The Band – Christmas Must Be Tonight

The 1977 classic hidden away in The Band’s Islands album is just perfect. It is definitely not the typical Christmassy song we are so used to these days but is nothing short of a masterpiece. Beautiful lyrics and stunning vocals intertwine with some impressive beats and musical arrangements and mixes. Music critic Jimmy Nelson wrote about the song: “‘Christmas Must Be Tonight’ represents a canny distillation of what has made the Band such an enduring presence, from Garth Hudson’s spectral colorings, to its spacious cadence, to Robertson’s lyric — offered from the perspective of a shepherd in that holy moment.” Nelson also notes that if “approached secularly,” the song can offer interesting perspectives about the promise of birth. In both cases, this is a beautiful Christmas song to listen to.

Alan Jackson – A Holly Jolly Christmas

Everyone knows the 1964 classic that is one of the 25 most-performed holiday songs in history – “A Holly Jolly Christmas”. It was written by Johnny Marks and performed by Burl Ives and since then has been sung by numerous artists, Alan Jackson included. The song was No. 5 on the Holiday 100 chart in 2011 and #4 in the US Billboard Hot 100. 

A renowned country music singer, Alan Jackson gives the iconic song a Southern twist with the lovely six-strings in the background and beats. His powerful voice seems gentle and positive, adorned with the holiday must-have bells. Definitely on the jolly side, this song is a beautiful addition to any Christmas party song list.

Hot Mondy – Your Christmas

Hot Mondy’s seasonal treat will go down in history as the Christmas special. The prolific Canadian band just dropped the single called “Your Christmas” that will melt any heart. It may not be cheerful with sleigh bells and all, but it does have a positive edge and is meant to uplift those who don’t feel like celebrating. 

Hot Mondy has been releasing hit after hit in the past year, to name a few “Desert Moonlight”, “Vampire” and “Pale Ember”. Their music is a soulful mix of country and rock with some elements from other genres but it always lives up to the highest expectation. 

Formed in Halifax, Canada, Hot Mondy’s members are Matt Rhind (lead vocals), Travis Flint (rhythm guitar and vocals), Troy Arseneault (lead guitar), Mat Budreski (acoustic guitar and backgrounds), Matt Brannon (bass and backgrounds).

“Your Christmas” must be on everyone’s list of top Christmas songs. 

Coldplay – Christmas Lights

The British rock band formed back in 1996 and since then has been making stellar success in the rock scene and beyond. Their 2010 Christmas song has been viewed millions of times and loved by people all over the world. It is well-paced, moving and emotional. The music video shows the band performing on a small stage that is lit with bright and warm colors. Then the shot zooms out to show the stage is actually in the middle of a park and all the trees around it are also lit brightly. “Those Christmas lights, light up the street, down where the sea and city meet, may all your troubles soon be gone, oh, Christmas lights keep shining on,” goes the chorus. “Christmas Lights” is a wondrous song with a lovely tune that carries the holiday spirit but in a subtle, elegant way, just like every other song by Coldplay.

Phoebe Bridgers – Christmas Song

Talented artist Phoebe Bridgers recently shared her cover of McCarthy Trenching’s “Christmas Song” featuring Jackson Browne. She mentioned in a statement: “The first time I heard this song it hit me like a ton of bricks. A lot of McCarthy Trenching songs do that. It’s not that often that I hear a Christmas song that doesn’t make me want to quit music.”

Her cover is exquisite, nothing short of perfection, calming and mood-setting.

Kanye West Christmas In Harlem

It’s twinkly and grand, propelled by an effortlessly soulful beat that, via some miracle, sounds Christmassy without resorting to any of the most obvious holiday cheat codes. There’s no unnecessary jangling, no reinterpretations of old-fashioned carols,” says Alex Ross from Vice reviewing the song. It features Cam’ron, Jim Jones, Vado, Cyhi Da Prynce, Pusha-T, Musiq Soulchild, Teyana Taylor, and Big Sean in its final six and a half-minute version and is centered around the Christmas reconciliation, apologizing and making up with family and friends. This is definitely a song many will need to hear this year.

John Legend x Stevie Wonder – What Christmas Means To Me

Last but not least, a fun and cheerful classic to wrap up the list. “What Christmas Means To Me” will bring a smile to your face no matter who you are. A colorful, vibrant, charismatic song, it lists all the things we love about Christmas from snow and candles to mistletoe. But more than that, John Legend portrays a romantic love that is pure and easy.