Top Ten Holiday Tunes: By Christian Lipski

To me, “Christmas Song” means a song that is about the holiday. I’m not sure what crazed goon chose “My Favorite Things” to include on the Christmas radio station, but I can’t abide by it. That also excludes songs from Christmas specials that are not about the holiday. Like “We’re A Couple Of Misfits” from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer—it’s not about the holiday. Your interpretation may vary, and that’s good.

1. “Most Wonderful Time Of The Year,” Andy Williams

A classic. All about how great the season is, and as a bonus it mentions the treasured Christmas tradition of telling scary ghost stories. WTF? In any case, it makes me feel cozy and warm. “Be of good cheer!”

2. “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band

Recorded live in 1975. For years, the Christmas season didn’t officially start until I heard this song on the radio. I love the loose, live feel of it—you can tell how much fun they’re having, especially at the end when Clarence Clemons “Ho ho ho!”s and makes Bruce laugh.

3. “2000 Miles,” The Pretenders

A kind of updated “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” where the singer misses someone who’s far away. The loping 6/8 tempo fits the jingle bell percussion and Chrissie Hynde’s swooping vocal. I’ll keep you with me wherever I go.

4. “Christmas Is A Time To Say I Love You,” Billy Squier

Squier’s vocal on this song is just perfect—the second half of each verse is a sassy Christmas treat. It’s not a complicated song, which is important for a Christmas song; it has to be easy to remember after a year. And the sentiment is there: make the season about love!

5. “Little Saint Nick,” Beach Boys

I’m doubling up on this one, because there are two versions of this song that are equally wonderful. The original rendition is a stone classic, and how weird was it for a rock band in the early ’60s to write an original Christmas song that has endured like this? True to their nature, it’s mostly about how Santa’s sled is a kool kustom kar.

Then, on the Ultimate Christmas CD, we got to hear basically the same lyrics set to the driving rhythm of their song “Drive-In.” It’s a little harder in attitude, and they get to mention naugahyde. He’s gotta wear his goggles ’cause the snow really flies/And he’s cruisin’ every pad with a little surprise.

6. “Happy Holiday,” Enuff Z’Nuff

Similarly, here’s a more modern rock band writing an original Christmas song, and it’s right in tune. It’s not a humorous metal cover of a classic song or a funny rock song about north poles. It’s about the love of the season, and you should listen up! Even there are smiles among the poor/ They don’t have much but they have love for sure.

7. “Santa Claus Is Back In Town,” Elvis Presley

On the other hand, here’s a song about a Santa with one thing on his mind, and it ain’t candy canes. For some reason, it’s just fine when it’s Elvis singing it. Crazy blues with The King riffing and hamming it up. Hang up your pretty stocking, turn out the light/Santa Claus is coming down your chimney tonight.

8. “Christmastime Is Here,” Vince Guaraldi

The way the children croon these lyrics makes the song ethereal and a little haunting. Or maybe it’s peaceful, with the drummer employing brushes and Guaraldi sprinkling in falling notes throughout. There’s a recording of Scott Weiland (Stone Temple Pilots) singing this live, and he puts an achingly beautiful bend on the last note that I wish was in the original. Oh, that we could always see/Such spirit through the year.

9. “Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy,” David Bowie & Bing Crosby

Kind of a no-brainer for me, but it’s a genuinely pretty song. An early mashup, really, as Bowie sings “Peace On Earth” over Crosby’s “Drummer Boy.” “Peace On Earth” was written specifically for Bowie, as he found “Little Drummer Boy” too low to sing comfortably. A one-in-a-lifetime duet, and if you haven’t seen the video, welcome to it!

10. “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” Mariah Carey

I may take some flak for this, but I love this song. It’s a brilliant homage to Phil Spector’s style. I will not speculate as to how much actual writing Carey did on it, as her co-writer Walter Afanasieff has a pretty long track record with her and other vocalists, but I just can’t hear it enough.

Check out the other Top Holiday Tunes Lists here.