Christmas is still a month away, but it doesn’t stop the holiday cheer from starting early. There might be people who frown upon beginning the Christmas festivities before Thanksgiving has even arrived — and their sentiments are well founded — yet how can people not begin celebrating one of the best holidays ever?
In lieu of a normal music review, this week’s will honor the top holiday songs that everyone should have on repeat until the New Year. These classic tunes from some of the music industry’s most iconic personalities will bring holiday joy to all.
“Baby It’s Cold Outside” Doris Day and Bing Crosby
Doris Day’s charming voice and Bing Crosby’s distinct bass-baritone meld together perfectly to breathe holiday magic into wintertime favorite “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” The duet has become an instant classic because of its sassy lyrics and playful rhythm. It’s a fun song on its own, but being sung by Day and Crosby adds something really special to the track since they were such icons during the Golden Age of Hollywood.
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” Brenda Lee
Holiday celebration is not possible without listening to this song at least once. Brenda Lee’s interpretation of the track gives Christmas tree rockin’ a classy transformation because it’s paired with a simple bandstand instrumentation. It’s not flashy, but that’s what makes the song a class above. Lee’s voice carries the tune fabulously and doesn’t need glitz and glam to make it a catchy song. Simplicity is best when it comes to Christmas songs.
“White Christmas” Dean Martin
It was difficult to decide which icon to place as the must-hear voice for “White Christmas,” but the charismatic and talented Dean Martin has one of the best. As a popular TV personality and singer of the 50s, Martin’s smooth crooning gives the song a little bit more oomph and makes the classic lyrics more magical, which adds to the Christmas spirit.
“The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)” Nat King Cole
Worldwide jazz entertainer Nat King Cole uses his baritone voice in bringing listeners a very merry Christmas. Cole’s legacy is infinite and his rendition of the beloved song makes it a catchy tune. Similar to Crosby and Martin, Cole’s suave persona gives the song some extra character that sets it apart from other versions.
“Sleigh Ride” Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald’s “Sleigh Ride” is a jazzy track that shows off Fitzgerald’s flawless and captivating voice. Her version of the song is unique in that she adds her own flares through her signature scat vocals. Fitzgerald is a legend and any song sung by her should automatically become a classic included in everyone’s playlists.
“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” Bing Crosby
Crosby’s deep, entrancing voice is the best aspect of “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.” One of the greatest Hollywood entertainers, Crosby’s distinctive voice made him a Christmas song regular. He’s recorded various songs himself and is also featured on various other artists’ Christmas work. Similar to Fitzgerald, Crosby is another classic Christmas voice who should be listened to during the holiday season.
“Winter Wonderland” Louis Armstrong
Louis “Pops” Armstrong gives “Winter Wonderland” his distinctive jazz treatment by letting his gravelly voice transform the song. There’s no doubt that Armstrong makes the song entirely his own, and that’s what makes this version of the song so great. It’s a beautiful song that showcases the voice and personality of Armstrong that has captivated the world magnificently during and since his lifetime.
“Let it Snow” Frank Sinatra
The always smooth and debonair Frank Sinatra had quite the run as an entertainer during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Known for his cool cat ways and stellar voice as a member of the Rat Pack, it was only a matter of time until Sinatra recorded his own Christmas album and lent his voice to other holiday songs. This version of “Let It Snow” captures Sinatra’s signature talent — crooning — and gives the holiday classic some much-needed Rat Pack class.
“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” Elvis Presley
No holiday season is complete without Mr. Blue Suede Shoes, Elvis Presley. “The King” unleashes his sultry warble on the Christmas classic and turns it into a down-tempo masterpiece. The song highlights Presley’s vocal talent and his versatility as a performer. Although rock ‘n’ roll was his thing, Presley reveals that he can conquer Christmas tunes as well.
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” Judy Garland
Beloved Judy Garland gave her two cents in the holiday music genre as well during the Golden Age. Garland’s version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” showcases Garland’s unique voice and makes all those who listen merry with holiday spirit. The song itself is a classic and when paired with Garland’s iconic persona, becomes a definitive Christmas track that everyone must listen to during the holidays.
These 10 holiday classics are mandatory additions to anyone’s winter playlist. Performed by iconic entertainers, every song on the list should be listened to in order to get the full Christmastime experience. The holidays rock, and what a better way to celebrate them then by listening to some greats sing some of the best Christmas songs around?
