The best time of the year is spreading Christmas cheer for all to hear. But what do people want to hear? I’m sure you’re on your fifth replay of All I Want For Christmas Is You or still dreaming of a White Christmas in New England.
But let’s take some time out of our day to embrace the Christmas season. With every song we’re talking about, we’ll be rating it on a scale of one to ten in three categories: Festive, Musicality, and if it’s a Timeless Classic.
Here are the best songs, in my opinion, that will help you embrace the Christmas season. There’s a way to do it if you just… BELIEVE.
Donny Hathaway
This Christmas
Festive: 10/10
Musicality: 10/10
Timeless Classic: 10/10
Total: 30/30
Horns. Electric piano. Funky bassline. And a soulful voice.
Fun fact you probably didn’t know. Donny Hathaway wrote the song. He played the keyboard and bass that’s prominently featured. And he sings it. So that’s automatically 10 on musicality.
Plus it’s the festive song that you want to play near a fireplace or in your holiday party mix.
They don’t make many Christmas classics like this anymore. And no matter who makes this version or attempts to try and make it their own, we’ll always have Hathaway to thank for a great Christmas classic.
Cee-Lo
All I Need Is Love
Festive: 6/10
Musicality: 5/10
Timeless Classic: 5/10
Total: 16/30
I’m not sure if I can call this timeless. Because let’s face it. The Muppets did hit a new low but it wasn’t because of C.
Cee-Lo Green is an interesting musician because he didn’t write this song. But he sold the conviction of the song. He did say all he needed was love. And for what it’s worth, it’s a great interpolation sampling the Muppets "Mahna Mahna"
But let’s be clear. I don’t think the Muppets needed to be in the song. Pepe actually had a decent rap but I wish Cee-Lo did a version without them. This was a good song and a vehicle for the Muppets to promote their brand with.
Was it really necessary?
Faith Hill
Where Are You Christmas
Festive: 10/10
Musicality: 10/10
Timeless Classic: 10/10
Total: 30/30
Going off traditions of movie-based songs, this is a powerful song. It sounds like a power ballad Mariah Carey could have sung.
But fun fact. She almost did. She co-wrote this song with the late James Horner. And because of difficulties with her ex Tommy Mottola, it would never be released. (Please hope to God this version exists.)
Faith Hill sings a cinematic masterpiece. The song you could find on the end credits and the music video is embedded into the DVD. It still sells as a song people will want to hear every year.
Stevie Wonder
That’s What Christmas Means To Me
Festive: 10/10
Musicality: 10/10
Timeless Classic: 10/10
Total: 30/30
What does Christmas really mean to good ol’ Stevie?
It’s very upbeat and a song tailor-made for Stevie Wonder. No one else can embrace this classic like him.
Lets face it. He understands how to feel the song and embrace the joy of this song. I have nothing to say but that’s what Christmas means to me, my Lord.
Ledisi
Give Love On Christmas Day
Festive: 10/10
Musicality: 10/10
Timeless Classic: 10/10
Total: 30/30
This is a slow jam. The wah wah guitar. A restrained soulful vocal that keeps a glimmer through the holiday season.
Forget the Jackson 5, who had this song written for them. Ledisi sings this song, and by God, it’s tailor-made for her to sing.
The 70s groove is intact and the timeless classic is evident. This song is the one that neds to be played more and by God, it’s an underrated gift.
TLC/Tiara Thomas
Sleigh Ride
Festive: 10/10
Musicality: 8/10
Timeless Classic: 7/10
Total: 25/30
This song is too short. It’s a typical 90s approach. The drums are harsh. The vocals aren’t always well-mixed but you hear the raw soul in music.
Nostalgic and makes you wonder why Left Eye didn’t get as featured as much to do her work. Her energy makes the song.
TLC’s version is raw and having Left Eye give the group personality and made this version of Sleigh Ride unique.
However, if you hear Tiara Thomas’ version, her raps aren’t up to par. Her voice and harmonies are influenced by Brandy, which I like her singing. But who wants to hear a rhyme in 2015 about the naughty list and sipping some Bacardi?
Josh Groban
Believe
Festive: 10/10
Musicality: 10/10
Timeless Classic: 10/10
Total: 30/30
Some people think Josh Groban is ehh.
But this song gives me chills. The performance on this song just brings you back to Earth.
It’s important to believe in Christmas and what the holidays will bring. That’s the way things happen if you’re on the Polar Express.
Vince Guaraldi Trio
O Tannenbaum
Festive: 10/10
Musicality: 10/10
Timeless Classic: 10/10
Total: 30/30
It’s all Peanuts. It’s a Charlie Brown Christmas.
And by God, we can never get away from that feeling.
It’s a wonderful introspective journey. An animated bliss that will never leave the Peanuts because it is ingrained to their name.
It's a classic, mannn.
Christmas, Baby Please Come Home
Darlene Love/Mariah Carey
Festive: 10/10
Musicality: 10/10
Timeless Classic: 10/10
Total: 30/30
Very underrated. I must say, it’s a toss-up hearing both singers Darlene Love and Mariah Carey.
I love this song. It is very festive. But these voices have two different effects on you.
Darlene will give you an emotional chill while Mariah gives people an emotional climax that results into ad-libs.
I love Darlene and if you have a chance, please check out my honorable mention: All Alone on Christmas.
Last Christmas
WHAM
Festive: 10/10
Musicality: 10/10
Timeless Classic: 10/10
Total: 30/30
Yes, it’s 80s cheese. Yes, it’s George Michael. But it’s heart-wrenching.
I thought it could have been Michael Jackson or Freddie Mercury’s hybrid child. But by God, this is one of the saddest campy synthpop ballads.
It’s a midtempo George Michael won’t ever be able to shake. He wrote it, produced it, and sang it.
He breathed the life necessary into a song with a feeling so cold. Certainly, anyone can feel festive and contemplate their feelings with their exes on Christmas.
