I wonder if when Irving Berlin finished writing "White Christmas" he knew he had created a timeless classic. Holiday music has become its own little business, with artists often taking time out of their recording schedule to put together an album of covers and originals. It has become a bloated industry — every pop star and washed-up rock band has a holiday record. Sometimes they are really just mailing it in for a payday. Other times, though, they create something special. Mariah Carey, Tom Petty and Queen all have original Christmas tunes that fit right into their musical styles.
You have to give props to those artists who dare to pen a Christmas tune. It is easy to just put a signature spin on something like "Blue Christmas" or "The Christmas Song." Those are already accepted by throngs of holiday shoppers who hear them every year. But what about Billy Squier thumping on "Christmas Is the Time to Say 'I Love You'"? Or Joni Mitchell's heartbreaking anthem "River"? You certainly hear those ones less than Frank Sinatra singing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" while you are driving to work in December.
These tunes are significantly younger than most holiday standards, so perhaps one day they will be thought of as classics. Until then, we will just call them good songs.
6. "Old City Bar" by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
OK, so TSO has a little bit of an advantage since all of its music is Christmas-related. "Old City Bar," from 1996's Christmas Eve and Other Stories is a contemporary take on "Silent Night." It truly is a beautiful song that captures the spirit of the season. The belief in humanity is at the heart of this one.
5. "Christmas Is the Time to Say 'I Love You'" by Billy Squier
If you thought "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" was a great sing-along, then feast your ears on this 1981 tune by Squier. "Just outside the window snow is falling / But here beside the fire we share the glow / Of moonlight and brandy, sweet talk and candy / Sentiments that everyone should know." Indeed, Billy. Indeed.
Check out The Hold Steady's version as well.
4. "Thank God It's Christmas" by Queen
It is hard to explain, but this song is so Queen. The theatrics of Freddie Mercury singing Brian May and Roger Taylor's words are superb. This song is an anthem for all those people who move at an alarming pace the entire year and breathe a deep sigh of relief on Christmas. It was recorded in 1984 and has withstood the test of time.
3. "Christmas All Over Again" by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers
Home Alone 2, anyone? Jingle All the Way, anyone? Penned in 1992, this Petty tune became an important part of fun holiday movies in the '90s. It is basically Petty and Co. being excited little kids — the frontman lists off some stuff he wants from Santa Claus at the end.
"I hope you have a good one, I hope momma gets her shoppin' done," he sings.
Don't we all?
2. "All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey
Carey was at the top of her game in 1994 when she recorded Merry Christmas. The album's gem was an original titled "All I Want for Christmas Is You." Maybe you have heard it before? This is a quintessential Christmas pop song. The holidays provide a backdrop, but the real issue is dealing with an insanely big crush. As long as the world has awkward teenagers, "All I Want for Christmas" will be popular.
Plus MC's voice is unreal.
1. "River" by Joni Mitchell
Slow your roll, Mariah. Miss Joni Mitchell used her blend of folk pop to create an absolutely breathtaking Christmas tune. This one is also just a burning song framed around Christmas and winter. Mitchell opts for the first few notes of "Jingle Bells" at the beginning and then melts your heart.
"I wish I had a river I could skate away on," she coos.
It is a keeper.
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