The Best Soul Music Christmas Songs
Contents
- What Is Soul Music?
- The Best Soul Music Christmas Songs
- “Merry Christmas, Baby” by Otis Redding
- “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” by James Brown
- “White Christmas” by The Temptations
- “Please Come Home for Christmas” by Charles Brown
- “Soulful Christmas” by The Staple Singers
- Why Soul Music Makes the Best Christmas Songs
Looking for the best soul music Christmas songs to get you in the holiday spirit? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of our favorite soulful Christmas tunes to help you celebrate the season.
What Is Soul Music?
Soul music is a genre that combines rhythm and blues and gospel music. It is a music that is deeply emotional and is often associated with the Civil Rights Movement. Some of the best soul music Christmas songs are “O Come, All Ye Faithful” by Aretha Franklin, “Go Tell It on the Mountain” by James Brown, and “Silent Night” by Otis Redding.
The Origins of Soul Music
Soul music is a genre that got its start in the African-American community in the 1950s. It combines elements of gospel, rhythm and blues, and jazz to create a sound that is both unique and powerful. The term “soul” is often used to describe the music’s emotional appeal, which can be heard in the passionate vocals and heartfelt lyrics.
Over the years, soul music has evolved to include different subgenres, such as Motown, Neo-Soul, and Southern Soul. Despite these changes, the genre has retained its original message of hope and love.
One of the best things about soul music is that it can be enjoyed by people of all ages. If you’re looking for some great soul songs to add to your Christmas playlist, here are 10 of our favorites:
1. “Merry Christmas Baby” by Otis Redding
2. “Please Come Home for Christmas” by Charles Brown
3. “Give Love on Christmas Day” by The Temptations
4. “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” by Jackson 5
5. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey
6. “Christmas in Harlem” by Kanye West feat. Teyana Taylor, CyHi Da Prynce & Musiq Soulchild
7. “8 Days of Christmas” by Destiny’s Child
8. “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” by John Lennon & Yoko Ono
9. “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by Band Aid
10. “Soulful Noel” by Aretha Franklin
The influence of Soul Music
When most people think of soul music, they think of the Motown sound of the 1960s or the Philadelphia sound of the 1970s. While these two genres are undoubtedly part of the soul music canon, they only begin to scratch the surface of this truly diverse genre.
Soul music has its roots in African-American gospel and blues traditions, but it has also been influenced by a wide variety of other genres, including jazz, rock, and pop. As a result, soul music has come to encompass a wide range of styles, from the early work of pioneers like Sam Cooke and Otis Redding to contemporary artists like D’Angelo and Alicia Keys.
One of the things that makes soul music so special is its ability to evoke strong emotions. Whether it’s the raw power of Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” or the heart-wrenching balladry of Al Green’s “Love and Happiness,” soul music has a way of connecting with listeners on a deeply personal level. It’s no wonder that so many people consider soul music to be the soundtrack of their lives.
The Best Soul Music Christmas Songs
If you are looking for the best soul music Christmas songs, look no further. This list features some of the greatest soul Christmas songs of all time. From classics like “Merry Christmas, Baby” to more modern hits like “Please Come Home for Christmas”, there is something for everyone on this list. So sit back, relax, and enjoy some of the best soul Christmas music has to offer.
“Merry Christmas, Baby” by Otis Redding
One of the most memorable and well-known soul Christmas songs, “Merry Christmas, Baby” was originally released by Los Angeles-based R&B group the Planters in 1947. The song gained new life when it was recorded by Otis Redding in 1967. Reddings’ version topped the R&B charts and has become a holiday classic.
“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” by James Brown
This 1971 track from the Godfather of Soul is, strangely enough, one of the more upbeat holiday tunes on our list. It’s a perfect example of Brown’s signature funky sound, and it’s sure to get you moving – even if you’re just shaking your head in disbelief that such a thing exists.
“White Christmas” by The Temptations
“White Christmas” is a song by The Temptations, originally released on their 1968 holiday album, A Motown Christmas. The song was written by the group’s bass singer, Melvin Franklin, and produced by Norman Whitfield. Released as a single in November 1968, “White Christmas” peaked at number twenty-two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in December 1968.
The song is notable for being one of the few holiday songs sung by an African American group that was popular with both black and white audiences. In fact, “White Christmas” was so popular that it was re-released as a single in 1971 and again in 1975. In total, the song has sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide.
