13 Merry Christmas 🎄 Gems (Newer & Older)

Reading Time: 14 min read

13 Merry Christmas Gems (Newer & Older) features Disco People, The Emotions, Mariah Carey, The Temptations & Whitney Houston.

ast year, in 2020, I made a five-word assertion: we need a little Christmas . That was very true in 2020 and honestly, just as true in 2021. 2021 has still been hellish, with COVID-19 still raging. While things and times began to get back to normal, they’re still not there just yet. Hopefully, 2022 marks our return to better times without asterisks or but(s) attached! Christmas can assuage, even if it won’t solve a multitude of problems plaguing the world. Nonetheless, how about some Christmas cheer with a 13-song compendium,

13 Merry Christmas Gems (Newer & Older).

13 Merry Christmas Gems (Newer & Older) features Disco People, The Emotions, Mariah Carey, The Temptations, and Whitney Houston among others. So, if you need an extra lift on Christmas, well, you should totally indulge in this compendium. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from The Musical Hype!

1. Mariah Carey, “Jesus Born on this Day”

Merry Christmas • Sony • 1994

When it comes to Merry Christmas, the famous, 1994 Mariah Carey album, the biggest song is “All I Want for Christmas is You” – DUH! That said, there are some great religious songs on the LP associated with Christmas that rouse the spirit and touch the soul. After previously writing and refreshing with closer “Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child” (Mariah Carey, “Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child”: Sunday Refresh No. 29 (2021)), I examined the stirring “Jesus Born on This Day” ,the seventh track on Merry Christmas. Carey wrote this song alongside famed songwriter/producer Walter Afanasieff. That’s right – it’s an original from the Grammy-winning R&B musician.

“Jesus Born on This Day” speaks to awesomeness of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. Carey wrote this song alongside famed songwriter/producer Walter Afanasieff. “Today, a child is born on Earth,” Carey sings on the first verse, adding, “Today the glory of God / Shines everywhere / For all of the world.” The words are simple but incredibly ‘telling.’ Similarly, on the second verse, Carey shifts from explicitly calling him Jesus to referring to him as “the Lamb of God.” On the third verse, Jesus is simply referenced as Him. The centerpiece is the chorus (with variations) where Carey ensures the whole world knows his name is J-E-S-U-S. She’s backed by choir, amplifying the greatness of ‘The Son of God.’

“Oh, Jesus, born on this day
He is our light and salvation
Oh, Jesus, born on this day
He is the King of all nations.”

Also appears on :
Mariah Carey, “Jesus Born on This Day”: Sunday Refresh No. 31 (2021)

2. Disco People, “It’s Snowing Men”

It’s Snowing in Key West • Essential Media Group LLC • 2021

Gays (+ the entirety of the LGBTQ+ community and allies) everywhere received a new favorite Christmas song, courtesy of Disco People: “It’s Snowing Men!” “It’s Snowing Men” is novel, tongue-in-cheek, and ‘campy’ as you might expect. The collective serves up an outlandish, head-shakable, but irresistibly G-A-Y holiday gem. “It’s Snowing Men” appears on the collective’s 2021 album, It’s Snowing in Key West, which features other colorful moments like “I Saw Santa Kissing Daddy,” “Jingle Bell Rocks” (think what rhymes with ‘rocks’), and “Stroke Santa’s Beard and Rub His Tummy.” Woo!

The premise of “It’s Snowing Men” is rather than snowing snowflakes, men are snowing down from the heavens. Hmm, sounds like it’s adapted from a beloved, gay classic, “It’s Raining Men”! Yah, pretty much: “It’s snowing men, hallelujah / It’s snowing men.” Of course, there’s encouragement for this precipitation, with lines like, “Let it fall down now” and “Ooh, I’ve gotta have one.” Hey, can’t knock their lust! Perhaps the best lines are as follows:

“Sexy men, sexy men, everywhere falling
Reindeers, reindeers everybody’s calling
Santa’s dropping presents
Bet you I’m gonna catch me one.”

Those presents, of course, have big muscles and, presumably, BDE. “It’s Snowing Men” is meant to be fun, and of course, unapologetically gay. The liberation is easily perceptible and hey, I’m here for it! You’ll want to bump this novel Christmas song well into the winter, and of course, hope those snowflakes really do turn into a legit hunk, LMAO!

Also appears on :
Disco People, “It’s Snowing Men”: LGBTQ Bopz No. 10

3. Pentatonix, “Joyful, Joyful”

Ft. Jazmine Sullivan

The Best of Pentatonix Christmas • RCA • 2019

Pentatonix – what a beastly vocal group! One thing that the group does extremely well (besides those vocals) is performing Christmas songs. On their 2019 compilation, The Best of Pentatonix Christmas, they enlist another incredibly talented vocalist, Jazmine Sullivan for the utterly joyful bop, “Joyful, Joyful.”

