Christmas is coming ever nearer, and the undisputed best part of the holiday season (besides family time, presents and tons of pie) is the music. Holiday songs have been filling people's minds and hearts for hundreds of years, and have become more than a tradition.
From "The Christmas Song" to "O Holy Night" to "The Little Drummer Boy," classic Christmas carols have become a major part of the holiday season and worked their ways into family life and popular culture. Thus, old Christmas favorites, which have some of the warmest spots in our hearts, get constant reimaginings and covers from all of music's major players.
But what versions of all the Christmas songs are the best? We here at Music Times are determined to find out. And, as a part of the 12 days of Christmas, we'll be counting down the days (and the best Christmas songs).
With nine days remaining until Christmas, it's time to prepare Santa Claus Lane for ol' Saint Nick and look at the best versions of "Here Comes Santa Claus." Originally written and recorded by Gene Autry in 1947, the song became an instant success and classic, peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. Since then, the song has been reimagined and covered countless time, but who's done it the most justice?
Let's count it down!
9. Willie Nelson
A little organ, a little bit of a country twist and a delightfully clunky drumbeat help to distinguish Willie Nelson's version of "Here Comes Santa Claus." Classically light vocals, which are nearly whispered at times, give this cover a super happy, light feeling, and that's the exact vibe one wants in a good "Here Comes Santa Claus." There's not a lot of seriousness going on here, and that's what makes this song just so fun.
8. Bob Dylan
Apparently, this lighthearted song is a favorite for old school singer/songwriters, and Bob Dylan is no exception. Perhaps it's the jolly bump of "Here Comes Santa Claus," but something about this track just calls for a raspy voice and some goofy guitars to balance out the choir of "ooos." Bob Dylan's version is no exception. His signature raspy voice helps to make this song sound like a down home affair.
7. Pat Boone
The wholesome crooning of Pat Boone is a perfect fit for Christmastime, and his cover of "Here Comes Santa Claus" is no different. His smooth as butter voice makes this track feel totally family friendly, bouncy and happy. Add in the perfect amount of some female choir singers, and this light version is exactly what one needs around the holidays.
6. Mariah Carey
The queen of modern Christmas music recorded a funky, R&B-tinged version of "Here Comes Santa Claus" for her second holiday album Merry Christmas II You in 2010. Mariah Carey added a few holiday-themed verses about gathering around a cozy Christmas fire, but in the end, this song is all about celebrating to the fullest. Carey also added a bit of "Up On The Housetop" to her "Here Comes Santa Claus," giving both tracks a super unique twist.
5. Alvin & The Chipmunks
Christmas just would not be the same without the squeaky fun voices of The Chipmunks, so of course their spin on "Here Comes Santa Claus" will make the best-of list. Full of little flourishes and fun, boppy music, the song is all about giving the kids something fun (and funny) to listen to. Dave Seville may claim that Alvin is "hamming it up" too much in the verses, but isn't this time of the year just a little cheesy by default?
4. Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters
The Binger is probably the old school king of the old school Christmas crooner, and this "Here Comes Santa Claus" is accompanied by the princess of old Christmas music, The Andrews Sisters. It just screams of vintage holiday time, with perfectly nailed notes and some wonderful vocal mingling between Crosby and the Andrews Sisters. Add in some funky, jazzy horns, and that's another classic Christmas tune in the books.
3. Doris Day
The old school singers just do this song the most justice, there's no doubts about that. Thus, Doris Day's super light turn on "Here Comes Santa Claus" is filled with light jolly, just recalling visions of going to the mall and dashing through the snow. Plus, her enunciation of "Santa Claus" is super fun to listen to.
2. Gene Autry
The original version of "Here Comes Santa Claus" is understandably a classic, and thus, it must fall near the top of our list. Gene Autry started the song off with an uptempo, peppy attitude, warning kids that they'd better behave and get to bed early so Santa could come on down their chimneys. Little touches of horn and piano help to give this song a super happy vibe and helped establish it as a classic.
1. Elvis Presley
Though Gene Autry may have written and initially recorded "Here Comes Santa Claus," it's the King himself who perfected the track. Nothing can beat Elvis Presley's little bit of snarly attitude in this song, and he helped give the song an extra jazzy feel. Mix that with Elvis' super impressive higher register, this song just has a little bit of everything.
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