Experience the New Wave of Holiday Music this Christmas
A festive playlist without the soothing renditions of Mariah Carey or Michael Buble’s Christmas tunes may seem wild, but it’s entirely possible. Here, we round up our top underrated holiday songs from the new age for you to add to your playlist this December.
We’ve all been there. You’re chilling at a party and Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ comes on for the thousandth time that night. What’s worse? It’s immediately followed by the deluxe version of Michael Buble’s ‘Christmas’ album that you’ve already heard blasting at the grocery store earlier that day. As great as all classic holiday music is, too much of a good thing can tarnish your love for the songs specifically created to bring you joy. So why not give something else a try?
Every year, many artists have put their own spin on Christmas tunes and even come up with original ones themselves. Some of our favourites include She & Him, Kylie Minogue, and Gwen Stefani – all of which released holiday albums that hit the mark at spreading Christmas cheer. Indie artists like Kacey Musgraves, Phoebe Bridgers, and The Marías have also tried their hand at the task in recent years, and we must say they’ve succeeded as well – producing jazzy, lounge music suitable for intimate nights in.
As such, we’ve prepared a hearty list of underrated songs to add a little variety to your Christmas playlist this December. Whether it’s for quiet nights or popping parties, there’s bound to be a song for every taste amongst the list.
Lounge Music
She & Him
By far the most underrated group when it comes to lounge-friendly Christmas tunes is She & Him. This duo consists of everyone’s favourite quirky girl Zooey Deschanel and her musical partner M. Ward, who have produced two festive albums and their newly-released single ‘Holiday’ for your listening pleasure. Deschanel’s velvety voice will do nothing but help you cosy it up by your makeshift fireplace this Christmas.
Kacey Musgraves and Lana Del Rey
In 2019, indie legends Kacey Musgraves and Lana Del Rey collaborated on a track titled ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’ for Musgraves’ special – ‘The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show’. The acoustic arrangement, coupled with the blend of their angelic voices, make for a soft-sounding tune that’s perfect for intimate gatherings this festive season.
Phoebe Bridgers
This is everything you’d expect from a Phoebe Bridgers Christmas song; soft melodies and the sweet tones of Bridgers’ vocals. This cover of McCarthy Trenching’s classic tune is a great way to end off a night of festivities – perfect for late night slow dances in a vacated room or sleepy chats on the sofa.
The Marías
Known for the sweet sounds of their hushed melodies and vocals, The Marías brought their essence to their holiday song – ‘We’re The Lucky Ones’. This bittersweet tune of yearning and loss is sure to tug at the hearts. “Even though it’s my favourite holiday and immediately gives me a sense of warmth and nostalgia for happier times, it also makes me grieve for the ones who lost their lives and didn’t make it to Christmas,” says the lead singer, María. “I feel like one of the lucky ones. We are all lucky to be alive.”
Norah Jones
Yes, that’s right. Norah Jones is back making music, and this time – it’s in the form of a Christmas record titled ‘I Dream of Christmas’. “I’ve always loved Christmas music but never had the inclination to make a holiday album until now,” says Jones. “Last year I found myself listening to James Brown’s Funky Christmas and Elvis’s Christmas Album on Sunday’s during lockdown for a sense of comfort. In January 2021, I started thinking about making a Christmas album of my own. It gave me something fun to work on and look forward to.” Our favourite song off the record? Christmas Glow.
Sam Fender
Ever heard a Christmas folk song? If you haven’t – boy, are you in for a treat. Sam Fender’s cover of Alan Hull and Lindisfarne’s track ‘Winter Song’ is just about as emotive as you’d expect from him. “I wanted to do a Christmas song, and wanted it to be close to my home and my heart,” says Fender. “For me, the words are more relevant this year than ever. Christmas won’t be the same for a lot of people this year, and that’s why I picked Winter Song.”
Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan Stevens, one of music’s most unconventional artists of all time, is no stranger to Christmas albums for he created an impressive two-part Christmas album that was split into 10 volumes of 100 songs – with one half released in 2006, and the other in 2012. In 2018, Stevens released his previously exclusive song (only one fan was gifted access to the track for 11 years) ‘Lonely Man of Winter’ for all to hear.
Sigrid
For Christmas, Norwegian singer Sigrid put a spin on her 2019 track ‘Home To You’. Now titled ‘Home to You (This Christmas)’, the hopeful tune fully embraces the festive vibe it’s always had. “‘Home To You’ has always had a Christmas spirit since we wrote it. It’s about my hometown and the house I grew up in with my family,” says Sigrid. “I always go back for Christmas, so it felt natural to make a Christmas version. I hope it’ll give some cosy vibes when it’s getting darker outside.”
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Sia
You can’t go wrong with Sia and her powerhouse of a voice. Her eighth studio album – titled ‘Everyday is Christmas’, is a campy take on what we typically expect from holiday music. With 16 songs in the lineup, there’s a song for everyone. Our top pick from the album is ‘Snowman’ – a jazzy yet cute tune to accompany you at Christmas sing-a-longs this December.
Upbeat Tunes
Phoenix - Alone on Christmas Day
Talk about the ultimate reinvention. With the help of actor Bill Murray’s ad-libs, French band Phoenix put a fun spin on a previously unreleased 1979 holiday track by the Beach Boys – ’Alone on Christmas Day’. With the band’s iconic early ‘00s vibe and the use of synthesizers, this eclectic rendition is a different take from what you typically hear blasting from the speakers during the festive season – in the best way.
Kylie Minogue
You may know her for her classic bops like ‘Can’t Get You Out of my Head’ and ‘Spinning Around’, but did you know that Kylie Minogue makes holiday music as well? The pop star can do just about anything, including making festive songs that hit. Our – or rather, this writer’s – favourite Christmas song of all time? ‘100 Degrees’ by Kylie Minogue and her sister Dannii Minogue. A feel-good pop song that will have you on your feet dancing all night long.
Gwen Stefani
If there’s one thing ska and pop extraordinaire Gwen Stefani knows how to do, it’s make a tune catchy. And with every holiday season, comes a new range of songs just for the occasion – including the fan-favourite track ’Under The Christmas Lights’. Even going as far as to collaborate with her Country-known now-husband Blake Shelton on a festive tune, there’s nothing this woman won't do when it comes to celebrating her favourite time of the year.
