Coldplay's new track 'Christmas Lights'.
Although Christmas music has been playing in stores since October, there are still some jams that will never get old during this season. The CU Independent is here to give the ultimate Christmas playlist.
1. Coldplay – Christmas Lights: Released a mere week ago, Coldplay’s brand new Christmas Lights track is sure to get anyone into the mood. Although the song is a brand new composition, the strings and piano melody give it a very classic Christmas feel. Add the musical complexity of Coldplay, and it adds up to a great song for anyone to enjoy.
2. The Waitresses – Christmas Wrapping: The Waitresses didn’t really make a big impact on popular music during their time (unless you count their pretty annoying single “I Know What Boys Like”) but their holiday song “Christmas Wrapping” was an instant hit. Initially released in 1981, the song is full of fun 80’s sounds, such as jazzy tenor sax solos. Along with the music, the lyrics are a fun, witty, lighthearted love story that are sure to make anyone smile.
3. John Lennon – Happy Xmas (War Is Over): With the 30th anniversary of John Lennon’s assassination occurring this month, there’s no better time to remember this holiday ballad and its message. The song written by the former Beatle is a melancholy song devoted to preaching peace and love during the holiday season. It’s a great song to inspire hope during the Christmas season.
4. Frank Sinatra – Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas: No Christmas is complete without Frank Sinatra. Old Blue Eyes wasn’t the first to sing, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” but his rendition is by far the best. The crooner’s distinct voice brings listeners back to a great time of black-and-white movies and Christmas nostalgia.
5. The Killers – Boots: Another new release, the Killers’ new Christmas single is a melancholy song for the holiday season. With a gentle, yet effective, guitar part in the background and Brandon Flowers’ distinct voice, the song is able to cause goosebumps pretty easily.
6. The Raveonettes – The Christmas Song: Not to be confused with the classic “Christmas Song” (also included in the playlist), The Raveonettes’ Christmas song is a relaxing, hypnotic song for relaxing in front of the tree. Originally released on the OC’s “Chrismukkah” compilation, the song features some interesting harmonies from the duo as well as a fun guitar part.
7. Bruce Springsteen – Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town: Taking a classic holiday song, Springsteen completely revamped “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town” into a fun, energy-driven cover. The Boss’s version includes jazzy guitars, dynamic piano parts and funky drumbeats. For a great rendition on an old classic, look no further than here.
8. Paul Simon – Getting Ready For Christmas Day: Influential singer/songwriter Paul Simon released a brand new Christmas song this November that is sure to become a classic. With a simplistic, upbeat, jumpy guitar part, the song is pure Simon gold. In addition, Simon samples a sermon by the Reverend J.M. Gates, which adds an interesting layer to the song.
9. Sufjan Stevens – Oh Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing: In 2006, folk singer Sufjan Stevens released a box set of five separate Christmas EPs. Entitled “Songs for Christmas,” the albums ranged from pious carols, to popular songs to original compositions. One song from the album, entitled “Oh Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing,” reminds listeners why Christmas even exists, with a simple banjo part and Sufjan’s delicate voice.
10. Paul McCartney – Simply Having A Wonderful Christmas Time: McCartney is the second Beatle to make the playlist with this song, released in 1979. Unlike Lennon’s song, however, McCartney’s tune is one of complete elation. Its interesting synth parts make the song stand out from many other Christmas songs, but its joyous music is complete holiday nostalgia.
11. Nat King Cole – The Christmas Song: Although the song is almost 60 years old now, it is still one of the defining songs of the holiday season. Just hearing the line, “Chestnuts roasting over an open fire…” surely brings back fond memories to anyone who hears it. Although the song was supposedly written in the summer, it is a staple for every Christmas.
12. Mariah Carey – All I Want For Christmas Is You: Yes, it’s played every second of every hour of every day in December. That doesn’t mean that it’s not still a classic Christmas song. Released in 1994, it’s a defining song in our generation’s Christmases. Not to mention, it’s a poppy song that is easy and fun to listen to. The song has been rerecorded and released on Mariah Carey’s new holiday album, “Merry Christmas II You.”
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Matt Glassett at Matthew.glassett@colorado.edu.
