A Holiday Song from Every Genre
It’s that season again -- time for the whole family to get together and tell stories, sneak whiskey into eggnog, and listen to some holiday jams. But what music do you play if papa prefers pop, grandma glorifies goth, your brother bumps baroque, your aunt adores acapella, and your dog digs disco? Well, I might not be able to provide a quality carol for every genre, but here are some cheery tracks for the big ones.
1. Pop - "You Don’t Have To Be Alone" by *NSYNC
Although *NSYNC did release a full Christmas album, this early 2000’s smooth jam actually comes from the soundtrack of Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas (The Jim Carrey version -- great movie, by the way). With lyrics ranging from the cringingly seasonal (“Your heart is frozen like the snow”) to strangely blunt (“Your eyes are red because you cried”), this is a quintessential Holiday pop song. The top highlight comes after the second chorus, wherein the hi-hats pick up and the instrumentals fall out -- it’s the kind of bridge you’d expect to be preceded by a raspy “Break it down!” delivered by a frosted-tipped Justin Timberlake.
2. Rock - "12 Days of Christmas" by Relient K
From Relient K’s 2007 Christmas album, this track’s eclectic arrangement is as impressive as its execution. Beat changes, sharp stylistic shifts, and a wide variety of instruments abound. At some points, it feels like mid-2000’s pop-punk, while at others it nearly has the grandiose of a rock opera. I particularly appreciate that they added a stanza of original lyrics (near the 2:00 mark) to make the song their own.
3. Hip Hop - "Rudolph The Rednose Reindeer" by DMX (with Divine Bars)
No explanation necessary. DMX recorded Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and we are all the better for it (despite Spotify’s misspelled title). Bump this in your sleigh as soon as possible.
4. R&B - "Snowed In" by Chance The Rapper and Jeremih
In the same year he released his massively successful mixtape Coloring Book, Chance teamed up with soulful crooner Jeremih and dropped a surprise Christmas mixtape. Snowed In’s relaxed pace and minimal instrumentation creates the sensual sound that makes you want to cuddle up with a blanket, hot cocoa, and somebody cute.
Side note: For those still recovering from the insanity that was 2016, the best song on this project was an anti-2016 anthem aptly named “I Shoulda Left You.”
5. EDM - The First Noel by Kaskade (Ft. Gabrielle Current)
While Christmas largely represents tradition and reverence, EDM and its many subgenres typically reflect unorthodoxy and boldness. As a DJ and a Christian, I never expected to see a genuine EDM Christmas album. However, the recently-released Kaskade Christmas is exactly that, and, as far as I can tell, is the first of its kind. Furthermore, it doesn’t come off as a tacky appropriation of Christmas melodies -- it feels like a Christmas album. This track, in particular, stood out as the ideal combination of traditional lyricism and electronic tranquility. Hats off to Kaskade for entering new territory and pulling it off
6. Folk - "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings" by Barenaked Ladies (ft. Sarah McLachlan)
Mandolin? Male and female singers? Rounds? Unusual pep? Yup, this has the making of a great folk song! And it’s a mashup, so you get two Christmas songs for the price of one. I know the Barenaked Ladies are more Pop-Folk, but this track certainly fits the bill. The entire album is excellent if you’re looking for a fun, folksy Christmas.
7. Jazz - "O Tannenbaum" by Vince Guaraldi Trio
I will happily cite my jazz-loving father in recommending A Charlie Brown Christmas, perfect for anybody who wants some jingle bells with their jazz. Not only is this the soundtrack to arguably the best Christmas TV special of all time, but the music more than stands on its own.
8. Acapella - The 12 Days Of Christmas by Straight No Chaser
I know acapella isn’t a major genre, and I know I already recommended Relient K’s version of “12 Days Of Christmas,” but this listicle wouldn’t be complete without this hilarious yuletide medley. Straight No Chaser beautifully blends comedy with tremendous vocals in a smorgasbord of holiday classics… plus an 80’s pop anthem that somehow fits perfectly. If you like this song, I highly recommend checking out the rest of their Christmas album -- this group really knows how to spice up the season.