I don’t know about all of you, but Christmas is my favorite time of year. And with Christmas fast approaching, Christmas music has arrived – everywhere. Most retail stores play the same terrible songs, covered by artists not good enough to make it onto a reality singing competition show. This leads to the general public hating Christmas music before we even get to Christmas Day. Here in Los Angeles, KOST 103.5fm starts playing Christmas music the week before Thanksgiving. I wouldn’t mind it if they played the good stuff.
What’s the good stuff, you ask? Here at PopWrapped, the staffers were asked by the bosses to list their Top Ten Best Christmas Songs. I started with about 20 songs and spent a day fretting over which ones didn’t make the cut. Here are the my Top Ten Christmas Songs I Have To Play On Repeat Every Christmas Time Or It Doesn’t Feel Like Christmas, also known as PopWrapped Staffer’s
Top Ten Best Christmas Songs!
10. The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole
At number 10, I have one of Nat King Cole’s most famous recordings, and by far his most popular Christmas song. This song transports me back to my childhood, when my grandparents, parents, and sisters would gather around the tree to open presents. My Pops would put this record on. There would be a fire crackling in the fireplace. The smell of Christmas dinner coming from the kitchen. Happy memories elicited from a simple song. As Nat King Cole says,
“And so I’m offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although It’s been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you.”
9. I’ll Be Home For Christmas – Elvis
Coming it at number 9 is Elvis Presley’s “I’ll Be Home For Christmas. What Christmas party would be complete without an Elvis Presley song? I was torn between this classic tune and Elvis’ “Blue Christmas.” In the end, I like the message of trying to get home at any cost, more than I love a depressing tune about not having my love around. Alhough, this version of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” barely squeaked by Josh Groban’s version of the song. In the end, if you were to ask me if I am a “Beatles man, or an Elvis man,” Elvis would win every time. Ergo, I have to include him on the list.
8. White Christmas – Bing Crosby
At number 8, I chose Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas.” Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the deep baritone of Bing’s magical voice filling the house. I first heard this song as a young child while watching the Irving Berlin classic, Holiday Inn. The movie stars Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, Marjorie Reynolds, and Virginia Dale as two couples trying to sort out their love lives, a midst a beautiful Connecticut background. I was convinced as a child that someday I would persuade the love of my life back to come back to me by playing “White Christmas” at a piano, on a movie set, where she was filming her movie. And I’m pretty sure the love of my life was to be played by Jennifer Love Hewitt. But, that’s another story for another time… Here’s the classic piano scene:
7. Please Come Home For Christmas – Bon Jovi
Number 7 arrives like a punch in the stomach. Bon Jovi did an amazing job in the 1980’s of melting the hearts of millions with Power Ballads such as “I’ll Be There For You” and “Bed of Roses.” With his recording of “Please Come Home For Christmas,” listeners get a Christmas song disguised as an 80’s Rock Power Ballad. You’re welcome.
6. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Frank Sinatra
Number 6 is another tear-jerker; except you can sing this one with the entire family around a piano. If any of your relatives can play the piano. This song is Christmas. The lyrics paint a beautiful picture of what every family wants around the holidays – togetherness. This song has been used in many holiday movies, but none better than in the non-holiday classic, Silver Linings Playbook. The song is used in such a melancholy way when both Pat (Bradley Cooper) and Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) are getting ready to perform together in the dance competition. Such a great moment. Such a great song.
http://http://youtu.be/nZ6yQgBvuoI
5. Do They Know It’s Christmas – Band Aid
Number 5 can only be described as “controversial.” “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” was written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure in 1984, to help raise money for famine relief occurring in Ethiopia during the early 1980’s. The song was released by Band Aid on 28 November 1984, and became one of Britain’s biggest hits. Over the years, the song has been re-recorded to continue to bring aid to African countries. But nothing compares to the original. I always liked this song, except the lyrics are somewhat demeaning of African people. Of course they know it’s Christmas. It’s ludicrous to think they wouldn’t know. So why did it make it to number 5 on my list? BBC’s Gavin and Stacey. Specifically, Smithey and Gavin, singing a duet of this song over the phone. Epic. Simply epic. Which is why it makes this list.
4. Winter Dreams (Brandon’s Song) – Kelly Clarkson
Coming in at number 4 is a song you’re probably not familiar with. I purchased Kelly Clarkson’s Christmas album, Wrapped in Red, for the usual Christmas standards; the Christmas songs everyone covers. But when I heard “Winter Dreams,” my heart melted. There is something about her voice in this song that makes me feel many feels. Listen to it. I dare you. It has somehow become the most listened to Christmas song I own, according to my iTunes.
3. O’ Holy Night – Christina Grimmie
I love Christina Grimmie. Legit status. Her voice trumps every voice out there. I first saw her perform two years ago while working for VidCon, the YouTube conference held in Anaheim, Ca every summer. Myself, John Green, and a few others were standing backstage when I heard this girl start singing. And she was belting. I walked out and stood side-stage for her entire performance. It was the best live show I had ever seen and I’m sure will ever see. I have a feeling that feeling was how people who went and saw Whitney Houston perform for the first time, before she made it big. Anyway, prepare to cry.
http://youtu.be/8G84I42pJ3g?t=23s
2. All I Want For Christmas Is You – Vince Vance & The Valiants
Number 2 on this list would have been number 1 on this list, had I compiled these songs five years ago (but more on that in a minute). It has long been my favorite Christmas song, but not the best. The song was released in 1993. The music video is creepy. Vince Vance looks like he belongs in an off/off/off/off Broadway production of Coneheads. But, the song is just so damn good!
1. Fairytale of New York – Walk Off The Earth
I was introduced to the number 1 song on my list of Best Christmas Songs by a dear friend of mine, Sarah. We were talking about the best Chrsitmas songs, where I was arguing that “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Vince Vance (look above) was by far the best. She fought hard for “Fairytale of New York,” by The Pogues. I downloaded it right then and there and listened to it. And it instantly became my favorite! “Fairytale of New York” is believed to be the most requested song in pubs across Ireland during the holidays. The song was voted “Best Christmas Song” in the United Kingdom and Ireland in 2004. I love The Pogues version, but I really love Walk Off the Earth’s version. Either way, it’s the Best Christmas Song Ever.
But wait…. I’ve taken some liberties to include Taylor Swift on this list because, come on, everyone loves Taylor Swift. And if they say they don’t, they’re either lying or they’re lying. As she has recently become the Queen of Everything Music, here is my selection for Best Christmas Song:
Last Christmas – Taylor Swift
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