“White Christmas” has been covered by many artists over the years, including Michael Bublé, Mariah Carey, James Brown, and Whitney Houston.
“Please Come Home for Christmas” by Charles Brown
Released in 1960, “Please Come Home for Christmas” by Charles Brown is a holiday classic. The slow, bluesy ballad paints a picture of a lonely holiday season and has been covered by everyone from Eagles to Darlene Love. It’s the perfect song for anyone who’s missing someone this holiday season.
“Soulful Christmas” by The Staple Singers
“Soulful Christmas” by The Staple Singers is a holiday classic. Released in 1968, the song is a smooth and soulful R&B track that has become a staple of Christmas music. The Staple Singers were an American family musical group who rose to fame in the 1950s and 60s with their gospel and R&B sound. “Soulful Christmas” is one of their most popular songs, and it has been covered by numerous artists over the years. If you’re looking for a soulful Christmas song to add to your holiday playlist, look no further than “Soulful Christmas” by The Staple Singers.
Why Soul Music Makes the Best Christmas Songs
Soul music has a way of getting under your skin and into your heart. It’s the perfect music for Christmas because it’s full of joy, love, and happiness. The best soul music Christmas songs are the ones that make you feel good all over.
The Emotional Power of Soul Music
There’s something about soul music that just hits different during the holidays. Maybe it’s the emotional power of the genre, or maybe it’s the fact that so many Christmas songs were originally written and performed by soul artists. Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that soul music makes the best Christmas songs.
Whether you’re looking for a classic Christmas tune or something a little more modern, there are plenty of soul music Christmas songs to choose from. Here are just a few of our favorites:
-“Merry Christmas, Baby” by Otis Redding
-“Please Come Home for Christmas” by Charles Brown
-“A Rose Is Grown from Concrete” by 2Pac
-“Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight)” by Ramones
-“Christmas in Harlem” by Kanye West ft. CyHi Da Prynce, Teyana Taylor, Musiq Soulchild, Mr Hudson & Peppermint Patty
The Spiritual Power of Soul Music
When it comes to Christmas music, soul songs have a special power. They can make you feel the joy of the season, the love of family and friends, and the hope for a better future.
There are many reasons why soul music is so effective at conveying the spirit of Christmas. First, soul music is all about emotion. The best soul singers are able to communicate a wide range of emotions, from happiness and love to sadness and despair. This ability to connect with our emotions is what makes soul music so powerful.
Second, soul music is often based on personal experience. The best soul songs are those that tell a story that we can relate to on a personal level. When we hear these songs, we can’t help but feel that we’re not alone in our experiences. We can identify with the singer and feel their pain or joy as if it were our own.
Finally, soul music has the ability to transcend time and place. No matter when or where we hear a soul Christmas song, it can transport us back to a specific moment in our lives or remind us of someone we love. The best soul songs have the power to make us feel like we’re right back in that moment, no matter how many years have passed.
If you’re looking for some great soul Christmas songs to add to your collection, here are some of our favorites:
-“Merry Christmas Baby” by Otis Redding
– “Sweet Soul Music” by Arthur Conley
– “Soulful Christmas” by James Brown
– “Please Come Home for Christmas” by Charles Brown
The Cultural Power of Soul Music
When it comes to Christmas music, Soul music offers a unique perspective that is often overlooked. While the genre is typically associated with African American culture, its influence has been felt worldwide. From Motown to contemporary R&B, Soul music has helped to shape the sound of popular music for over 50 years.
And yet, Soul music is often overlooked when it comes to Christmas music. This is likely due to the fact that most Christmas songs are written and performed by white artists. However, there are a number of Soul artists who have released Christmas songs that are truly special. Here are ten of the best:
1. Marvin Gaye – “Purple Snowflakes” (1964)
2. The Temptations – “Silent Night” (1968)
3. The Jackson 5 – “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” (1970)
4. James Brown – “Santa Go Straight To The Ghetto” (1966)
5. Aretha Franklin – “O Come All Ye Faithful” (1970)
6. Otis Redding – “Merry Christmas Baby” (1968)
7. Al Green – “Love And Happiness” (1975)
8. The Spinners – “It’s A Miracle” (1973)
9. Dynasty – “Do You Feel What I Feel?” (1981)
10. Whitney Houston – “Do You Hear What I Hear?” (1987)