Calling “Ode to Joy” a bop might seem sketchy but not this interpretation! Basically, this version with layered vocal harmonies is more Sister Act 2 than Beethoven (as in Ludwig van). Jazmine Sullivan takes the lead on the slow, soulful, and spiritually tinged intro – channeling Lauryn Hill, of course! She milks the vocal for all its worth, with PTX providing her a rich palette to sing over. Then, the tempo picks up, and “Joyful Joyful” transforms into a gospel joint. We don’t hear from Sullivan for a while, but she returns, filled with joy on the bluesy, gospel ad-libs. Let the church say “YES,” or better yet “JOY!”

Also appears on :
Joy: 3BOPS No. 1 (2020)
10 Songs Filled with Considerable Joy

4. The Temptations, “Give Love on Christmas Day”

Give Love at Christmas • Motown • 1980

“Give Love on Christmas Day” is a prime example of The Corporation – the famous Motown writing/production team – at work. The record was originally recorded by The Jackson 5 on their 1970 Christmas album, Christmas Album. It’s a marvelous performance, one that sets the bars for the many covers to follow. That said, the version I personally grew up loving the most arrived courtesy of The Temptations, another iconic Motown collective – UNDERSTATEMENT.

With The Temptations’ version of “Give Love on Christmas Day,” essentially, you get an older, more mature sound compared to the youthful original by the Jackson 5. The tenor of Eddie Kendricks is utterly sublime, starkly contrasting the boyish lead by then preteen Michael. Also, the production is tweaked, while maintaining the sanctity of the original harmonically and where the most recognizable cues are concerned. Where the Jackson version appears deep into their Christmas album, The Temptations open Give Love at Christmas (1980) with the ear-catching ballad. Worth noting, Give Love at Christmas ranks among the best Christmas albums of all time.

In the Temp’s hands, “Give Love on Christmas Day” is a soulful, spirited track. Had the Jacksons not recorded it first, you’d assume it belonged to The Temptations – that’s how much they distinguished it from the original. Even more interesting is the fact that by this time, the group had long released their most beloved, critically acclaimed hits. Call this song, and the entire album a late highlight in the soul collective’s discography.

Also appears on :
More Christmas: 5ive Songs No. 73
15 Absolutely Terrific, Merry Christmas Songs
The Jackson 5 vs. The Temptations: Head 2 Head No. 41

5. Brenda Lee, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”

Merry Christmas from Brenda • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 1964

One of the most popular Christmas recordings EVER arrives courtesy of pop and country singer, Brenda Lee. That beloved gem is “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” which commences her 1964 Christmas album, Merry Christmas from Brenda. It’s rare that a holiday classic can cement your artistic legacy but that’s certainly the case with Lee. Had she recorded no other song, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” would’ve been sufficient.

What makes it so awesome? It’s fun, novel, and honestly, incredibly festive. Listening to it, you just absorb the spirit of Christmas. Brenda’s exuberant vocals makes us exuberant. The saxophone solo ups the ante, making us want to dance and share “the most wonderful time of the year” with those we love. Honestly, this two-minutes-and-change number speaks for itself.

Also appears on :
More Christmas: 5ive Songs No. 73
15 Absolutely Terrific, Merry Christmas Songs

6. The Emotions, “What Do the Lonely Do at Christmas”

Sunshine! • Stax / Concord • 1977

Grammy-winning R&B collective The Emotions (of “Best of My Love” notoriety) have the perfect Christmas song for us lonely folks on: “What Do the Lonely Do at Christmas” ( Sunshine!, 1977). The Emotions mention the cliché happy aspects/elements associated with the holidays. But the R&B collective also cites sadness thanks to loneliness. “‘Tis the season to be jolly / But how can I be when I have nobody?” They continue, sadly singing, “The yuletide carol doesn’t make it better / Knowing that we won’t be together.” Oh, the heartbreak !

The collective references beloved, jubilant carols ( “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World”) and they can’t curb the sadness. the memories of a love expired have dimmed the holiday season: “But what is left / Oh, for me to do / Now that it’s Christmas / And I don’t have you.” Yeah, The Emotions totally live up to their name, making Christmas an emotional time, adversely. Even if it’s a bummer and buzzkill, the musical backdrop and the vocal performance are magnificent. Also, the chorus is stellar, even if it’s unsure how to cope with the merry season: “What do the lonely do at Christmas / Oh, what do the lonely do at Christmas time.” Ultimately, “What Do the Lonely Do at Christmas” is relatable, if in a painful way, and oozes with soul. “What Do the Lonely Do at Christmas” was written by Carl Mitchell Hampton and Homer Banks – kudos to them!

