Santa | 5ive Songs

1. Mariah Carey, “Oh Santa!”

Ft. Ariana Grande & Jennifer Hudson

Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special (Apple TV+ Original Soundtrack) • MARIAH / Apple Video Programming • 2020

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 former no. 1 hit, “All I Want for Christmas is You”.  Don’t get it twisted – “AIWFCIY” is still the jam – but Carey has managed to resurrect her 2010 gem from Merry Christmas II You, “Oh Santa!”. 

“Oh Santa!” reappears in all of its glory on Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special (Apple TV+ Original Soundtrack).  Sweetening things, she invites two artists than don’t just merely sing – they SANG! That’s right, you know you truly have a big-time gift from Jolly Old St. Nick when Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson join the show.  As awesome as the 2010 solo version is, it gets a big-time lift from J Hud and Ari.  The best part of the song? Harmonized whistle tones baby!

2. Pentatonix, “Santa Tell Me”

We Need a Little Christmas • RCA • 2020

Pentatonix always brighten the season, particularly Christmas season.  In 2020, they returned with a mighty gift , a brand-new Christmas album, We Need a Little Christmas.  One of the awesome songs appearing on We Need a Little Christmas is none other than “Santa Tell Me,” an Ariana Grande cover. Grande penned “Santa Tell Me” alongside Ilya and Savan Kotecha, recording it in 2014.

Scott Hoying handles the majority of the lead with his compelling baritone on this.  Even so, both Mitch Grassi and Kristin Maldonado have some awesome featured moments, backed superbly by Kevin Olusola and Matt Sallee.  As always, PTX don’t disappoint – their voices definitely “shine bright like a diamond”, Rihanna! 

3. Sia, “Santa’s Coming for Us”

Everyday is Christmas • Monkey Puzzle Music / Atlantic • 2017

“Santa’s coming for us / Oh, Santa’s coming for us!” No doubt about the subject or the name of this particular song, right? Right! Sia kicks off her accidental Christmas album, Everyday is Christmas, incredibly enjoyably with the groovy original, “Santa’s Coming for Us.”  The production work, courtesy of Greg Kurstin, is bright and energetic.  Matching the exuberant backdrop, Sia delivers her usual brand of distinct, energetic vocals, intact with those signature vocal cracks.  Whether it’s a fun Santa song or a soaring ballad, Furler’s tone always stands out.  That, my friends, is quite the gift if I do say so myself!

4. Dolly Parton, “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”

A Holly Dolly Christmas • Butterfly / 12Tone Music • 2020

Can the iconic country musician Dolly Parton do any wrong? Of course, she can’t!  She does an absolutely exceptional job covering the Christmas classic, “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” on her 2020 Christmas album, A Holly Dolly Christmas.  Indeed Dolly, indeed! What makes her rendition so awesome is that signature tone, her nuances, and the amount of personality and playfulness she infuses.  Rather than just singing it straight, she brings in some brilliant tongue-n-cheek touches that feel right for this novel gem.  Sure, it’s been covered by everybody and his brother and sister, but Dolly – she makes this kiss particularly special!

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

Christmas Album • Motown • 1970 

As a youngster, I remember my favorite version of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” being the soulful, Motown rendition by  Jackson 5.  Let me make it clear, I’m NO 70s baby – just an old soul! That said, this version of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” with Michael Jackson excelling in his role as a charismatic lead singer at the young age of 12 is timeless and transcendent.  There are plenty of bops to be found on The Jackson 5’s masterpiece, Christmas Album, but arguably, nothing tops this funky take on “Santa.” Can’t we agree, hearing MJ sing and his bros sing this that Santa was black? Ha-ha!