15 Absolutely Terrific, Merry Christmas Songs | Playlist

1. Mariah Carey, “All I Want for Christmas is You”

Merry Christmas • Sony Music Entertainment • 1994

Mariah Carey and Christmas go together perfectly, PERIOD.  How so? Well, Carey has long reigned supreme when it comes to festive music, thanks especially to her no. 1 hit, “All I Want for Christmas is You”.  It takes a special breed of original Christmas song to stick the way that “All I Want for Christmas is You” has.  A testament to its staying power is the fact that in 2019, it ascended to no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time – 25 years after being originally released on the album, Merry Christmas.  You know what “All I Want for Christmas is You” did in 2020? It returned to no. 1!

Question: Why does “All I Want for Christmas is You” kick so much @$$? It’s the overall exuberant spirit, constructed via top-rate vocals by Carey, fun lyrics, and the refined, sweet, old-school vibes of the production by Carey and Walter Afanasieff.  The chorus, of course, is the centerpiece!

“I just want you for my own (Ooh)
More than you could ever know (Ooh)
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you
You, baby.” 

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Christmas: 5ive Songs No. 72

2. Twenty One Pilots, “Christmas Saves the Year”

“Christmas Saves the Year” • Fueled by Ramen • 2020

Months after Twenty One Pilots exhibited a high “Level of Concern” regarding COVID-19, they returned in December 2020 with the band’s first ever Christmas song, “Christmas Saves the Year”. While not even the jolliest holiday of the year can atone for the hellishness coronavirus has unleashed, it is a time for us to spend with family (safely) and be thankful for the most important things we have.  That’s the sentiment that Tyler Joseph seeks to emphasize on this thoughtfully penned and tenderly performed number.  Joseph acknowledges the challenges of Christmas 2020 – “Plans are thrown to the wayside / Frozen days of the week” – but also gives a sense of hope.  This is best captured on the centerpiece, the chorus:

“But everybody wants to make it home this year
Even if the world is crumblin’ down
‘Cause everybody’s got somebody who’s got their name on a shelf
With cheap décor and flavored cheer
You rest assured that Christmas save the year.” 

Twenty One Pilots come through once again and give people the glorious gift of uplifting music.  It won’t destroy the virus, but the messaging assuages by all means.

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Christmas: 5ive Songs No. 72

3. Pentatonix, “Twelve Days of Christmas”

We Need a Little Christmas • RCA • 2020

Pentatonix – what a beastly vocal group! One thing that Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola, and Matt Sallee do extremely well (besides those vocals) are sing Christmas songs.  On their most recent holiday album, We Need a Little Christmas, they cover the beloved, cumulative (add-on) Christmas carol, “12 Days of Christmas.”

In the talented hands (and gifted voices) of PTX, you can rest assured the quintet doesn’t give us a tried-and-true rendition.  Instead, the spice up those glorious “12 Days” with a fresh take that includes stylistic shifts, vocal effects, a cool-@$$ music video, and a truly entertaining performance overall. This is the type of performance that definitely makes you wish that Christmas lasted 365 days of the year!

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Christmas: 5ive Songs No. 72

4. 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.

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More Christmas: 5ive Songs No. 73

5. 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.

6. Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello, “The Christmas Song”

Wonder (Holiday Deluxe) • Island • 2020 

Shawn Mendes returned in 2020 with his fourth studio album, Wonder. Given its early December release date, it’s not surprising that a Christmas song appears.  In this case, it’s not just any Christmas song but “The Christmas Song.”  Yes, “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” has been covered time and time again, but doesn’t it have a different feel with two lovebirds at the helm? Mendes duets with his girlfriend, and fellow Grammy-nominee, Camila Cabello.

Mendes and Cabello serve up a chill, balanced performance on “The Christmas Song.”  There’s no big-time, gospel histrionics to be found.  Here, we get beautiful, expressive vocals that seek to highlight the melody while strongly delivering that Christmas spirit and vibe. The production by Nate Mercereau and Ben Darwish, with piano and strings is quite warm and elegant. All in all, quite sweet and definitely Christmassy.

