My favorite Christmas music

Originally published: 12/17/2017

View original post

There are so many versions of Christmas music out there, I decided to list my favorite songs as well as my favorite versions.  I like the upbeat, happy Christmas songs over the overwrought melodramatic/somber/sad ones. In no particular order..... All I Want For Christmas - Mariah Carey Overplayed?  Yes.  Bubblegum pop-y?  Yep.  Do I care?   Nope. White Christmas - Bing Crosby Classic version from such a fantastic crooner. The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole And I don't even like chestnuts all that much. Something About Christmas Time - Bryan Adams Might be my favorite contemporary Christmas pop song. Santa Claus is Comin' To Town - Bruce Springsteen Practice real hard so Santa can bring you a brand new saxophone. Merry Christmas Baby - Bruce Springsteen I'm really not that into Bruce, but this song makes me sort of get it. Jingle Bell Rock - Hall & Oates Might have more to do with their cheesy music video, but I love their version the best. Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Peggy Lee Fun fact:  I always thought it sounded like "later we'll have some f***ing pie".  Took me several years to listen to that without laughing Sleigh Ride - Harry Connick Jr I dig the swing-y style of this version over the doo wap-ish Rondelles version. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer - Harry Connick Jr Harry's first Christmas album was a true gem.  This version is so much fun. Wonderful Christmastime - Paul McCartney Not sure why this song gets so much hate.  I have always loved this song. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - John Mellencamp Johnny brings the folksy twang.  The violin/fiddle is a welcomed addition.  Could do without the children singing at the end, but what are you gonna do? Do They Know It's Christmas? - Band Aid All Star lineup singing about Christmas and helping the less fortunate with an 80s sound like nothing else.  Sign me up. A Holly Jolly Christmas - Burl Ives I have a theory that Burl Ives was actually Santa Claus for a few years, because Burl was more Christmas-y. Christmas Wrapping - The Waitresses New Wave Christmas music.  Once the horns kick in, this song is tough to beat. I'll Be Home For Christmas - Bing Crosby Another classic Its The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year - Andy Williams Because IT IS!  A few dated references and jargon might get a little cringy, but Andy mellow voice smooths over any rough edges. Step Into Christmas - Elton John Upbeat, fun, catchy, and dedicated to having the Christmas spirit. A big win for Sir Elton. Christmas Time is Here - Vince Guaraldi One of my few somber Christmas favorites.  This song's eternal connection to Charlie Brown and the Peanuts is perfect. It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas - Johnny Mathis I sing this song to myself every year while putting up the Christmas lights.  No, really. Mele Kalikimaka - Bing Crosby Best Hawaiian Christmas song ever. Here Comes Santa Claus - Elvis Presley The King knew his way around a Christmas album.  Just ahead of Blue Christmas for me. Feliz Navidad - Jose Feliciano Getting dangerously close to being overplayed for me since the local radio station makes sure they play it once every hour. Let It Snow - Dean Martin You're right, this isn't really a Christmas song, but I'll allow it. Last Christmas - Wham! George Michael knows how to sing a hit song no matter the season. Christmas in Hollis - Run DMC Helps make Die Hard a great Christmas movie