10. Wonderful Christmas Time – Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney brings his all for this 1979 release! The upbeat synthesized instrumental track with the jingle bells in the background creates an all-around Christmastime aroma for the listener. This song perfectly balances the classic Christmastime tune with the modern-day pop holiday song, creating a perfect blend of old and new sounds.
9. Little Saint Nick – The Beach Boys
This song is guaranteed to always put a smile on my face! On this holiday track, the Beach Boys manage to maintain their classic cheerful summery sound while singing Christmas lyrics. Their voices blend in perfect harmony, per usual. Overall, this song is a nice and catchy tune that is easy to listen to.
8. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Andy Williams
Andy Williams creates a bold, yet sentimental tale of the holiday season on this holiday track. Williams’ strong voice with the choir-like background vocals and the stunning instrumentals create an overall epic holiday classic, whilst maintaining the happy spirit of the season.
7. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – Darlene Love
Love’s pleading vocals on this track carry the song to another level of astonishing. This track never fails to get me singing along because of its sheer power and how moving it is. Overall, this 1963 holiday classic is a perfect Christmas tune that is a must-listen every holiday season.
6. Underneath the Tree – Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson has the perfect modern-day Christmas song. The bubbly pop atmosphere and the upbeat instrumentals create a sensational Christmas tune. This love song is without many flaws. The saxophone section adds to the positive attitude of the song, and Clarkson’s vocals do nothing but elevate the song to all its glory.
5. Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms
This track is a certified holiday classic! The catchy tune and Helms’ rock-esque vocals take a unique perspective to the old Jingle Bells song that we all know and love. Overall, it is pretty hard not to like this upbeat and concise Christmas tune.
4. All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
Though recently over-commercialized, this Christmas song is an undeniably flawless tune. Mariah’s phenomenal vocals with the bubbly instrumentals create the perfect timeless pop tune. This tale of love is, without a doubt, guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit! (And who can resist singing along?)
3. Santa Claus is Coming to Town – The Jackson 5
Out of the many versions of this classic Christmas tune, The Jackson 5’s is certainly the grooviest. This fun-filled song is a certified holiday banger, and Michael Jackson’s leading vocals serve to elevate the song to its full potential of greatness. I cannot think of a better classic Christmas song.
2. Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – John Lennon and Yoko Ono
This heartbreaking track is full of hope and despair. Lennon’s song leaves the listener’s feeling all sorts of emotions at once, and the children’s choir in the background enhances the bittersweet message of the song. To sum up, this song is a timeless ballad that conflicts with the stereotypical upbeat Christmas song, instead creating a powerful message of hope for its listeners.
1. Last Christmas – Wham!
Last Christmas is a song that is suitable to listen to all year round! It is the tale of a past lover that is extremely danceable. The sad lyrics beautifully contrast with the upbeat holiday cheer in the instrumental. This is one of those songs that is undeniably perfect in every aspect: perfect lyrics, catchy melodies, and a fun tune. I dare to say that this heartbreak-filled track is the best Christmas song of all time.
