Christmas songs

While others seemed to be enjoying the original songs from the original artists, the pop culture phenomenon "Glee" has given out a number of Christmas hits ...

Also the title of the show's second Christmas episode, "Extraordinary Merry Christmas," is actually an original written by Criss and Michele for the show. The track was actually the opening song of the show's second Christmas episode on Season Three. Performed by Chord Overstreet on the show's fourth season on its tenth episode, "Glee, Actually."

In a very special holiday interview, the Counting Crows frontman shares his most in-depth recollections ever about writing and recording a seasonal classic ...

(To hear the whole episode, press play above or listen on [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rolling-stone-music-now/id1078431985) or [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/0jCfnXfdYhwIM2I4x7SxZx).) “Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? [“A Long December”](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1D5PtyrewSs) a Christmas song? [discussion](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/best-weirdest-saddest-christmas-songs-1274759/) that runs around,” he says on the new episode of our [Rolling Stone Music Now](https://www.rollingstone.com/t/rolling-stone-music-now/) podcast. Jones.” (Critic Steven Hyden Some of this stuff is hard that I’m going through, and I wish I had a river I could sail away on… And if it’s a Christmas movie to you, then it’s a Christmas movie.

The circumstances that transformed a 1960s American civil rights anthem into a sentimental French Christmas carol are, however, decidedly unusual and remarkable ...

“It’s been played many, many times on the radio and it comes back every year at Christmas time,” Saucier wrote in an email. He turned Sam Cooke’s “Twistin’ the Night Away” into “Laissez-Nous Twister”; Neil Sedaka’s “Going Home to Mary Lou” became “Oh Mary Lou.” The genre was called yéyé music for the shouts of nonsense words, like “yeah,” so common in early rock. In 1973 they released “An American Trilogy” with a loose French translation credited to Herrenschmidt and Bernheim. A melancholic “All My Trials” concludes the piece, representing the suffering of the enslaved. Raised in the South and made famous by northern commercial interests while singing the music of Black Americans, Presley practically embodied “An American Trilogy” in the flesh. (“John Brown’s body lies a-mouldering in the grave/ His soul is marching on!”) With a nudge from her pastor, [Howe decided](https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=hvd.32044025686148&view=1up&seq=324) to pen lyrics of a higher tone. Not a song about snow or Saint Nick, “Noël 70” was a children’s plea for peace during the dark days of the Vietnam War. An FBI agent suggested “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” a march Bobby loved to play and sing at campaign rallies (and which had been sung at Winston Churchill’s funeral three years earlier). “She wanted to elevate ‘John Brown’s Body,’ which had become the most popular song in the Union Army,” says Stauffer. The text then jumps to Jesus’ death and draws a direct parallel between the sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of Americans on the Civil War battlefield. Revival camp tune, abolitionist anthem, battle hymn, labor song, jazz standard, requiem—“The Battle Hymn of the Republic” has been repurposed for nearly every context and genre imaginable in its more than 200-year history. The audience was “carried away,”

Watch 10 festive performances from Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Jennifer Hudson and more.

Feel free to sound off in the comments and let us know your own personal picks. The reality TV singing competition has gifted us with some of music’s biggest superstars since [Kelly Clarkson](https://www.goldderby.com/t/kelly-clarkson/) was crowned the first winner in 2002. Judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan return to critique the contestants.

Up first is “Christmas Tree Farm” by Taylor Swift. Given that Swift grew up on an actual Christmas Tree Farm, this song feels deeply nostalgic—perfect for the ...

A fair few artists have taken on “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” but the version we’re looking at for this list is from Johnny Cash. Together, the pop staples performed an original Christmas tune “Glittery.” While the track sticks close to the hallmarks of holiday music—a cheerful melody and endless references to the 25th—Musgraves and Sivan add in a modern pop flare that makes “Glittery” a welcomed change of pace for any Christmas playlist. He plays the part of a wayward cowboy in this one, developing his own Christmas traditions underneath the sky and the wide open range. He gives solace amid the holidays with his 1975 release “Christmas for Cowboys.” This somber track is tailor-made for cozying up to the fire with hot cocoa in hand. Up first is “Christmas Tree Farm” by Taylor Swift. Bing Crosby’s baritone will lull you to sleep on this one as he croons When I’m worried and I can’t sleep / I count my blessings instead of sheep.

