Ah, the holidays. The magic's in the air, the malls are packed, and the traffic going into said malls is out of control (I know that firsthand, as I'll be working Christmas Eve). The holidays certainly bring out the good in people, or at least the giving in those people. The gifts are certainly a perk, don't get me wrong, but now that I've grown older, I've come to realize its all about being with the people you're closest to, whoever or wherever they may be. With all that said, there seems to be a soundtrack to all of this, and that of course is the Christmas music you hear. Love it or hate it, it is a commonly accepted fact that once Thanksgiving rolls around, its time for the radio stations to break out their Christmas tunes and put them on loop until December 26. If you're going to have to listen to it, you might as well listen to the top cuts, and that's what I'm here to provide: this is the cream of the crop of Christmas songs, and away we go!
Mariah Carey- "All I Want for Christmas is You"
The self-proclaimed diva has had more number one singles as a solo artist than anyone (yes, that includes Elvis and Michael Jackson), and with this timeless classic, she's etched her name in the histories of Christmas music for all of eternity. "All I Want for Christmas is You" is a straight-up mushy, cutesy, and completely adorable song about longing to see your significant other on Christmas, and Mariah still finds a way to make her voice shine through as she always has.
Fall Out Boy- "Yule Shoot Your Eye Out"
Just as Mariah gave all the couples you can't stand an anthem for Christmas time, Pete Wentz and Co. bring us the perfect counter for those less fortunate around Christmas time. The acoustic guitar-driven song provides a perfect song to belt out when driving alone in your car (cue the "Forever Alone" meme"), and Fall Out Boy have now taken their crowns as the heartbreak kings to the Christmas carol domain.
The Kinks- "Father Christmas"
This song has been covered countless times by bands, but so far none of them have been able to duplicate the energetic, fun-loving original version by The Kinks. While the song may be taken as a negative image of Christmas, it does make a pretty solid point: at the end of the day, all us kids really want for Christmas is money.
Jimmy Eat World- "Last Christmas"
I kind of contradicted myself by not picking Wham!'s original like I did with the original of "Father Christmas," but the talent and heart Jimmy Eat World put into this cover is matched only by the same heart they put forth on their own songs, making this a juggernaut. There are countless other covers of this song floating around out there, so make sure you check a few of those out as well.
Glee Cast- "Baby, It's Cold Outside"
I know I'm kind of riding the wave of success Glee is currently on with this one, but with Chris Colfer (Kurt) and Darren Criss (Blaine) taking on the song, the dual male voices puts an unexpected yet totally worthwhile spin on the song.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra- "Carol of the Bells"
There are many songs the orchestra tackles, but few have the epic feeling "Carol of the Bells" dishes out to listeners. The group worked on the song with metal legends Metallica on the track, and that pairing alone gives the song enough intrigue for you to listen to. So what are you waiting for?
Barenaked Ladies ft. Sarah McLachlin- "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"
The Ladies' work on one of the oldest Christmas songs around, and still find a way to add their own inventive spin on it while remaining true to the classic. The addition of McLachlin also adds an interesting vocal dynamic, creating one of the best, if not the most interesting Christmas songs around.
Bing Crosby- "White Christmas"
You can't go wrong with the Bing around Christmas, it's a scientific fact. His whistling, swooning rendition of "White Christmas" is timeless, and always reminds me of home. This is one of my dad's all-time favorites, so this one's for him.
So now that that's done with, what did I miss? What songs do you always pump out while your decorating your tree? (PS sorry for those who don't celebrate Christmas, but I do. So there.)
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