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More Christmas: 5ive Songs No. 73

7. Ryland James, “Please Come Home for Christmas”

A Little Christmas [Single] • Universal Music Canada • 2020

Canadian pop singer Ryland James definitely has a lot going for him.  Number one, he’s handsome.  Number two, he’s young (and handsome).  Essentially, he has the look of a pop star.  That’s all fine and good, but what’s more important, at least in my eyes, is that Ryland is a talented musician.  There’s more than just a handsome face.

James showcases his gorgeous voice on the beloved 1960 Christmas classic, “Please Come Home for Christmas,” by Blues musician and pianist, Charles Brown. Sure, many singers have covered Brown’s classic over the years but listening to the young James tackle it, well, it sounds as if it were tailor made for him. He oozes with soul.  His pipes are commanding, expressive, and incredibly nuanced.  Listening to it, you’ll undoubtedly desire to “come home for Christmas.” He’s begging you!

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Christmas: 5ive Songs No. 72

8. Tori Kelly, “Christmas Time is Here”

A Tori Kelly Christmas • Capitol / Schoolboy • 2020

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.  After highlighting “Joy to the World / Joyful, Joyful” which appeared on 10 Songs Filled with Considerable Joy, on this Christmas-themed list, we examine her cover of “Christmas Time is Here,” which appears as the third track on A Tori Kelly Christmas.

“Christmas Time is Here” is the famous carol written by Lee Mendelson and Vince Guaraldi.  If Guaraldi sounds incredibly familiar, that’s because he’s the jazz pianist associated with Charlie Brown, specifically the classic, “Linus and Lucy”.  On the same album, A Charlie Brown Christmas, “Christmas Time is Here” appears.  In the hands of Kelly, she sings beautifully, delivering a pure, relatively simple performance.  While Kelly has the ability to deliver a totally commanding performance filled with gospel histrionics, here, she’s cool, which is quite fitting for this particular record.  The production ( Babyface, Demonte Posey, and Kelly) is radiant.

9. 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 record serves as the opener on Give Love at Christmas, what I’d describe as one of the best Christmas albums of all time, released in 1980.  It’s a soulful, spirited track that had the Jackson’s not recorded it first, you’d assume this was all The Temptations – that’s how much they made it their own.  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.

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More Christmas: 5ive Songs No. 73

10. Gayla Peevey, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas”

“I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” • Columbia • 1953

“I want a hippopotamus for Christmas / Only a hippopotamus will do…” Hmm… Part of the draw of Christmas carols is the fact they are novel – we only listen to them once a year.  That said, some of those said carols are much more novel than others.  A prime example is the 1953 gem by Gayla Peevey, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.”  I mean, can you even utter that title without chuckling?

The ridiculousness goes beyond the title.  Peevey, a child star, was just 10 when she recorded “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.”  Naturally, this only amplifies the tongue in cheek vibes of this number.  Furthering those vibes is a bright, playful supporting instrumental, produced by Mitch Miller, who was big back in the day.  Of course, besides the childish performance and orchestration/production, it’s the lyrics that seal the deal.

“Mom says the hippo would eat me up but then
Teacher says a hippo is a vegetarian
There’s lots of room for him in our two-car garage
I’d feed him there and wash him there and give him his massage...”

Oh brother!

11. Ice Nine Kills, “Merry Axe-Mas”

The Silver Scream • Fearless • 2018

“T’was the night before Christmas / At just five years old / My parents were butchered / In the blistering cold.” Yeah, metalcore collective Ice Nine Kills don’t exactly establish the most exuberant, jolly holiday spirit on “Merry Axe-Mas,” the 11^th track from their totally dark fifth studio album, The Silver Scream.  Honestly, the opening lyrics are totally messed up.  Regardless, “Merry Axe-Mas” fits the over-the-top, dramatic nature of the horror-laden LP, transforming a highly anticipated, beloved annual holiday into total, murderous, and morbid hellishness.

