The Best Soul Christmas Music Songs

The holidays are a time to reflect on the year that has passed and to enjoy the company of loved ones. What better way to do that than with some great soul Christmas music? Here are some of our favorite songs to get you in the holiday spirit!

What is Soul Christmas Music?

Soul Christmas music is a genre of popular music that originated in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s. It combines elements of African-American gospel music, rhythm and blues, and sometimes jazz. Soul Christmas music has been described as “the sound of inner city Black America”.

The History of Soul Christmas Music

Soul Christmas music has its roots in the African-American church tradition, where spirituals and gospel songs were full of double meanings and hidden messages. In the 1960s, soul artists like James Brown, Otis Redding, andAretha Franklin took these sounds and turned them into something new: a style of music that was both religious and secular, joyous and melancholy, personal and political.

In the 1970s, soul Christmas music reached its peak with classics like “Merry Christmas Baby” by Charles Brown, “Please Come Home for Christmas” by Bell Biv DeVoe, and “Back Door Santa” by Clarence Carter. These soulful holiday tunes remain some of the most beloved Christmas songs of all time.

The Best Soul Christmas Music Songs

Christmas is a time for family, friends, and of course, music. There are so many great soul Christmas songs that it can be hard to decide which ones to listen to. Here are 10 of the best soul Christmas songs to get you in the Christmas spirit.

“Merry Christmas Baby” – Otis Redding

“Merry Christmas Baby” is a soul Christmas music standard written by Lou Baxter and Johnny Moore. It was originally performed by R&B group the Charms in 1954. The tune was a hit forholiday single for Otis Redding in 1967 and figure prominently in the soundtrack to the 2003 film “Love Actually”.

The song has been covered countless times by artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Sting, Hall & Oates, and Christina Aguilera.

“Santa Claus is Coming to Town” – James Brown

“Santa Claus is Coming to Town” is a Christmas song written by John Frederick Coots and Haven Gillespie and first sung on radio by Eddie Cantor in November 1934. According to the BMI database, “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” was the second most played radio song during the 20th century, second only to “White Christmas”.

The song was first recorded by Eddie Cantor on November 1934. It was released as a single (Brunswick Records Catalogue No. 7488) and became a huge hit, reaching the No. 1 position on Billboard’s “Hits of the Week” chart for the week ending December 8, 1934. In the British Isles, it charted at No. 2 in 1935.

“Please Come Home for Christmas” – Charles Brown

“Please Come Home for Christmas” is a soulful holiday ballad recorded by American singer-songwriter Charles Brown. The song was first released in 1960 and has become a Christmas classic, covered by a number of artists over the years.

Brown’s original version of the song features his signature smooth, soulful vocals backed by a simple piano melody. The lyrics tell the story of a lonely man who is missing his love during the holidays and pleading for her to come home.

Despite its sad storyline, “Please Come Home for Christmas” has a warm and uplifting feeling that makes it perfect for any holiday gathering. If you’re looking for a soulful Christmas song to add to your playlist, this one is sure to please.

“Soulful Christmas” – Aretha Franklin

“Soulful Christmas” by Aretha Franklin is one of the best soul Christmas music songs. The song was released in 1968 on the holiday album, This Christmas, Aretha. The album was a commercial success, peaking at number two on the Billboard 200 chart and selling over half a million copies in the United States. “Soulful Christmas” was written by Franklin and gifted to her by producer Jerry Wexler. The song is a slow-tempo ballad with lyrics about the true meaning of Christmas. Musically, the song features Franklin’s gospel-style vocals backed by a choir and an orchestra. “Soulful Christmas” is a classic soul Christmas song that has been covered by many artists, including Whitney Houston, Gladys Knight, and Celine Dion.

“Christmas in Harlem” – Kanye West

A holiday favorite, “Christmas in Harlem” is a soulful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. Kanye West’s poignant lyrics paint a picture of a city that is bustling with holiday cheer, yet still has room for reflection and peace. The perfect song to get you in the Christmas spirit!

Why Soul Christmas Music is the Best

Soul Christmas music is the best because it has a unique sound that is unmatched by any other genre. The Christmas songs that are considered to be soul music have a sound that is influenced by gospel, R&B, and funk. This makes for a sound that is festive and fun, but also has a message of love and peace. If you are looking for Christmas music that is different from the rest, then you need to check out some of the best soul Christmas music songs.

How to Get Into the Soul Christmas Music Mood

If you’re looking to get into the soul Christmas music mood, we’ve got just the playlist for you. These are the best soul Christmas music songs to get you in the holiday spirit.

“Merry Christmas, Baby” – Otis Redding
One of the best soul Christmas songs of all time, this 1967 Otis Redding classic always gets us in the holiday spirit. It’s the perfect song for snuggling by the fire with a loved one.

“Santa Claus is Coming to Town” – Jackson 5
No soul Christmas music playlist would be complete without this holiday classic from the Jackson 5. This song is sure to put a smile on your face and get your toes tapping.

“Please Come Home for Christmas” – Charles Brown
This 1960 soul Christmas song from Charles Brown is a timeless classic. It’s a beautiful, sentimental ballad that will tug at your heartstrings and make you long for Christmases past.

“Soulful Strut” – Young-Holt Unlimited
This 1968 instrumental soul Christmas tune from Young-Holt Unlimited is perfect for getting into the festive mood. The funky groove is impossible to resist and will have you dancing in no time.