for A&E
Every holiday season we're bombarded with the same festive pop songs and carols that have dominated radio stations for decades. While “Underneath the Tree” and “All I Want for Christmas is You” will always be fun, they can admittedly get repetitive, if not downright boring. So, this season, spice up your playlist with these underplayed songs; they are guaranteed to fight off the “not-this-again” eye roll and boost your holiday cheer.
“Someday at Christmas” - Stevie Wonder (R&B/Soul)
Considering the musical genius of Stevie Wonder, I was surprised that this composition, complete with bells and backup singers, has not been featured more on mainstream radio. Wonder’s lyrics, melody, and voice combine to create a refreshingly new holiday hit, making this a must-listen for those looking for holiday spirit and warmth.
“Silent Night” - Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings (Soul/Jazz)
Released as part of the It’s a Holiday Soul Party album, this rendition of “Silent Night” stands out as one of the most unique covers of the song ever made. With a beautiful balance between the jazzy rhythm and smooth voice of Sharon Jones, this version turns the classical hymn into a more interesting listen.
“Sleigh Ride” - TLC (Hip-hop/R&B)
In this cover of “Sleigh Ride,” the Atlanta girl group TLC takes this oldie to the next level. An adaptation that combines the energy and creativity of 90’s hip hop with traditional elements of holiday music, this song beats the original in more ways than one. Fans of R&B, hip-hop, and pop should be sure to listen to this undeniably catchy hit this winter.
“Christmas in Hollis” - Run-D.M.C (Hip-hop)
It’s almost impossible to resist nodding your head or tapping your foot while listening to this song. Known as one of the most influential hip hop/rap groups in history, it makes sense that Run-D.M.C. would help pioneer the creation of a Christmas rap song and majorly succeed. With samples from several other holiday songs, including “Jingle Bells” and “Frosty the Snowman,” “Christmas in Hollis” deserves to become a regular sound at your local radio station.
“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” - Death Cab for Cutie (Indie/Rock)
While it is quite common for indie bands to release covers of holiday music, this rendition of “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” stood out to me as one of the most underrated covers in the genre. Centering around Ben Gibbard’s unique voice, the tone of the song distinctly differs from the original to relay a more melancholic message of longing. This song is a must-listen for indie snobs and casual listeners alike.
“Light One Candle” - Peter, Paul and Mary (Indie/Folk)
To the disappointment of many, Hanukkah songs are often few and far between in comparison to the amount of Christmas and secular music created every year. However, this gem, created by the same musicians who wrote the popular folk song, “Puff the Magic Dragon,” serves as a very cool reminder of the important Jewish holiday. Peter, Paul and Mary worked their magic once again to create “Light One Candle,” which leaves listeners with an inspiring message of hope and unity.
“Last Christmas” - Jimmy Eat World (Rock/Alternative)
With a more techno-alternative rendition of Wham!’s best-selling single, Jimmy Eat World takes this song to a new level of hype and energy. Just different enough from the original, this cover gives alternative fans who are “too good for Christmas music” the perfect opportunity to listen to a classic with a great beat and melody.
Every holiday season we're bombarded with the same festive pop songs and carols that have dominated radio stations for decades. While “Underneath the Tree” and “All I Want for Christmas is You” will always be fun, they can admittedly get repetitive, if not downright boring. So, this season, spice up your playlist with these underplayed songs; they are guaranteed to fight off the “not-this-again” eye roll and boost your holiday cheer.
“Someday at Christmas” - Stevie Wonder (R&B/Soul)
Considering the musical genius of Stevie Wonder, I was surprised that this composition, complete with bells and backup singers, has not been featured more on mainstream radio. Wonder’s lyrics, melody, and voice combine to create a refreshingly new holiday hit, making this a must-listen for those looking for holiday spirit and warmth.
“Silent Night” - Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings (Soul/Jazz)
Released as part of the It’s a Holiday Soul Party album, this rendition of “Silent Night” stands out as one of the most unique covers of the song ever made. With a beautiful balance between the jazzy rhythm and smooth voice of Sharon Jones, this version turns the classical hymn into a more interesting listen.
“Sleigh Ride” - TLC (Hip-hop/R&B)
In this cover of “Sleigh Ride,” the Atlanta girl group TLC takes this oldie to the next level. An adaptation that combines the energy and creativity of 90’s hip hop with traditional elements of holiday music, this song beats the original in more ways than one. Fans of R&B, hip-hop, and pop should be sure to listen to this undeniably catchy hit this winter.
“Christmas in Hollis” - Run-D.M.C (Hip-hop)
It’s almost impossible to resist nodding your head or tapping your foot while listening to this song. Known as one of the most influential hip hop/rap groups in history, it makes sense that Run-D.M.C. would help pioneer the creation of a Christmas rap song and majorly succeed. With samples from several other holiday songs, including “Jingle Bells” and “Frosty the Snowman,” “Christmas in Hollis” deserves to become a regular sound at your local radio station.
“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” - Death Cab for Cutie (Indie/Rock)
While it is quite common for indie bands to release covers of holiday music, this rendition of “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” stood out to me as one of the most underrated covers in the genre. Centering around Ben Gibbard’s unique voice, the tone of the song distinctly differs from the original to relay a more melancholic message of longing. This song is a must-listen for indie snobs and casual listeners alike.
“Light One Candle” - Peter, Paul and Mary (Indie/Folk)
To the disappointment of many, Hanukkah songs are often few and far between in comparison to the amount of Christmas and secular music created every year. However, this gem, created by the same musicians who wrote the popular folk song, “Puff the Magic Dragon,” serves as a very cool reminder of the important Jewish holiday. Peter, Paul and Mary worked their magic once again to create “Light One Candle,” which leaves listeners with an inspiring message of hope and unity.
“Last Christmas” - Jimmy Eat World (Rock/Alternative)
With a more techno-alternative rendition of Wham!’s best-selling single, Jimmy Eat World takes this song to a new level of hype and energy. Just different enough from the original, this cover gives alternative fans who are “too good for Christmas music” the perfect opportunity to listen to a classic with a great beat and melody.