The New Age of Christmas Carols: Post-1994 Holiday Hits
The holiday season sees the resurgence of iconic Christmas singers like Mariah Carey, Brenda Lee, and Darlene Love, dominating the airwaves post-Thanksgiving. Despite the timeless appeal of their hits, it appears there haven’t been significant new additions to the Christmas music repertoire since Carey’s 1994 hit. However, there are several noteworthy holiday songs from the 2000s onwards that merit more recognition.
“Ariana Grande’s “Santa Tell Me” (2014) has, over the years, cemented itself as a holiday staple. Grande’s unique vocal style and the blend of contemporary beats with traditional jingle bells make it a modern classic. Particularly notable is the song’s final minute, which features a gospel choir and Grande’s signature falsetto, adding a special festive touch.
Justin Bieber’s “Mistletoe” from his 2011 album “Under the Mistletoe” offers a more subdued holiday tune. Despite its minimal use of sleigh bells, the track exudes a cheerful vibe and showcases a young Bieber at his prime.
Johnnyswim’s cover of “The Christmas Waltz” (2014), performed by Amanda Sudano and Abner Ramirez, is a delightful rendition filled with genuine love, evident in Sudano’s enchanting vocals. Their entire Christmas album adds a romantic flair to any holiday playlist.
The Darkness’s 2003 song “Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End)” from their album “Permission to Land … Again” (20th Anniversary Edition) stands out for its campy style and clever double entendres, securing a high chart position in the UK.
Jim Jones’s “Dipset X-mas Time” (2006), featuring Mel Matrix and Stack Bundles, strikes a unique balance between humor and holiday spirit. Its creative integration of Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime” adds a clever touch to the hip-hop holiday genre.
DMX’s 2012 rendition of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” became a viral sensation for its genuine enthusiasm and unique style, showcasing DMX’s (Earl Simmons) characteristic baritone voice.
Kelly Clarkson’s 2013 track “Underneath the Tree” from her album “Wrapped in Red” quickly became a household favorite. Clarkson’s powerful vocals express a longing for love rather than material gifts during the festive season.
Sia’s “Snowman” from her 2017 album “Everyday is Christmas” stands out for its emotional depth and captivating piano accompaniment, showcasing her rich, powerful voice.
Sam Smith’s 2022 song “Night Before Christmas” offers a more contemplative approach to holiday music, featuring minimal instrumentation and Smith’s piercing falsetto.
Sabrina Carpenter’s 2022 single “A Nonsense Christmas,” a variation of “Nonsense” from her album “Emails I Can’t Send,” is an upbeat addition to any holiday gathering, appealing to both young and older audiences with its playful lyrics.
Tyler, The Creator’s 2018 version of “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” for the animated film “Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch” skillfully balances the original’s essence with contemporary rap elements, supported by an enthusiastic backing choir.
These songs, among others, are featured in our staff holiday playlist on Spotify, offering a fresh take on the season’s music.
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