Christmas songs. They really can be a brutal crucifixion. Its saccharine lyrics and its reliance on cliches can be unnerving at best and soul-sucking at worst. Some songwriters jump on the bandwagon to produce Christmas songs that are so blatantly commercial that it’s incredibly obvious that their sole purpose was to make money from their listeners (Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas” is an obvious example), while other songs they are so uninspiring that one wonders why the artist bothered (Ronettes’ version of “Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer” is an obvious example). And the less said about the preaching bullshit that is “Do you know it’s Christmas?” The better (Geldof and Ure, their motives were noble and brave, but the song was complete rubbish!)
But when an artist gets it right, the listener is forced. It may be a bit predictable to say that the effect can be magical, but that word is unavoidable. There is very little time before the day of fidelity approaches, so it is absolutely mandatory that you choose wisely. Here are the top five seasonal picks:
5. The Darkness – Christmas Time (Don’t let the bells end):
A rarity could be said. The Surrey rockers were viewed as an unadulterated tribute band by many during their heyday in 2003, while others saw them as the biggest hoax ever witnessed in hard rock. Are you sure you couldn’t write a Christmas classic? Surprisingly, they did it with a rocker who showed them at their most bombastic. Complete with high falsetto vocals, killer Zeppelin riffs, and Christmas bells, hard not to like?
4. Greg Lake- I believe in Santa Claus:
A song written in protest of the commerciality of Christmas, sung by Prog’s top vocalist. The song’s tinkling acoustic riff is reminiscent of Jingle Bells, which initially inspired Lake to release the track as a holiday. Good thing he did too. The song incorporates Eastern influences that pay homage to the messiah’s birthplace, while at the same time sounding popular enough not to alienate the mainstream Western audience. Plus, it’s a Christmas song, making it a combination of musical and festive timing.
3. Merry Christmas everyone-Slade:
Noddy Holder has frequently stated that he frequently hears a passerby shouting “It’s Christmas! ” in his direction, in homage to the great adlib of this recording. Even if that’s the moment everyone remembers him for, he’s an adlib Holder should be rightfully proud of in a luscious song featuring one of the best backing vocals ever. Additional credit must go to bassist / co-writer Jim Lea for his fantastic keyboard riff heard early on.
two. White Christmas- Bing Crosby:
Okay, it contradicts what was said earlier about cheesy cliches, but it’s hard to avoid the delicious allure of the best-selling Christmas song of all time. With nostalgic lyrics (which can be applied to some of the charm that people feel this time of year) and little piano accompaniment, the song is a great option for you to enjoy the festive celebrations. But avoid hot chocolates and fires, that’s just too much saccharine!
1: New York Fairy Tale: The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl:
You thought you could escape this one, didn’t you? Twenty-five years ago the Shane McGowan and Kirsty MacColl duet about two drunks scolding each other at Christmas was released. Unbelievably, it only reached number 2 on the charts. Despite this, his stature has grown with age. Now considered a celebrated classic, everything about him is brilliant, from the piano chord at the beginning to the orchestrated ending, from McGowan’s hapless singing to MacColl growling the various expletives. Not only is it the best Christmas song of all time, but it is also one of the best songs of all time!