7. Whitney Houston & The Georgia Mass Choir, “Joy to the World”

The Preacher’s Wife (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) • Arista • 1996

“Joy to the world / The lord is come / Let Earth receive her king.” There are many awesome, spiritually savvy renditions of the Christmas carol, “Joy to the World.” When performed as it should be, it really touches the heart and soul. The words do so naturally, proclaiming the birth of a Savior, who’d ultimately die for our sins. One of the best renditions comes courtesy of Whitney Houston alongside The Georgia Mass Choir. Famously, the ‘Whitney’ version appears on The Preacher’s Wife Soundtrack, one of my personal favorite albums of the 90s.

“Joy to the World” doesn’t need to be tweaked musically, but tweak it right, and you have a surefire masterpiece! That’s what happens in the hands of Houston and The Georgia Mass Choir. They spice things up, giving the traditional carol more of a contemporary gospel spin, following a smooth, playful intro by Houston. The sound is bright and energetically, masterfully celebrating J-E-S-U-S. Houston’s vocals are at their peak. She exhibits composure and poise, yet knows when to ‘let ‘em rip,’ taking the spirit next level. The Georgia Mass Choir is there to provide a lift, and this ‘gospelized’ version plays directly to their strengths. Add in a vamp/breakdown section, and we get a hint of contemporary R&B ala the 90s which is sweet. Ultimately, this spirited take is one you’ll not only want to refresh you during Christmas, but into New Years’ and beyond.

Also Appears On :
Whitney Houston, “Joy to the World”: Sunday Refresh No. 30 (2021)
Mariah Carey vs. Whitney Houston: Head 2 Head No. 40

8. The Drifters, “White Christmas”

“White Christmas” • Atlantic • 1954

Many, many musicians have covered the Irving Berlin Christmas classic, “White Christmas.” It ranks among the most beloved of the beloved Christmas carols. That said, one of the very best versions comes for the early R&B group, The Drifters. The Drifters recorded “White Christmas” back in 1954 (the year my parents were born, BTW).

There is so much to love about this groovy rendition of “White Christmas” by The Drifters. It can be described as doo-wop, which is quite characteristic and idiomatic of the R&B at the time. Even so, hearing the vintage sound in the 2020s, it’s quite refreshing in addition to being timeless. With the sound being the crowning achievement, it’s specifically the vocals that certify it as a classic; they are nothing short of exceptional. Two members stand out in particular: Clyde McPhatter as the lead tenor, and Bill Pinkney as the bass, filling out the sound. The harmonies truly pop, exhibiting superb chemistry between the members. Check out the history of this legendary group, and you’ll see there have been numerous lineup changes over the years.

Also appears on :
15 Absolutely Terrific, Merry Christmas Songs

9. All Time Low, “Merry Christmas, Kiss My Ass”

Dirty Work • Interscope • 2011

“So, I wrote a song / Hope that you sing along / Here it goes / Merry Christmas, bitch – kiss my ass!” Christmas actually isn’t the main focus on the All Time Low song, “Merry Christmas, Kiss My Ass”, which appears from their 2011 studio album, Dirty Work. Frontman Alex Gaskarth has experienced heartbreak – a bad break-up – so, essentially, his ex has totally ‘pooed’ on any holiday spirit he might have experienced. “Don’t you think it’s kind of crappy / What you did this holiday? / When I gave you my heart, you ripped it apart / Like wrapping paper trash.” Oh ‘sugar foot’!

Alex spends the entirety of the song angry AF to say the least – there’s no other way to put it. In the second verse, he’s so pissed that he asserts, “I tear down decorations / They remind me of your smile / I hate that mistletoe / It makes me think of our first kiss.” Yup, angry and totally emo to the nth degree. Essentially, ‘merry’ isn’t very ‘merry’ in the least here. More interesting is the colorful phrase, ‘kiss my ass’, which typically isn’t associated with Christmas in the least.

Also appears on :
11 Totally Merry, Mary, Marry Songs
More Christmas: 5ive Songs No. 73
15 Absolutely Terrific, Merry Christmas Songs
Kisses: An Intriguing Compendium of Kiss Songs

10. The Jackson 5, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”

Christmas Album • Motown • 1970

In 1970, iconic Motown collective The Jackson 5 released their Christmas album, simply titled, Christmas Album. While Michael Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Tito Jackson, and Marlon Jackson famously originally recorded the holiday gem, “Give Love on Christmas Day”, it is another record from Christmas Album, that stands out the most – their soulful rendition of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”! “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” is clearly their ‘ace-in-the-hole.’

