10 Christmas Songs By People You Didn’t Know Did Christmas Songs

I don’t know about you but every year we hear the same Christmas songs over again. Now don’t get me wrong, sometimes you can’t beat a good singalong (or at least an attempt at a singalong) with Mariah Carey, but sometimes a little variety can be refreshing! So on my hunt for variety I’ve decided to compile a list of ten artists you didn’t know did Christmas songs to soundtrack your day:

1. SUFJAN STEVENS: LONELY MAN OF CHRISTMAS

Sufjan Stevens, well known for providing songs such as Mystery of Love which featured in Call Me By Your Name, has written a beautifully calming song to get us in the Christmas spirit. Whilst it may not be a traditionally upbeat song for the day, the intertwining melodies behind Sufjan’s poetic lyrics makes a wonderful song for a chilly Christmas morning walk.

2. BOB DYLAN: MUST BE SANTA

Now this may be one that a fair few people knew about, but it is fair to say that Bob Dylans Must Be Santa does not get played enough! The song was originally released by Mitch Miller in 1960 but in 2009 was covered by Dylan who at least doubled the tempo to create this fun Christmas song. The fast paced singalong version of the ‘I went to the shop and got a…’ memory game has it all: a description of santa, a list of all the reindeers, and even an accordion solo! Pop this on after a few drinks and you’ll have all the family dancing.

3. DOLLY PARTON: HARD CANDY CHRISTMAS

In 1982 the country music queen, Dolly Parton, released her festive break-up song Hard Candy Christmas. With its undeniably catchy chorus, this is a must listen Christmas song which, whilst harbouring an emotional undertone, is certainly a feel good track.

4. RAMONES: MERRY CHRISTMAS (I DONT WANT TO FIGHT TONIGHT)

Whilst this one may not be so popular with your grandma, it certainly brings some variation to the classic Christmas playlist. The infamous Ramones, who some may know as the creators of the Blitzkrieg Bop, added their take on a festive song at the end of their 1989 album Brain Drain. The fusion of festivity and heavy guitars, whilst not a common occurrence, has created the perfect song for those who want to spread the Christmas spirit without having to leave behind their love of punk music.

5. PHOEBE BRIDGERS: IF WE MAKE IT THROUGH DECEMBER

In 2020, Phoebe Bridgers provided an alternative take on the conventional Christmas song expectations. Her classically conversational and emotional lyrics has created a song which exposes the more sorrowful elements of the Christmas period. However, with the accompaniment of a simple line of continuous arpeggiated piano chords, she has created what can only be described as a beautiful sound.

6. CIRCA WAVES: MISS CHRISTMAS

The band who are famous for creating a summer favourite ’T-Shirt Weather’ decided to take on another season with their release of Miss Christmas in 2020. This indie-pop festive song captures the difficulties faced within the year of lockdowns whilst simultaneously appreciating the beauty of gathering with family over the Christmas period to create a wonderfully heart-warming tune.

7. BLOSSOMS: CHRISTMAS EVE

In 2020 the festive single Christmas Eve was released and certainly has the undeniably unique sound of Blossoms. With harmonies of children singing behind a recording of uninterrupted Christmas bells, this song is guaranteed to create a cheery atmosphere this Christmas day.

8. LOU REED: XMAS IN FEBRUARY

Lou Reed, famous for being the frontman for Velvet Underground, released his alternative vision of a Christmas song in 1989. The song uses spoken word to describe the story of a soldier’s hope for Christmas in February, a must-listen for those seeking something separated from the classic pop tunes for this time of year.

9. B.B. KING: CHRISTMAS COMES BUT ONCE A YEAR

The infamous B.B. King released not only this song but a whole Christmas album in 2001. Pop this festive blues song on and you’re guaranteed to have the whole family dancing around the living room on Christmas evening.

10. BECK: THE LITTLE DRUM MACHINE BOY

This last ones for the experimental readers here. In 1996, Beck, famous for songs such as Loser, released a seven minute long hanukkah themed Christmas song. Of course featuring a drum machine, this song has multiple elements that many may say do not even make sense and experimental vocals that may not be for everyone. However there is something completely unique and intriguing by this alternative rap-funk song that somehow makes it an enjoyable listen.

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photo credit: RTE website

article written by Honey Hipgrave