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In the Spirit of all things Christmas, here are my top nine (a bit strange that its not ten but oh well) Christmas songs that should be on anyone’s playlist. In no particular order xx and of course many more Christmas songs to come.
01. "White Christmas"- Bing Crosby
This was recently voted the top Christmas tune of all time and I’ve got to agree with it. The biggest selling single of all time, this is probably the epitome of Christmas. While I live in a country where hell is more likely to freeze over than a White Christmas happening, that doesn’t change the fact my vision of Christmas is always winter and snowy.
This song has been done by many artists- from The Drifters to Twisted Sister (No, folks I am not kidding you, although I seriously wish I was!), Bing is still the man when it comes to this song. His vocals are smooth, and wistful- the perfect start to the Christmas season.
02. "Do They Know It’s Christmas?" –Band Aid
I love this song. This is the song for me. This is the one that puts me straight into the Christmas spirit. I’m talking about The Band Aid version- not the hideous versions that came out a few years back. Let’s face it, if the original is the best you just don’t try and cover it again and again. They’ve covered it twice now, and I’m hoping that they’ve now decided to give up and accept that the original rocks. A Charity single, it soared to the charts and is still played on the radio here at Christmas time.
03. "Snoopy’s Christmas"- The Royal Guardsmen.I heard it for the first time and it struck a chord in me. Not just because it is a charity single, but because the tune is actually quite nice on the ear. With a bunch of musicians big in their heyday (some still are soaring the charts- Bono for an example), it was a brilliant marketing move that worked.
This song is as old as the hills and another personal favorite. It’s also another that gets played repeatedly at Christmas. I was about 7 the first time I heard this tune. It was in Ms Hart’s class at Brown Owl Primary School (Yes I actually went to a primary school named Brown Owl but let’s get past that fact shall we?) and it caught me as soon as I heard it. We actually had to learn how to sing it for a performance. I don’t know why it stuck with me but it just has. It’s a cheerful little tune about Snoopy and the Red Baron and how Christmas is a time of forgiveness. Maybe it gives me hope in a world where there is not much of that- I don’t know. It’s just a beautiful tune.
04. "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)"- John Lennon
This is another overplayed tune that I still love. I grew up on this song. Hearing this tune was an indication that Christmas was coming. I have to admit I have a soft spot for anything Beatlesque. Written by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, it is actually a protest tune (as with so many of Lennon’s signature tunes) and is actually based on a campaign that Lennon and Ono launched in late 1969 – posting billboards around the world stating War is Over (If You Want It). While that may not have worked, the song quickly has become a Christmas standard.
Interesting little factor- if you hear the beginning- most people think Yoko is whispering Happy Christmas John and Lennon whispering Happy Christmas Yoko. Ono actually whispers Happy Christmas Kyoko and Lennon Happy Christmas Julian.
05. Last Christmas- Wham
Another holiday favorite of mine, it’s been redone over and over by many artists but there is nothing better than the original. Released in 1984, it reached #2 on the British charts (Beaten by Geldof’s "Do They Know It’s Christmas?"), it seems to make a habit of re-entering the musical charts around the world each December.
Another tune that reminds me of everything that is Christmasy- it is also a little bit about heartbreak and not being with the one you love at Christmas.
06. "My Christmas Wish"- Britney Spears
Yes, you did read rightly. I’m throwing Britney into the mix- something I never thought I would do but let’s face her version of this song does make you want to jump around and get all hyper. It actually inspires me to laugh and dance at Christmas It’s an upbeat, soda-pop, bubble-gum tune but I love it anyway.
07. "Merry Christmas"- Butch Walker
This is an Anti-Christmas tune but I love it anyway. One of the reasons I love Butch so much is that he’s not afraid to take on the topics that no one else will. Take this song for example. Instead of singing about joy, peace and hope he strips it down and tells a tale about what Christmas really is like for some people.
08. "I’ll Be Home For Christmas"- Rascal Flatts
Any version of this song is gorgeous and a must have. One of the reasons I love this tune so much is that it is pretty much just vocals and harmonies. No jingly instruments- nothing but stripped vocals. It’s peaceful, it’s beautiful and the guys from Rascal Flatts have amazing voices.
09. "Please Come Home For Christmas"- Jon Bon Jovi
Again, this is another tune I have many different artists singing but I prefer Bon Jovi’s version to the rest. Released in 1992 as part of the very successful A Very Special Christmas compilation, it reached #7 on the music charts.
While there are many, many more Christmas songs that are wonderful and worth listening to, these are the ones that always seem to land within my playlist.
Is there a Christmas song that you love? One that always perks you up no matter how bad your mood is? If so, please comment and share your favorite