The Best Pop Holiday Music to Get You in the Spirit
Contents
- What is Pop Holiday Music?
- The Best Pop Holiday Music to Get You in the Spirit
- “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey
- “Last Christmas” by Wham!
- “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by Band Aid
- “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” by John & Yoko/The Plastic Ono Band with the Harlem Community Choir
- “Merry Christmas, Darling” by The Carpenters
- “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Judy Garland
- “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” by Bruce Springsteen
- “Step into Christmas” by Elton John
- “Wonderful Christmastime” by Paul McCartney
- “Frosty the Snowman” by Jackson 5
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Time to put on your favorite holiday music and get into the spirit. Here are some of our favorite pop holiday tunes to get you started.
What is Pop Holiday Music?
Pop holiday music is a genre of popular music that includes festive songs associated with the Christmas and holiday season. While the majority of pop holiday songs are variations on traditional Christmas carols or popular secular Christmas songs, there is also a growing subgenre of pop holiday music that includes original songs written specifically for the season. Whether you’re looking for upbeat songs to get you in the holiday spirit or more reflective tracks to help you wind down after a long day of celebrating, there is sure to be a pop holiday song for you. Below are some of our favorite pop holiday tunes.
The Best Pop Holiday Music to Get You in the Spirit
The holidays are a special time of year where family, friends, and loved ones come together to celebrate. What better way to get into the holiday spirit than by listening to some festive music? In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best pop holiday music to get you in the spirit. From classics to modern hits, there’s something for everyone on this list. So, put on your Santa hat, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and let’s get started!
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is one of the most popular holiday songs of all time. Released in 1994, the song became an instant classic and has been played every holiday season since.
Carey’s vocal performance is impeccable, as always, and the production is cheerful and festive. The song is about the pure joy of Christmas and being with the ones you love, which is something we can all relate to.
If you’re looking for a pop holiday song that will get you in the Christmas spirit, look no further than “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
“Last Christmas” by Wham!
“Last Christmas” is a song by English pop duo Wham!, released on Epic Records in 1984, on a double A-side with “Everything She Wants”. It was written and produced by George Michael, and became a huge worldwide hit. The song peaked at number one in several countries, including the United Kingdom, where it became the biggest-selling single of all time by a British artist and the second best-selling single of all time.
“Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by Band Aid
This classic holiday song was written in 1984 by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure in response to the famine in Ethiopia. It was recorded by a supergroup of British and Irish musicians calling themselves Band Aid, and it became a worldwide hit. The song was re-recorded in 1989 and 2004 with updated lyrics to reflect current events, but the original remains the most beloved version.
“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” by John & Yoko/The Plastic Ono Band with the Harlem Community Choir
“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” is a song written by John Lennon and Yoko Ono that originally appeared on their album Some Time in New York City. The song is Lennon’s modern Christmas classic, and it has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
The song was written in 1971 as an anti-war anthem, and it takes on a different meaning in the context of the holiday season. The lyrics are simple and direct, with a message of peace and love that is perfect for the holiday season. The music is catchy and upbeat, making it easy to sing along.
The John & Yoko version of the song became a holiday standard, and it has been covered by many artists over the years. Cyndi Lauper’s version was released as a single in 1984, and it reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Lauper’s version was followed by covers from Billy Idol (1987), U2 (1992), Mariah Carey (1994), Celine Dion (1995), Sheryl Crow (1996), Kelly Clarkson (2013), Pentatonix (2016), and many others.
With its message of peace and love, “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” is one of the most popular holiday songs of all time.
“Merry Christmas, Darling” by The Carpenters
One of the most popular holiday pop songs of all time, “Merry Christmas, Darling” was released by The Carpenters in 1970. The lyrics are written from the perspective of a lover who is away from their partner during the holidays. The song is sad, but ultimately uplifting, and has been covered by many artists over the years.
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Judy Garland
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is a song written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane and introduced by Judy Garland in the 1944 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer musical Meet Me in St. Louis.
The song is about trying to stay positive during tough times, with the hope that better times are on the horizon. The original version of the song had a much more somber tone, but Martin and Blane revised it to be more upbeat after Garland insisted that the film’s overall message should be one of hope.
Despite its initially glum tone, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” has become one of the most popular holiday songs of all time, covered by artists as diverse as Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Kelly Clarkson, and Christina Aguilera.
“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” by Bruce Springsteen
“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” by Bruce Springsteen is a classic pop holiday song that is sure to get you in the spirit. The song was released in 1984 and peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Step into Christmas” by Elton John
This holiday favorite by Elton John is the perfect pop tune to get you into the Christmas spirit. It’s up-tempo, catchy, and sure to put a smile on your face.
“Wonderful Christmastime” by Paul McCartney
While many of McCartney’s holiday tunes are upbeat and jolly, “Wonderful Christmastime” takes a more subdued approach. The track features simple instrumentation, with a steady drum machine beat and gentle piano chords leading the way. bass guitar and sleigh bells can be heard throughout, providing a warm backdrop for McCartney’s vocals. Lyrically, the song is straightforward, with McCartney extolling the virtues of the Christmas season.
“Frosty the Snowman” by Jackson 5
One of the most classic Christmas songs out there, “Frosty the Snowman” is sure to get anyone in the holiday spirit. The Jackson 5’s 1970 version of the song is upbeat and perfect for getting people dancing, no matter their age.