A quick Google search for “nonreligious Christmas carols” will turn up reams of playlists specifically designed to help employers fend off objections from the ...

Good luck convincing a jury you feel religiously oppressed by “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”—it could just as easily be “I’ll Be Home for Taco Night.” This is why a quick Google search for “nonreligious Christmas carols” will turn up reams of playlists specifically designed to help employers fend off objections from the likes of you. If not, can I make them stop on the same religious-freedom grounds that make it illegal for them to have mandatory Christian prayers?

1. O Come, O Come Emmanuel – Joshua Aaron. If you watched the Chosen Christmas special a couple of years ago, you may have caught this very special song. There ...

What a wonderful message to ponder this time of year, when we celebrate the birth of Jesus. As I think about it, Light of the World actually might be my favorite Christmas song. This in definitely not like the version found in your hymnbook and every time we sing it at church, I think of this version. I love this version of the song. I just think it’s awesome to hear Christmas songs in the languages that would have been spoken near the time of Jesus’ birth. There is a palpable joy in this up-tempo soulful tune, that makes me want to tap my feet and sing out loud. This might be one of my favorite Lauren Daigle songs. Below is a list of songs I think you should add to your Christmas playlists this year. Many of these singers are not members of our Church, but they share their love of the Savior through music; and that’s something we can all unite behind. [BYU Vocal Point](https://www.thisweekinmormons.com/2020/05/byu-vocal-point-makes-the-climb/), Mat and Savanah Shaw, and The Piano Guys. And let us know your suggestions for Christmas songs we should add to our playlists. It shouldn’t be a shock to anyone who read’s my articles that I love music.

Metal God Rob Halford salutes the most wonderful time of the year, as he selects his eight favourite Christmas songs.

But as a kid growing up on the Beechdale I was and still am a huge [Beatles](https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-beatles-best-albums-buyers-guide-collection) fan. [Rainbow](https://www.loudersound.com/reviews/rainbow-long-live-rock-n-roll-album-of-the-week-club-review), and he and did that great Hear ‘N Aid charity record many years ago [1986]. We have to have a lady among all these blokes!" War Is Over is an anthem for Christmas and the message is as pertinent now as it was in 1971. You asked me to pick a song that has a strong emotion and a moving message, well this is it. [British Steel](https://www.loudersound.com/features/judas-priest-the-making-of-british-steel) in John and Yoko’s old house [Tittenhurst Park, Ascot], so this is particularly pertinent to me. Ronnie and I were good mates and I still stay in touch with [ex-wife and manager] Wendy. And Quo still go out, even though Rick [Parfitt] is gone and it’s just {Francis] Rossi and the lads. His rendition of this particular track is a special one, but I loved everything the guy ever did. But the sheer volume of music he left behind is a fantastic gift." [Wizzard frontman] Roy Wood is a Midlands lad, like me and Noddy. [Slade frontman] Noddy Holder and I both grew up on the Beechdale estate in Walsall.

We can pause that Mariah Carey perennial hit or even that Michael Buble ballad that we have been playing and listen to this brand new covers and songs for ...

Cabello broke the internet when at a performance, she pronounced Christmas as " Overstreet, a "Glee" alum, got back to the recording studio to record his new song, a carol recalling his love for the holidays. Sabrina Carpenter defied expectations on her new album "Emails I Can't Send." "Santa Baby" is also the title of Keys' first album, where the now-famous cover came from. People are so used to hearing the same Christmas songs (and covers) over and over again. [sultry and blues flair](https://www.npr.org/2022/12/16/1143120528/youll-find-alicia-keys-new-record-santa-baby-winking-under-the-mistletoe) on the perennial hit.

Every year musicians across the globe attempt to release a classic new Christmas song that will worm its way into our hearts and give us some respite from ...

It's a wonderful showcase of Clarkson's considerable vocal talents, including a holiday choir filled with her own backing tracks. [Christmas eve](/topic/christmas-eve), wrap yourself in a warm blanket, and listen to some of the best [Christmas songs](/topic/christmas-songs) to get into the mood for celebration. The endearing lyrics and charming vocals of Justin Bieber in this song will instantly make you feel elated.

