Although you wouldn’t know it, every year musical artists are releasing new Christmas songs or holiday albums. Why wouldn’t you know this? It’s probably because like me, you love the classics. Every year we’re tuning into radio to catch our favorite song over the airwaves, but why not just make your own playlist?
If you’re ready to be your own DJ this Christmas, here are some holiday songs we’re listening to on repeat!
Let It Snow (feat. Brian McKnight) by Boyz II Men
If you’re looking for a smooth R&B track for your Christmas playlist, it won’t be complete without this classic from Boyz II Men. Not only are we getting the vocals from Boyz II Men, but also from the legendary Brian McKnight. The song is featured on their 1993 album Christmas Interpretations.
This Christmas by Chris Brown
The most recent song on the list, Chris Brown’s rendition of “This Christmas” rose to fame in 2007 on the soundtrack of the same-titled film.
This Christmas by Donny Hathaway
If I’m going to include Chris Brown’s version of “This Christmas,” there’s no way that I could forget to include the original by Donny Hathaway. Hathaway was a co-writer for the song and released the single in 1970. There is no question that this song is a holiday classic and has since been covered by Destiny’s Child, Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, and The Braxtons.
Santa Baby by Eartha Kitt
When you hear “Santa Baby” on the radio, never forget that the fabulous Eartha Kitt was the first to ever sing it! Who says that you always have to ask for simple things for Christmas? Clearly Eartha was ready for a ’54 convertible – light blue! Still a popular song at Christmas, this song was originally released in 1953.
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town by Jackson 5
“Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” was originally written by John Frederick Coots and Haven Gillespie and performed over 80 years ago in 1934. In 1970, the Jackson 5 released Jackson 5 Christmas Album and “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” was the first single on the album.
All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” is quite possibly one of the most popular and overplayed songs around the holiday. Regardless, no matter how many times you hear it, you have to agree that it’s a classic! Co-written, co-produced, and performed by Mariah Carey, this 1994 song appeared on Carey’s holiday album Merry Christmas.
Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home) by Mariah Carey
Have you ever wonder about that other Mariah Carey Christmas song they’re constantly playing on the radio? If you are, it’s probably “Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home). Also appearing on Carey’s Merry Christmas album, this track is the cover of the original 1963 song by Darlene Love.
The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole
If you’re looking for the classic Christmas song, it doesn’t get classier than “The Christmas Song.” Written in 1945 by Bob Wells and Mel Torme, Nat King Cole was the first to perform this in 1946. With the popular lyrics like “chestnuts roasting on an open fire” and “to kids from 1 to 92,” this song is sure to get you into the holiday spirit.
Someday at Christmas by Stevie Wonder
In 1967, the legendary Stevie Wonder released his own Christmas album Someday at Christmas. Initially performed by him, the song later went on to be covered by other artists for their own Christmas albums like The Jackson 5, The Temptations, and Diana Ross.
Sleigh Ride by TLC
For your holiday bucket list, you might want to add going on a sleigh ride to the list! If not, you should definitely add this song to your playlist. “Sleigh Ride” was originally written as an instrumental and words were later added a few years later. For the Home Alone 2 soundtrack, TLC performed “Sleigh Ride” which appears as the 6th track.
Fa-la-la-la-la! I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely counting down the days until Christmas! All I need are a few songs, movies, and a warm drink to keep me going this holiday season. Comment and let us know what your favorite Christmas song is!
