Who Sung it Best: Christmas Carol Edition
https://www.instagram.com/p/-31yYPFIZ1/ Happy holidays, ya filthy animals.
The weather is getting colder, the red cups are out and the ugly sweater parties have begun, because it’s almost Christmas!... or as I celebrate with my family, Chrismukkah (shout out to Seth Cohen and The O.C.). Although a lot of new music came out in the last couple weeks (yes Adele, we're looking at you), December calls for holiday music and holiday music only.
Bored with the same old holiday songs you’ve been listening to? (We get it, Michael Bublé, you can sing). Consider tuning into more low key holiday EPs, albums, songs, and playlists. We're telling you who sung it best.
“Last Christmas”
The original version of this song is written by Wham, but numerous celebrities have created their own versions since. Many female pop stars took over the band’s Christmas hit, including Ariana Grande, Carly Rae Jepson, Cascada, and Taylor Swift. Even the T.V. show Glee performed a killer version of the song, with Lea Michelle’s powerful vocals almost making their version the winner of “who sung it best.” However, my favorite version of the song is by pop punk band, The Maine.
Many people know The Maine for their romantic and fun songs like “Into Your Arms,” but what many people do not know is that the band has their own Christmas EP consisting only of four songs (three originals and the Wham! cover). Check out their song “Ho Ho Hopefully” it’ll make you want to curl up by a Christmas tree with your loved ones.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AUmi6iyQk8[/embed]
“All I Want For Christmas Is You”
The winner of this song is obvious: Mariah Carey kills it. This has become a favorite amongst young adults and teenagers. If this song doesn’t get you in the spirit, I don’t know what will.
Bored of the Mariah version though? Jessie James Decker has a unique version of the song, slowing it down a lot and creating a sort of bluesy vibe to the song. Her whole Christmas album is super cute (like her and husband) and makes you feel like you’re home which is the best place to be at the holidays. Check out “Baby! It’s Christmas.” The old JBiebs has an adorable rendition as well, along with Fifth Harmony and Bublé.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fsRHUAIhmk[/embed]
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman”
Few have covered this song, but when artists do… it’s beautiful. The classic, always sad and emo, Bright Eyes has a version of this song on their Christmas album, which consists of mostly slower, less jolly carols like “Blue Christmas” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” However the best version of this song is by the Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan. The mixture of the male and female vocals is simply perfection and the song will take you into a festive folky trance.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOd1fjkzRBQ[/embed]
“Santa Clause Is Coming To Town”
Sorry Mariah, Bublé, and Bieber, but an older legend is taking the win for this one. This is my favorite Christmas song and it is all because of Bruce Springsteen’s rock version of the song. Other people have tried to replicate Springsteen’s version, like Aerosmith when they performed on Lizze McGuire’s Christmas special back in the day, but nothing beats Springsteen’s take on the classic. The most well known version is when he's performed live. With the live version, you get to see so much character from Springsteen and hear him interact with the crowd and his band.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xOe4GRyebo[/embed]
“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”
Almost every artist who decides to create a Christmas album loves to cover this song. While Mariah’s version is great, U2’s version is the clear winner... it tugs at your heart strings. You can actually really feel Bono begging his girl to come home for Christmas, and the other artists honestly just seem less invested.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmZBC92pgrE[/embed]
Other of my favorites that you may or may not know, but should check out either way. Also, why doesn’t Lana Del Rey have a Christmas album yet?
- “Shake It Up Christmas” – Train
- “Christmas Song” – Dave Matthews Band
- “Please Come Home For Christmas” – The Eagles
- “His Favorite Christmas Story” – Capital Lights
- “Happy Xmas” – John Legend
- “Mistletoe” – Justin Bieber
- “Do They Know It’s Christmastime” – Band Aid
- “Sleigh Ride” – Relient K
- “The Twelve Days of Christmas” – Taking Back Sunday
- “Baby It’s Cold Outside” – Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw
- “Let It Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!” – Michael Bublé
- “A New York Christmas” – Rob Thomas