, and they're sure to bring the holiday spirit to any party. No more crooning chipmunks singing about hula-hoops (a fad from the 50s???). It's time to modernize.
Glittery - Kacey Musgraves
Kacey Musgraves: Glitteryyoutu.be
Kacey Musgraves - singer, songwriter, and four-time Grammy award winner - is back with this gem of a Christmas anthem. The song "Glittery" is the major single released from her new album and Amazon Prime Video exclusive show, The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show.
I'm a big fan of Kacey (she was my number one most streamed artist in 2019, thanks Spotify!) and I think this song is an absolute bop. Give it a listen, and you'll see what I mean. Instant classic.
Santa's Coming for Us - Sia
Sia - Santa's Coming For Uswww.youtube.com
What's black and white and red all over singing about Christmas? Sia in a single from her album "Everyday is Christmas," released in 2017. This album is short and sweet, and each song stands strongly on its own. I had a lot of trouble picking just one off of here, but I landed on "Santa's Coming for Us" as the beat is fun and the song is light. Not to mention that the music video has cameos from a slew of all-star celebrities including Kristen Bell, Dax Shepard, Henry Winkler, Sophia Lillis, and more.
You Make it Feel Like Christmas - Gwen Stefani ft. Blake Shelton
Gwen Stefani - You Make It Feel Like Christmas ft. Blake Sheltonwww.youtube.com
Former pop-punk princess Gwen Stefani teams up with The Voice cohost, Blake Shelton, to bring a fun and festive jam for your ears. Stefani, formerly of No Doubt, now on every Target commercial ever made, uses her upbeat style to duet with her new husband. I used to be such a huge fan of Gwen and No Doubt, so whenever she is singing, it feels like Christmas to me.
Christmas Tree Farm - Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift - Christmas Tree Farmwww.youtube.com
Swifties unite for this new classic that sings of the modern struggles that oppress the true meaning of Christmas. Taylor laments the stress of shopping and holiday traffic, just wishing she were a kid again running through a Christmas tree farm. Swift has numerous Christmas singles and covers, but I chose this one because I feel it really does a good job of harking back to a newer generation's good-ole-days. So many Christmas classics were forged in the baby-boomer era, and so many of their messages are old and out of date. Here, Swift tells a story that is a little closer to home for her fans.
Mistletoe - Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber - Mistletoe (Official Music Video)youtu.be
These days, Bieber's popularity ebbs and flows depending on what new mess he's gotten himself into. Personally, I think Bieber's music now is better than ever. Teenage heartthrob Youtube sensation, Bieber, brings a fun and flirty tune with "Mistletoe." This song is from a time when he was still on the posters of teenage girls' walls, and less so from the post-Selena-days, but I think it's still a banger.
A Hand for Mrs. Claus - Idina Menzel ft. Ariana Grande
Idina Menzel, Ariana Grande - A Hand For Mrs. Claus (Lyric Video)www.youtube.com
Here's one to ease the classics fans into the modern era. Adele Dazeem Idina Menzel and Ariana Grande create a bang-up beat celebrating the lesser-appreciated Mrs. Clause. The song is fast, smooth, and has a jazzy beat. Fans of the Dean Martins and Bing Crosbys will surely tap their toes to this tune.
Like It's Christmas - Jonas Brothers
Jonas Brothers - Like It's Christmas (Lyric Video)youtu.be
The Jonas Brothers reunite for a new tour, new album, and new singles. One of those is a new Christmas heater called "Like It's Christmas." Jonas Brothers are just another example of teen pop bands that have aged and come into their own in a major way. Give this song a listen and just try not to clap along.
I Am The Grinch - Tyler, The Creator
Tyler, The Creator - “I Am The Grinch" (Official Lyric Video) [HD]www.youtube.com
2017 was a milestone year for Tyler, The Creator. The former deep-voiced frontman for Odd Future had struggled in his solo career, releasing a myriad of albums with mixed reviews. In 2017, riding high off the release of his Grammy-nominated album, Flower Boy, Tyler released an EP of originals and covers for Illumination's new Grinch animated movie. While Tyler does a fantastic rendition of "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," "I Am The Grinch," is the stand out single to me. It's new, original, and melds together Tyler's gruff and grumpy attitude with the green man himself. An absolute must-listen.
Hey Sis, It's Christmas - RuPaul ft. Markaholic
Hey Sis, It's Christmas (feat. Markaholic)youtu.be
Not much to say here other than you are either down with RuPaul or not. Drag superstar and host of RuPaul's Drag Race, RuPaul puts the SLAY in sleigh with the song "Hey Sis, It's Christmas." It's a funky mix of beats, singy-songy rap, and sass. It might not make your classics list, but you can sure bet it's on mine. In the words of RuPaul, "...If I fly or if I fall, at least I can say I gave it all."
Christmas in Harlem - Kanye West ft. Cam'ron, Jim Jones, Vado, Cyhi Da Prynce, Pusha-T, Musiq Soulchild, Teyana Taylor, and Big Sean
Kanye West - Christmas In Harlem (Final; Original BPM)youtu.be
Kanye is another character who is super polarizing. The Kanye of today is so different than the Kanye of yesteryear when he was releasing amazing albums like Graduation, College Dropout, and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. "Christmas in Harlem" is a single from Kanye's past (2010) that features a whole slew of friends on it. The song is smooth and sultry, and has exceptional production quality (what do you expect from Yeezy?). Just like the RuPaul single above, rap might not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you are open to it, I definitely recommend a listen.
Don't Shoot Me Santa - The Killers
The Killers - Don't Shoot Me Santawww.youtube.com
An older one on the list, but still relevant, from 2007 is The Killers' single, "Don't Shoot Me Santa." If the Killers did not have frontman Brandon Flowers, I personally think they never would have been anything special. Its Flowers' alto voice, flamboyant personality, and unique sense of style that makes the band work, and this single is just another example of his influence.
Santa Tell Me - Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande - Santa Tell Mewww.youtube.com
Look, I'm not going to lie to you, I'm an Ariana-stan. I love Ari, I've been a fan of her for years. She hasn't always had the cleanest track record (looking at you, Pete Davidson), but her music has always been a rock. She has her ups and downs in the public eye, but she never disappoints in the public's ears. "Santa Tell Me," evokes Mariah vibes with Grande's wide range and vocal runs for days. Treat your eardrums to some music candy with this sickly-sweet bop.
If you like these tracks, but don't like clicking on 12 different links, I put together a playlist on Spotify just for you. Didn't see your favorite modern Christmas jam on the list? Shoot me a message or drop me a comment. I'd love to hear anything that's not "Santa Baby" ...Like ever. I'm so over that song (though Ariana Grande does a great cover of it!).
Happy Holidays.