The soulful rendition of “Let It Snow,” which was sung by Boyz II Men and Brian McKnight, is a staple throughout the holiday season and deserves to be played ...

New Delhi [India], December 24 (ANI): As the whistling winter breeze engulfs the night this Christmas eve, wrap yourself in a warm blanket, and listen to ...

It’s a wonderful showcase of Clarkson’s considerable vocal talents, including a holiday choir filled with her own backing tracks. The endearing lyrics and charming vocals of Justin Bieber in this song will instantly make you feel elated. New Delhi [India], December 24 (ANI): As the whistling winter breeze engulfs the night this Christmas eve, wrap yourself in a warm blanket, and listen to some of the best Christmas songs to get into the mood for celebration.

Building your holiday weekend playlist? These soulful Christmas classics are sure to set the tone this season.

Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/GettyIn 2018, Miley Cyrus lit up the internet with what almost every headline writer called a ...

https://youtu.be/a8qE6WQmNus For your Christmas Eve listening pleasure, I thought I'd share my top 10 Christmas song list. What are your favorites? 10.

[“Merry Christmas Baby,”](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEyV8gnC4aQ) Otis Redding. We all love the “Hallelujah Chorus,” but these two pieces, which come right after the “Symphony” (the overture), are my favorites. [“Comfort Ye My People”](https://youtu.be/lFjQ77ol2DI?t=200) (3:20) and [“Ev’ry Valley Shall Be Exalted”](https://youtu.be/lFjQ77ol2DI?t=405) (6:45) — one piece, really, from Handel’s “Messiah.” This version is by the Academy of Ancient Music. [“Christmas Morning,”](https://youtu.be/Ww7gdF81X8M) Lyle Lovett. [“River,”](https://youtu.be/OLHxxBTl71I) Joni Mitchell. What are your favorites?

The opening trumpets of 'Stop the Cavalry' or Noddy Holder screaming “IT'S CHRIIIISSTTMAAAAS” are enough to inspire Vietnam style flashbacks for many. And no, ...

Listen to the new Christmas songs from Eurovision stars, including music by Kalush Orchestra, Poli Genova, Subwoolfer and more.

Armenia’s Eurovision 2014 star is celebrating “Nor Tari” (“New Year”). The Romanian folk song runs through the Biblical Christmas story, which is also portrayed in the music video: “Jesus the Son on earth / We bring wishes as a gift / Happy New Year holidays”. [first released by the band Līvi](https://youtu.be/fI3Z4GmTraE). Latvian TV channel TV3 will begin welcoming in the New Year with TV show Nākamā pietura – 2023 (Next stop – 2023). Paula Seling has gifted us “Cel Mai Frumos Colind” (“The Most Beautiful Carol”). “Having Grandma Here For Christmas” is a comedic pop track that plays on what it truly means to have your family around for the holiday: “Then use your bathtub as a baking tray / Be sure that you remove the giblets then / Wait for the fun to begin / We’re having grandma here for Christmas, Ooh”. Iceland’s Eurovision 2022 trio have released a cover of “Silent Night”. One of the newly-written songs is “Happy Face”, which Bulgaria’s two-time Eurovision star released a music video for ahead of the album release. The Eurovision 2009 runner-up delivers a mid-tempo track with a key change three quarters of the way through. Musically, “Her vi hører til” (“Here we belong”) is a beautiful ballad that captures the feeling of snow gracefully falling from the sky. “When I look at you / And when you look at me / Will it be clear / This is where we belong”. “In anticipation of the Christmas holidays, everyone wants a miracle.

“Let it Snow! · “Santa Baby” – Eartha Kitt · “The Christmas Song” – Nat King Cole · “I Believe in Father Christmas” – Greg Lake · “It's the Most Wonderful Time of ...

