Christmas is a time of celebration, and a celebration is not a celebration without a bit of sweet music. Christmas jingles really put everyone in the mood for festivities, so you can sing about a ‘white Christmas’, even if its grey and pouring with rain. So whether you’re really traditional about your Christmas carols or like a mix of different styles to get in to the Christmas spirit, here are the 10 best Christmas songs of all time in no particular order, enjoy:
Nat King Cole- The Christmas Song: Nat King Cole was not being arrogant when he named this ‘The Christmas Song’; full of all the elements of a typical Christmas, coupled with the phenomenal vocal talent of King Cole, Christmas doesn’t start until you here this one.
The Jackson 5-Give Love on Christmas Day– Off the hugely successful 1970 Jackson 5 Christmas Album, this really is a classic from one of the greatest bands of the 70s. Michael Jackson’s voice is really something.
Run DMC-Christmas in Hollis: Whilst perhaps not the first genre of music associated with Christmas, the classic hip-hop act Run DMC made a classic festive hip-song in the form of Christmas in Hollis. It tells the story of Run DMC discovering Santa Claus’ wallet with $1 million in it and returning it to Santa Claus, before delving into a catchy tune about everything that’s great about Christmas. Expect big beats and big gold ropes, as well as a bunch of retro Adidas tracksuits.
Elvis Presley-Blue Christmas: Elvis Presley and Christmas are almost synonymous, with the ‘King of Rock’ covering countless Christmas classics as well as a few of his own. This is the pick of the bunch.
Aretha Franklin-Winter Wonderland: The song itself has been covered by virtually every singer, but Aretha really provides the best version. Everyone knows how great a singer she is, and she pulls out all the stops on this.
Stevie Wonder-What Christmas means to me: At the tender age of 17 years old, Stevie Wonder was already a musical superstar; signed to Tamla record label at the astonishing age of 11 years old, Stevie tells us what Christmas is to him. The song is a typically funky, soulful infusion of his own style and the bell-ringing of Christmas spirit.
Snoop Dogg-Santa Claus Goes Straight to the Ghetto: Snoop Dogg’s laconic, laid back delivery works very well on this G-Funk homage to Christmas. Lots of scantily-clad female elves and weed being smoked in this tune, such is the style of the pioneering west-coast rapper. However, this song is a socially-conscious one, giving a voice to those who celebrate Christmas in the ghetto.
John Lennon-Happy Christmas (War is Over): One of the most recognisable Christmas pop songs, this is a song of uniting and peace. John Lennon, forever an advocate of peace and harmony amongst man, released this
Boyz II Men-Silent Night: Any fans of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air will remember the brilliant moment in Season 4 when Boyz II Men appear at the church to sing this song for Vivian’s baby’s christening. This rendition of the age-old Christian song is a beautiful example of the multiple harmonies that Boyz II Men are capable of, a gospel classic.
Bing Crosby-White Christmas: 70 years old but still as popular as ever; no Christmas songs list can exist without this one. The best-selling single of all time with over 50 million copies sold, nothing will remind you more of the festive period.
Written By Jack McSweeny
TweetMe: @Jack_McSweeney
jack[at]itsmilkandhoney.com