One of the best parts of the holidays is the feels the jolly music can give us. Holiday parties/gatherings are here, so what bops should you add in the mix this year? It’s December and we’re feeling festive, besties. We’re calling on the sleigh bells, minor chords, and, of course, a catchy melody. If you’re searching for a new tune other than ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’, then look no further. You can check out a full Spotify Playlist here.
10 Of Our Favorites
1. The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole
Originally written in July of 1946, Nat King Cole envisioned what would become one of the most performed Christmas songs as a way to “stay cool”. The strings’ instrumentals and festive lyrics can be the perfect arrangement to top your holiday gathering off.
2. Mistletoe by Justin Bieber
Of course holiday romance had to make the cut! Justin Bieber delivered fuzzy vocals and Christmas love on this record that melted hearts everywhere.
3. This Christmas by Chris Brown
Thanks to Donny Hathaway, we’ve been able to get numerous covers of the Christmastime classic ‘This Christmas’. Chris Brown’s rendition of this soul record was the obvious way to go for the single of the ‘This Christmas’ movie soundtrack. The baritone saxophones and sleigh bells made for a timeless holiday staple that appeals to all generations.
4. Merry Christmas Baby by Charles Brown
If it’s one thing the 40's had, it's soul. The smooth piano in this record can be so relaxing, making this the perfect song to sip eggnog and put up your Christmas tree to.
5. Santa Tell Me by Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande has the vocal range that was practically made for a good Christmas carol. Although the song is mainly about Grande asking Santa to give her love life grace if the relationship isn’t meant to be, the high chord-melody tension provides a fun track that can be listened to by anyone.
6. 25th by Tori Kelly
When your Christmas album is executively produced by Babyface, a hit is bound to come from it. 25th is an upbeat record with pop influences, but still gives us the Christmas chimes that fuel the holiday spirit.
7. Oh Santa! (Remix) By Mariah Carey ft Ariana Grande & Jennifer Hudson
‘Oh Santa!’ was initially released in 2010 on Mariah Carey’s Christmas LP ‘Merry Christmas II You”. The queen of Christmas teamed up with Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson to sing down an AppleTV+ Christmas special. 'Oh Santa!' has consistent piano melodies mixed with sleigh bells than can be the right alternative to the usual ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’.
8. I’ll Be Home For Christmas by Al Green
‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’ was initially written as a song to honor soldiers who miss out on the holidays with their families in the 40s. Green gives it an R&B spin with a certain anguish tone that draws the listeners in within the first few notes.
9. Sleigh Ride by Tamar Braxton
Tamar Braxton puts her spin on the 1948 arrangement of ‘Sleigh Ride’. Braxton’s 5 octave soprano vocal range evokes emotions of bliss in the snow that you can’t help but sing along to.
10. Let It Snow by Boyz II Men ft Brian McKnight
R&B group Boyz II Men collaborated with Brian McKnight for the ‘93 release of ‘Let It Snow’. Regarded as one of the biggest boy bands of all time, Boyz II Men gave us perfectly crafted harmonies that resulted in a Christmas classic that’s lasting for generations.
Queue any of these songs for holiday festivities and feel all the nostalgia that comes with holiday music. Whether you're decorating your apartment or hosting your next work party, these bops can match any setting. So deck the halls and choose your favorite! Check out the full playlist here.