Christmas is here, and so is the music

Christmas is here, and so is the music 2

It’s time to stop getting lost in Eddie Vedder’s new album and start your preparations for Christmas. Yes, that’s right, the most wonderful time of the year is on the horizon and everything it entails. Presents need to be snapped up, festive get-togethers need to be planned, and we all must strive to save some room in our bellies for a solid period of grazing.

Another aspect of Christmas that tends to get the festive mood going is the array of iconic Christmas-themed tunes we’ve been treated to over the years. Alongside attending massive light displays, going to various festive-themed community events, and even tucking into slot games filled with Christmas cheer like Jingle Spin, people regularly stick on their favourite songs from this time of the year to help add some much needed Christmas spirit into a home. For every iconic festive track we’ve been put through, though, there have been some absolute shockers too. Thankfully, we’re only focussing on the best of the best here. Without further ado, below is a brief look at some of the top Christmas tunes ever released.

Last Christmas by Wham!

It’s impossible not to hear George Michael’s dulcet tones as you shop for Christmas bargains or attend your favourite aunty’s Christmas party, with ‘Last Christmas’ by Wham! being a go-to option for many at this time of the year. The ballad of a doomed romance comes packed full of sleigh bells and synths, while also having a Christmas cracker of a video as George and the gang pull off some truly special knitwear.

All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey
A track everyone knows, especially in the UK recently after it finally managed to land the Number One spot in 2020, Mariah Carey’s Christmas classic is practically impossible to leave off the list. The Queen of Christmas for many, Carey’s track is still going strong despite its initial release over 26 years ago. If you’re putting together a festive playlist, it’s probably best to chuck this one in.

Rockin Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee

Whether or not this is the ideal track to ‘rock out’ to around the tree is up for debate, but there is no doubting that Brenda Lee did a great job with ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’. The track, which was written by Johnny Marks, is always well worth listening to, especially if you’re struggling to get in the festive spirit. Marks nailed this one, which is even more impressive when you learn that he’s Jewish and, therefore, doesn’t even celebrate Christmas.

Stay Another Day by East 17

A guilty pleasure for some and a truly shocking track for others, ‘Stay Another Day’ by East 17 is potentially the most controversial inclusion on this brief list, although there is no doubting just how prominent it is around the festive period. An all-time Christmas classic, the story behind the track is actually hugely upsetting as it focuses around the suicide of band member Tony Mortimer’s brother. From listening to the tune, though, you most definitely wouldn’t know the tragic message behind it, especially with its added sleigh bells and the band’s sombre four-part harmonies.

Do They Know Its Christmas by Band-Aid

Featuring a whole host of famous faces from the world of music, ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ by Band-Aid is a masterpiece as Bob Geldof and Midge Ure aimed to raise money and awareness for the Ethiopian famine through the power of music. The track managed to hog top spot in the UK for five weeks and continues to bring people together today.

Xsnoize Author
Mark Millar is the founder of XS Noize and looks after the daily running of the website as well as hosting interviews for the weekly XS Noize Podcast. Mark's favourite album is Achtung Baby by U2.

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