Hearing an old man sing the Irish ballad “The Rare Old Mountain Dew”, he begins to dream about the past, and so begins the story of two people who fell in love in America, only to see their plans of a bright future dashed. As with “Fairytale of New York”, you have an upbeat, cheerful rhythm and chirpy instrumentation, against the melancholy of unrequited love in the lyrics, with the suggestion that it was given away too hastily (“This year, to save me from tears/I’ll give it to someone special”). As a contestant/Mariah stan [“stalker fan”] told the star he loved “All I Want for Christmas is You“ and hailed it as the “best modern-day Christmas song”, Minaj threw a little shade by saying: “It sure was, wasn’t it?”, emphasis on the ”was“ very much intended. The English singer-songwriter never intended “Stop the Cavalry” to become a Christmas single, but the festive mention in the line “I wish I was at home for Christmas”, along with the addition of a Salvation Army brass band and tubular bell, was enough to convince listeners. Eartha Kitt’s huskily delivered letter to Santa Claus is undoubtedly the sexiest Christmas song of all time, and has been covered by everyone from Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift to Madonna (I don’t talk about Madge’s attempt) and Michael Buble. Dean Martin’s smooth, rich voice is as warming as a good glass of whisky; paired with sweeping, romantic strings and a chirpy flute, “Let it Snow!” conjures up images of stockings hanging up over the chimney, a Christmas tree glinting with baubles, and a frost-tinted window with snow falling outside.

Christmas music is one of the staples of the festive period, as new and old songs battle for prominence over the holidays. For some, hearing a Christmas ...

[told the BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/articles/2458d692-b9ee-4afe-b119-9caed3570396). However, Christmas music could have benefits for those who enjoy it, as music has been found to help with mental and physical health in a number of scientific studies. There is strong evidence for the link between listening to music you enjoy and mental wellbeing. All the sources used in our checks are publicly available and the FFS fact-checking methodology [can be viewed here]. [became popular](https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/discover/the-history-of-christmas-carols) in the Victorian times, although some can be traced back to the middle ages. [common claim](https://twitter.com/UberFacts/status/1336129956313784320) at this time of year is about the impact festive tunes can have on people’s mental health. This is not the case for everyone. And of all music, Christmas probably gives the strongest of those reactions.” out Christmas music because if they don’t, it really does make you unable to focus on anything else. [another interview](https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/articles/2458d692-b9ee-4afe-b119-9caed3570396) with the BBC, Blair stressed there had been “no research on the impacts of Christmas music specifically”. [to Sky News](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1972902619390992) in 2017 about the impact of Christmas music on shopworkers where it is regularly played. [Jesus Refulsit Omnium](https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/christmas-carol-songs-oldest-holiday-6821575/) (‘Jesus illuminates all’ in English) and [Corde Natus Ex Parentis](https://www.hymnologyarchive.com/hymnus-omnis-horae) are thought to have been written in the 4th century.

Nothing gets people into the festive spirit more than Christmas songs playing on the radio, in shops and on the TV in the build up to Christmas Day.

VANNA – BOŽIĆ BILI DALMATINO – BOŽIĆ BIJELI OLIVER DRAGOJEVIĆ – BIJELI BOŽIĆ

A glimpse behind the Bing Crosby holiday hit, "Mele Kalikimaka," will find what most every Christmas song holds in its words. Read here.

Crosby was a longtime visitor of the Aloha State and was a faithful golf partner of Anderson’s. The song was apparently inspired by something a colleague at Vonn Hamm-Young said to him around the holidays. But ditch the “White Christmas” and forget about walking in a “Winter Wonderland,” this Hawaiian Christmas song will have you longing for sand and surf during the holidays. So as the song goes, Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say / On a bright Hawaiian Christmas day. Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright, the verses are leisurely sung by Bing Crosby, backed by the Andrews Sisters. The words are tender and welcoming against a sway-inducing arrangement.

In 1972, following the release of 'What's Going On' the year before, Marvin Gaye recorded two Christmas songs that Motown declined to release. Listen here.

When Gaye pitched the two recordings, ‘I Want to Come Home for Christmas’, and its B-side, ‘Christmas in the City’, they were sadly rejected by Motown and remained unreleased until the 1990s, when they were both released on separate compilations. The song’s subject laments that he won’t be able to go home to see his family at Christmas; the song brings a darker tone when the listener discovers that the subject is a prisoner of war in Vietnam. The album’s songs are sung from the imagined point of view of a Vietnam veteran returning to his home country only to encounter hatred, poverty, and injustice.