1 MORE SLEEP UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!
Stream these singles (and more) here (Spotify Playlist)
Read about my top Christmas singles of 2018 here
Read about my top Christmas singles of 2017 here
Read about my top Christmas singles of 2016 here
Read about my top Christmas singles of 2015 here
Read about my top Christmas singles of 2014 here
Read about my top Christmas singles of 2013 here
This is the seventh (!) year of me tracking the new musical experiences that accompany my favourite time of year and each year I wonder if there will be enough enticing new releases to get me through the 60 day countdown to the big day. Mercifully and rather splendidly, every year there is enough music around to exceed my expectations and once again, I'm compiling a list of marvellous new seasonal songs that I know I will be revisiting year after year. I've decided to replicate the countdown style of last year and provide a list alphabetically rather than in my favourite order. It's always subjective and there is so little in-between the songs that in a different frame of mind the number fifteen song could easily be number five. I have picked out my ultimate fave few though so read on and let me know your thoughts...
Saara Alto ~ Christmas Every Day: A song written by Steve Anderson, Kylie , Biff Stannard and Ash Howes (a quartet of talent that know a little about pop and Christmas), this is a beautifully crafted love song that comes with a winter wonderland of a percussive groove, deliriously delicious jingling bells and an achingly insightful vocal from Ms Aalto herself. Add in a euphoric chorus and it's the musical star on top of your tree...
Björn Again ~ Love's Not Just For Christmas: In the year 2174 when ABBA finally get around to releasing those much ballyhooed songs (probably as part of the 100th anniversary celebrations of Waterloo), we'll look back with thanks that Björn Again kept the dream alive with this ABBA-ish ebullient gem. The music casts an enchanting spell on you that makes you want to grab the one you love and shimmy; every Christmas song you've ever loved wrapped up just for you!
Alessia Cara ~ Make It To Christmas: Alessia and her boo are having troubles in their relationship and the lyrics of the song reflect her fervent desire to inject a little magic back into their love as her favourite time approaches. It is an invitation that is hard to refuse, partly because of the genuine sense of wonder and optimism that Alessia projects with her vocal - and partly because of that effusive score which is so sparkling it makes you glad from head to (mistle)toe.
Jamie Cullum ~ Christmas Don't Let Me Down: Jamie sings of his hope that the season will bring a little light into the world, show him the magic that he knows is out there just waiting to be found. His voice is tinged with an elegiac melancholy but ultimately soars with glorious optimism. He works is beautiful harmony with the decadent, rousing instrumental to send tingles of ecstasy shivering down your spine. Love those Victorian era stately horns that give the song a timeless feel.
Jonas Bros ~ Like It's Christmas: Like It's Christmas is an instantly addictive sing-along finger clicking gem that radiates with the festive joy. The great thing about songs like this is how they sound eternal regardless of what trends and fads are dominating the airwaves - even the cover art seems to conjure up memories of Rat Pack Christmas album covers with a jolly red-green font and sprig of ho-ho-holly. And, of course, the song is equally as gleeful and evergreen.
Marie Lind ~ Unwrap My Heart: One of this season's most overlooked gifts! Unwrap My Heart is like a vignette storyline from Love, Actually - the realisation that the magic of the holidays can make anything become possible if you just believe. From the decadent vocal chimes of the opening bars through to that thrilling sleigh ride-esque rhythmic beat, Marie immerses herself in a sumptuous instrumental which buoys her vocal as high as the brightest star in the heavens.
Chris Mann ~ Christmas Love: Well what a delight this is. The words are so vivid and sung with such mellifluous charm by Chris that it makes you feel like dancing along with all those near and dear to you. Plus that enticing chorus seems custom made to both sing-along to and create your own choreography too. Because if performed with a spring in your step, even terrible choreography looks great when you and your loved ones are having as good a time as this song encourages.