So, would it be far-fetched to characterize “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” in the Jackson’s hands as the black version? No, of course not! This is the funkiest version of this beloved children’s Christmas classic, PERIOD! Michael Jackson shines on lead vocals, infusing ample personality, making this infectious to the nth degree. After hearing the Jackson 5 version, is there any way – ANY WAY – that you could go back to the original. Okay, sure, you can, but you’ll still be thinking about that iconic, black, Motown version!

“Santa Claus is coming to town!
Santa Claus is coming to town!
Santa Claus is coming to town!”

11. Tori Kelly, “Joy to the World / Joyful, Joyful”

A Tori Kelly Christmas (Deluxe) • Capitol / Schoolboy • 2021

One of the more gifted singers to emerge in the 2010s was none other than Grammy-winner Tori Kelly. Despite her critical success, I’d argue Kelly deserves much more buzz than she receives. Have I mentioned how gifted she is in the vocal department? I must make that point crystal clear. If you need proof – need the receipts – then look no further than “Joy to the World / Joyful, Joyful” that appears as the fourth track on A Tori Kelly Christmas.

Naturally, the two core songs Kelly fuses here – “Joy to the World and Joyful, Joyful” – lend themselves to numerous interpretations. Where “Joy to the World” is concerned, Kelly gives us a slower, soulful rendition with soaring, cutting vocals and impressive runs, before the pace picks up. She gets additional support from a backing choir, as well as adds a cool modulation which ups the ante in the spirit department. From here, Kelly makes a fine transition into “Joyful, Joyful,” patterned once again in the style of Sister Act 2 with some modifications. Basically, if you need any further evidence that TK provides a TKO in the vocal department, your ears must be totally stopped up!

12. Mariah Carey, “Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child”

Merry Christmas • Sony • 1994

When it comes to Merry Christmas, the famous, 1994 Mariah Carey, the biggest song is undoubtedly the original, “All I Want for Christmas is You”. That said, there are some great religious songs associated with Christmas that rouse the spirit and touch the soul. One such song is the closing cut, “Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child”. Of course, the Grammy-winning R&B musician is far from the first singer to perform this traditional classic, but she does a marvelous job, backed by gospel choir.

“Jesus, Jesus
Oh, what a wonderful child
Jesus, Jesus
So lowly, meek, and mild
New life, new hope, new joy He brings
Won’t you listen to the angels sing
Glory, glory, glory
To the newborn King
Jesus, Jesus.”

“Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child” celebrates the birth of Jesus. Also, by hailing “the newborn King,” the record alludes to the marvelous and miraculous things he’d come to do. Mariah Carey sings the lead commandingly, making you feel how awesome the birth of Christ, and Son of God is. She exhibits her usual finesse, but she also gets ‘rough’ with it! One of the biggest surprises of the Carey performance is the double-time breakdown section, which transforms the song to the feel of Pentecostal service. The riffs by Carey are on-point, and listening, it’s hard NOT to catch the spirit (or some semblance of it)! Again, I love “All I Want for Christmas is You” – it’s a surefire classic! That said, I truly heart a dynamic moment like “Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child” even more, considering it really speaks to the ‘reason for the season.’

Also appears on :
Mariah Carey, “Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child”: Sunday Refresh No. 29 (2021)

13. The Temptations, “Silent Night”

Give Love at Christmas • Motown • 1980

“In my mind,” the DEFINITIVE rendition of “Silent Night” belongs to one iconic group and one group only: The Temptations. Sure, I debated two versions of “Give Love at Christmas” (The Jackson 5 vs. The Temptations: Head 2 Head No. 41) and awarded the soul collective champ honors. That said, give The Jackson 5 credit – a lot of credit actually – as the original music artists. That said, when it comes to “Silent Night,” as many stellar versions that have been performed and recorded, the version by The Temps from Give Love at Christmas (1980) is the ‘IT’ version.

So, what makes “Silent Night” so awesome in the hands of The Temptations? The soulful production, the arrangement, and most of all, it is the voices! The key voices here are Eddie Kendricks, who blesses us with his masterful, ripe, falsetto, and Melvin “Blue” Franklin, the utterly sublime bass. As far as the rest of the group, the vocal chemistry is fantastic – perfect, perfect, perfect. As great as the singing is, arguably, the most memorable part of “Silent Night” arrives at the end, in the form of spoken word by “Blue”: “Merry Christmas from The Temptations.” “Silent Night,” fittingly concludes Give Love at Christmas.

13 Merry Christmas Gems (Newer & Older) [: Arista, Atlantic, Brent Faulkner, Capitol, Concord, cottonbro, Essential Media Group LLC, Howapicx Fotografia, Interscope, Jonathan Borba, KoolShooters, Marta Wave, Motown, The Musical Hype, Pexels, RCA, Schoolboy, Sony, Stax, UMG Recordings, Inc.]

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Published by the musical hype on December 24, 2021December 24, 2021