The specific villain of “Merry Axe-Mas” is Santa Claus of all people (“In his suit stained with red”), while the inspirational source is likely 1984 horror film, Silent Night Deadly Night. Safe to say, Christmas is totally ruined, whether it’s the brutal, coarse nature of the music (those guitars man) or the totally unforgiving lyrics.

“You will believe in me
Slaughtered under the tree
And I won’t leave a witness
So much for a ‘Merry Christmas’
Now Santa’s claws are out
The sinners scream and shout
I made sure the noose was yuletide tight
So much for a ‘Silent Night’
A ‘Silent Night!’”

Also appears on :

11 Totally Merry, Mary, Marry Songs

Christmas: 5ive Songs No. 72

12. Gwen Stefani, “You Make it Feel Like Christmas”

You Make it Feel Like Christmas [Deluxe] • Interscope • 2020 

In 2017, Gwen Stefani released her first Christmas album, You Make it Feel Like Christmas.  Ultimately, Stefani rings in the holiday season with this fun, well-rounded affair. “You Make It Feel Like Christmas,” the title track, is the best original song on the album.  Here, Gwen sings with who would become her fiancé, country singer/songwriter Blake Shelton.

Besides being the best original of the album, “You Make It Feel Like Christmas” ranks among the very best songs.  Old-school, tongue-n-cheek, yet fresh, “You Make It Feel Like Christmas” is the type of modern original Christmas original that has some staying power as opposed to being a one-Christmas-season pony.  The vocals are great and the chemistry between Stefani and Shelton is definitely on-point.

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More Christmas: 5ive Songs No. 73

13. 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. Front man 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.  On 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 has been masterfully used by the likes of John Wayne Gacy as well as the non-psychopathic (Zac Efron has a memorable scene in Hairspray).

Also appears on :

11 Totally Merry, Mary, Marry Songs

More Christmas: 5ive Songs No. 73

14. Sabrina Claudio & The Weeknd, “Christmas Blues”

Christmas Blues • SC Entertainment / Atlantic • 2020

According to Sabrina Claudio, “If I didn’t have you / When the snow is fallin’ / On that winter mornin’ / I’d have Christmas Blues.” Well, I definitely have to agree with Claudio on that one.  Being lonely sucks, particularly on Christmas.  Luckily, on the smooth, expressive, and sultry “Christmas Blues,” which appears on her Christmas EP, Christmas Blues, she doesn’t end up having that problem.  Sweetening the deal on this new holiday original is featured guest, The Weeknd.

On the first verse, Sabrina makes it clear that following “a long year / the toughest oof my life so far,” that “What I want under the tree” is “just you with me.” Similarly, on the second verse, The Weeknd “don’t want mistletoes” but again, wishes for “you and me.” This is a gorgeous duet, one which the vocal chemistry between the two is definitely lit.  Furthermore, it’s well produced, courtesy of Kaveh Rastegar, NASRI, and Sad Money. Nothing to be blue about listening to “Christmas Blues” that’s for sure!

15. John Legend, “This Christmas”

A Legendary Christmas • John Legend Music / Columbia • 2019

Donny Hathaway is among the select few artists who’ve penned an original Christmas classic that’s truly caught on.  “This Christmas” has been covered by everyone and his brother.  While it’s clearly a R&B holiday gem, it transcends that, finding its way into so many talented hands musically.  On this cover, it is Grammy winner John Legend that marvelously covers the Hathaway staple.

Legend is perfectly suited to cover “This Christmas” – straight facts.  Why? He possesses one of the most soulful voices in the business, something that lends itself well here.  His tone is awesome, while his overall delivery is expressive, nuanced, and chocked-full of spirit.  Don’t call this interpretation from A Legendary Christmas ‘legendary’ – we’ll reserve that for Hathaway’s original – but it’s definitely worth checking out.