By Nicole Sanchez, Staff Writer
This year is finally coming to an end and we can feel the world slowly starting to let out a big sigh of relief as the holiday season approaches. Even though we are still facing a lot of obstacles at the end of 2021, most people don’t want to let the weight of the world take away the Christmas spirit. So, like every year, we’re going to put on our Santa hats and revisit the most loved classics, new holiday albums, and singles.
A Jolly Christmas by Frank Sinatra (1957)
A Jolly Christmas is one of the oldest albums on this list and it’s also one of the best because it really sets a mood for the listener. It’s quite different from your normal Christmas album because Sinatra simply focuses on the idea of being alone on Christmas. It is the feeling of not being unhappy, but not necessarily feeling ecstatic for relatives to come from out of town and the hustle and bustle of gift shopping. He really wanted his listener to appreciate the season, but not the commotion that comes from the holidays.
Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms (1957)
Bobby Helms’ Jingle Bell Rock will live on forever as long as Christmas is being celebrated. You might think this is an exaggeration, but the mix between an electric guitar and the steady jingle of bells adds something to the single that makes it irreplicable. Helm’s upbeat lyrics really add to the song’s appeal as listeners recite the well-known words “Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet.”
The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album by The Beach Boys (1964)
The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album can be described as less winter and more Southern California pop, but it worked for them, obviously, because that’s the sound that people expected. The group still included classics like Frosty the Snowman, but most of the songs followed the idea that Christmas was a fun gathering. Honestly, it wouldn’t be a Beach Boys album if they didn’t include harmonies and a 40-piece orchestra in every song.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
The album, A Charlie Brown Christmas, is considered genius because of its ability to highlight the sad and anxious feelings that the holidays can bring out of people. These tracks are timeless, and its evolved jazz with a modern spirit sound only helped the album stick around for the last 50 years. It’s definitely a permanent part of the holiday season and we can all appreciate how it’s grown as the years have gone by.
Merry Christmas by Mariah Carey (1994)
This classic album by the talented singer Mariah Carey consists of seven traditional holiday songs and three originals. Her well-known and joyful song, All I Want For Christmas Is You, has stayed on the charts since it’s been released. This song alone tends to overshadow the rest of Merry Christmas. However, the album as a whole is just as enjoyable.
Wonderful Christmastime Remastered by Paul McCartney (2011)
Written and played by Paul McCartney, the single Wonderful Christmastime represents one of his finest works as a solo artist. The song consists of sleigh bells, a lot of repetition, and a funky rock feel that has put it on the charts for years since the original version came out in 1979. The remastered version is a personal favorite. McCartney captures the holiday spirit effortlessly and spreads the joy of Christmas.
Under the Mistletoe by Justin Bieber (2011)
This classic holiday album had to be included on the list because it truly doesn’t get enough credit. Bieber really treats this piece of work like any other and focuses on it lyrically, even if it is aimed towards Christmas. Songs like All I Want Is You and Only Thing I Get For Christmas consist of really impressive singing that gets us in the holiday spirit anytime it comes on. One of the best things about this album is the features. Busta Rhymes and Mariah Carey are just two of the collaborations on this festive album.
Christmas by Michael Bublé (2011)
Ultimately, Christmas by Michael Bublé is a warm and inviting album that showcases his incredible vocals and can get anyone in the holiday spirit. His version of All I Want For Christmas Is You is one to love. It’s slower and it feels a bit more like a jazz song, but his huge voice really makes the single stand out. The album Christmas really proves that Bublé is able to take the classics, make them his, and still release the songs like they could have been his own work.
Santa Tell Me by Ariana Grande (2013)
This single isn’t Ariana Grande’s first-time releasing holiday themed music, but this had to be included over the others because of her interesting twist in lyrics. Usually, Christmas songs yearn for love, but in Santa Tell Me, Grande keeps asking what happens after the holidays are over. She really wants the reassurance that the person she loves is going to stay after the Christmas magic is over.
Hallelujah by John Legend and Carrie Underwood (2020)
This duet is really appreciated because of Legend and Underwood’s take on the classic song, Hallelujah. Both Legend and Underwood are amazing vocalists and you can just see the soul in the two artists as they belt out the lyrics back and forth in the song’s music video. This duo really did the classic justice and their intentions were appreciated by releasing this together. Putting out a Christmas cover during a very trying year is only meant to give the public hope, and a lot of us could really use that as the year comes to an end.
2021 is almost over and listening to these old classics and new covers of holiday music can put anyone in the mood for the upcoming season.