Ingrid Michaelson & Jason Mraz ~ Christmas Valentine: Set to a gently strumming guitar with gorgeous cooing backing vocals, the song is about how finding the right person can make every day feel like a holiday. Both Ingrid and Jason give dreamy vocal performances that are saturated in the lilting fairytale they sing of; imbuing each word with a sense of giddy glee that is utterly contagious for the listener. Fair to say I'm entirely smitten and will be having a very merry February.
Taylor Swift ~ Christmas Tree Farm: I'm all for festive tunes that are powered by childhood memories and this is one which deserves a place on the eternal perennial Christmas classic playlist. The song starts with dramatic string-laden introduction that feels it has come from some seasonally themed Bond film yet to be written. It sets the scene perfectly for Taylor to immerse herself in a musical ghost of Christmas past with a joyful score that has peppy percussion, jingling bells and a finger clicking groove to get you shimmying along to every happy moment.
Will Young ~ Christmas Time: Will tells a tale of the beauty of the season while urging all to embrace the message of love, forgiveness and redemption. During the verses he sings with an aching wistfulness, just his vocal and a lilting piano. It gives the sense of intimacy, like a deep conversation with your oldest friend as the snow falls outside. The chorus builds into a wall of sound as sweeping strings come elegantly dancing in, alongside a shuffling percussion - with a refrain that will stay with you well into the new year.
THE I LOVE CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS SONGS TOP 5:
Whilst there is no denying that all of these songs are entirely resplendent, I cannot deny that I do adore a Christmas song which is about how wonderful Christmas is. This year there have been five brilliant new compositions that have spoken to me in ways that validate my love for the season and just given me all sorts of happy vibes. Thanks to these artists for sharing the love - here are the my top 5 songs of 2019...
- Ben Adams & Morissette ~ This Is Christmas: One thing is clear from the opening jingles of the song (including the introductory lyric "this is my favourite time of the year") to the last note - this duo are absolutely loving the season and are having the time of their lives singing this new future Christmas classic song. Their enthusiasm is entirely contagious and it makes for a rollicking romp as exhilarating as the clip clip clomp sound of Santa's reindeer on your roof on Christmas eve. With a chorus as glittering as tinsel and a key change for the ages, this is sheer MAGIC.
- Chantal Keviazuk ~ Christmas Is A Way Of Life, My Dear: Her lovely Christmas album's title track urges you to keep the wonderful sentiments of the season all year round. The narrative eloquently conveys exactly how I feel about Christmas, set to a beautifully sing-along refrain. The enchanting nature of the textured instrumental are enhanced by the deliciously textured backing vocals; it is as if the more Chantal sings her message, the more the joy of the season spreads to all around.
- Meg & Dia ~ December Darling: This song genuinely made me feel like that heart-for-eyes-emoji - it is like they reached into my holiday loving soul and conveyed my feelings in a poignant, mellifluous way that I can never quite manage. The melody is a pretty as a snowflake dancing on the breeze, whilst the vocals feel genuinely sung with a sense of joy just at the gift of being able to perform music that will become an indelible classic. And that is how I know it's December, darling.
- Lea Michele ~ Christmas In New York: This song feels like a lost recording from the archives of Doris Day or Judy Garland. Co-written with Adam Anders, Nikki Anders and Peer Astrom, the song effortlessly conjures up the beauty of the bustling city as it is glistening with frost, lights and people. The words are poetry in motion. Each nuanced moment of the score, every heartfelt word sung by Lea imprints itself on your brain and you are soon singing along as if the music has been a part of your annual Christmas playlist for years.
- Monalisa Twins ~ All I Want Christmas To Be: The craft of this song stands shoulder to shoulder with any musical selection box of more traditional and contemporary classics. Christmas can seem like it has to be done a certain way, which puts pressure on people and can detract from the inherent joy of the season. This captivating song expressively urges you to take to heart the wonder of the season - and it is thoroughly adorable. The words take you to all the Christmases from your childhood and becomes the song for every one in the future.
**Ghosts of Christmas Past**
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