As the holiday season rolls around, so does the ringing of Mariah Carey’s classic holiday hit, “All I Want for Christmas is You”. The song has captivated global audiences since its 1994 release, dominating music charts during the holiday season with its infectious lyrics and iconic melody. While Carey herself may have assumed the illustrious title as the “Queen of Christmas”, the holiday music landscape is far richer than just her Christmas discography.
One artist who has translated her love for the holiday season into her music is pop-princess Sabrina Carpenter with her extended-play album “Fruitcake”. A spin on her hit, “Nonsense”, “A Nonsense Christmas” is a festive remix, true to Carpenter’s signature tongue-in-cheek lyricism and upbeat, catchy melodies. The rest of “Fruitcake” adopts a slower-tempo and 80s-style synth beats, complementing Carpenter’s sleek, dreamy vocals.
Aside from pop, the alternative rock band, The Killers, has also had a notable holiday music run. The band released a Christmas track each year from 2006-2011, culminating in their compilation album, “Don’t Waste Your Wishes”. Most notably, “Don’t Shoot Me Santa”, offers an eccentric and darkly comedic storyline that, though obscure for the holiday genre, is highly welcomed. Lead singer Brandon Flowers’ smooth vocals glide over the intriguing, melodic beat, and the satirical lyrics, create an unconventional but alluring blend.
Most artists have yet to create entire albums dedicated to the holidays, many have released unique singles that bring a fresh sound to the traditional repertoire. In the rap genre, Run-D.M.C’s “Christmas in Hollis” is a lighthearted, funky track, utilizing festive tones, to bring a Christmas sound. However, its comedic lyrics serve as a reminder that holiday music doesn’t have to be particularly traditional. Correspondingly, Kanye West’s “Christmas in Harlem” illustrates a nostalgic, christmas-esque feel without using classic holiday melodies and tempos. Featuring Teyana Taylor and Cyhi The Prynce, the track layers strong, soulful vocals with an intense tempo.
The indie band, the Bleachers released a brand new Holiday record on November 13th, titled, “Merry Christmas, Please Don’t Call”. Opposing traditional holiday cheer, the track is a sorrowful ballad, depicting a melancholic view of Christmas with echoey, somber vocals that contrast upbeat synths. Similarly, Phoebe Bridger’s cover of “Christmas Song” delivers a raw, reflective perspective on Christmas, delving into the sometimes lonesome, pensive feel of the holidays. Originally by folk artist Mccarthy Trenching, the slowed rhythm, background vocals of Jackson Browne, and the equally powerful and tender voice of Bridger’s version reinvents the song, and deliver an emotionally immersive atmosphere.
While Mariah Carey is undoubtedly a defining voice of the holidays, the world of holiday music is vast and varied. There’s a plethora of uniquely festive tracks that often go unnoticed, yet render the holiday spirit in compelling, different ways.
