50. Joy to the World
Artist: Nat King Cole
Writer: Isaac Watts (1719)
Recorded Year: 1962
Genre: Religious Hymn
Significance: This is a very simple yet iconic Christmas song that is one of the oldest. Dating back to the 1700s it was written by an English minister, Isaac Watts celebrating Psalms 98:4. It is one of the most covered published Christmas carols since.
49. Blue Christmas
Artist: Elvis Presley
Writer: Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson (1948)
Recorded Year: 1964
Genre: Rock-n-Roll
Artist: The Beach Boys
Writer: Brian Wilson and Mike Love
Recorded Year: 1963
Genre: Rock-n-Roll
48. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
Artist: Frank Sinatra
Writer: Richard Storrs Willis (1850)
Genre: Religious Hymn
Significance: Another very old, religious, and classical song composed by Richard Storrs Willis. The melody is actually written for a poem of the same name written by Edmund Sears. It is a very beautiful song.
47. Christmas in the Stars
Writer: Maury Yeston
Year: 1980
Genre: Pop
Significance: This is a very personal preference for me having grown up obsessed with Star Wars. I believe it was my aunt Gily who bought this Christmas album for my birthday, and I couldn't get enough of it. I remember Philip and I enjoyed every song on this Christmas album, especially this opening song. It later became a tradition to start every Christmas season at Thanksgiving with this album.
45. Feliz Navided
Artist: Jose Feliciano
Writer: Jose Feliciano
Recorded Year: 1970
Genre: Latin Rock
44. Run Run Rudolph
Writer: Johnny Marks
Recorded Year: 1958
Genre: Rock-n-Roll
43. Jingle Bells
Artist: Frank Sinatra
Writer: James Lord Pierpont (1857)
Recorded Year: 1957
Genre: Pop
Significance: There are many many versions of this old classic American song written by James Lord Pierpont in 1857. It is probably one of the oldest Christmas recordings, dating back to 1889. The version I have included here is the upbeat rendition by Frank Sinatra with the choral spelling out the J-I-N-G-L-E bells.
Artist: Andy Williams
Writer: Irving Berling (1942)
Recorded Year: 1963
Genre: Pop
41. This Christmas
Artist: Donny Hathaway
Writer: 1970
Recorded Year: 1970
Genre: Soul
Significance: Another original song by the soul artist Donny Hathaway. It provides an upbeat R&B version of an African-American man in the Christmas spirit.
Artist: David Seville
Writer: Ross Bagdasarian
Recorded Year: 1958
Genre: Pop
Significance: Yet another very original Christmas song performed by the popular animated Alvin and the Chipmunks. The trademark of this song is the ridiculously high-pitched notes blended with perfect harmony and melody.
39. The First Noel
Artist: Frank Sinatra
Writer: William Sandys and Davies Gilbert (1833)
Recorded Year: 1957
Genre: Religious Hymn
Significance: Yet another very old classical song from the Cornish people of the United Kingdom. It has been covered by many artists and remains one of the more iconic Christian songs at Christmas time.
Artist: The Eagles
Writer: Charles Brown (1960)
Recorded Year: 1978
Genre: Rock
37. Caroling, Caroling
Artist: Nat King Cole
Writer: Nat King Cole
Genre: Easy Listening
Recorded Year: 1962
36. Merry Christmas Baby
Artist: Otis ReddingWriter: Lou Baxter and Johnny Moore (1947)
Recorded Year: 1967
Genre: Soul
Significance: Yet another popular soul version of Christmas covered by Chuck Berry and Bruce Springsteen but best performed by the famous Otis Redding.
35. I Saw Three Ships
Artist: Nat King Cole
Writer: William Sandys (1833)
Recorded Year: 1962
Genre: Religious Hymn
34. I Saw Momma Kissing Santa Claus
Writer: Tommie Conner (1952)
Recorded Year: 1970
Genre: Soul
Significance: Originally recorded by the Ronettes, this covered version by the Jackson 5 has to be the most popular track on their Christmas Album. The album has become a family tradition and was given to me by my friend Sergio.
33. O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Artist: Lauren Daigle
Writer: John Mason Neale (1861)
Recorded Year: 2016
Genre: Religious Hymn
Significance: This old Christian hymn was translated by John Mason Neale in 1861 pertaining to the biblical passage of Matthew 1:23. It has a very powerful and enigmatic appeal to it and was one of my favorite religious songs, especially since my confirmation name was Emmanuel. This recent cover of the song by Lauren Daigle is my favorite version.
32. There's No Place Like Home for the Holiday
Artist: Perry Como
Writer: Robert Allen and Al Stillman
Recorded Year: 1954
Genre: Pop
31. Santa Baby
Artist: Eartha Kitt
Writer: Philip Springer
Recorded Year: 1953
Genre: Jazz, Pop
Significance: A somewhat provocative yet playful song of a woman asking Santa for expensive gifts. Their are many versions of this song, sometimes associated to Marilyn Monroe, however this version by Eartha Kitt was the original and most popular version.
30. Good King Wenceslas
Artist: Bing Crosby
Writer: John Mason Neale (1853)
Recorded Year: 1957
Genre: Religious Hymn
Significance: Yet another very classical Christian hymn translated by English hymwriter John Mason Neale. This song is especially enjoyable for me as it is a reference to the feast of St. Stephen (which is the day after Christmas).
29. Jingle Bell Rock
Artist: Bobby Helms
Writer: Bobby Helms
Recorded Year: 1957
Genre: Rock
Significance: The catchy songs screams of 1950s rock-and-roll with it's electronic guitar and sleigh bells. I recognize the song from many iconic Christmas movies such as Jingle All the Way.
28. Hey Santa!
Writer: The Wilson Sisters
Recorded Year: 1993
Genre: Pop
Significance: This is an example of a modern hit that has infused itself in the popular Christmas tunes. It's an upbeat melody of two women harmonizing and wishing for Santa to bring their baby back on Christmas.
27. Twelve Days of Christmas
Artist: Bing Crosby
Writer: Frederic Austin (1780)
Recorded Year: 1949
Genre: Pop
Significance: The very old traditional hymn is a reference to the European celebration of the Twelve Days of Christmas also known as the Twelvetide. The song has been reformatted various times and took it's more popular version we know it as today in 1909. It's a playful countdown of presents offered on the 12 days of Christmas.
26. Baby It's Cold Outside
Writer: Frank Loesser (1944)
Recorded Year: 1962
Genre: Soul, Pop
Significance: Once again a popular song with many versions of a man trying to convince a woman to stay in with him. The song is quite provocative and somewhat controversial for it's hints of sexual harassments yet still considered a very popular Christmas classic. This version by Ray Charles and Betty Carter has the best harmonic melody to it.
25. Let it Snow
Artist: Dean Martin
Writer: Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn (1945)
Recorded Year: 1959
Genre: Pop
24. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Writer: Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane
Recorded Year: 1944
Genre: Easy Listening
Significance: Not long after her fame from Wizard of Oz, Judy Garland introduced one of this very emotional Christmas songs. The song was originally produced for the film, Meet me in St. Louis, but has since become one of the most iconic of Christmas songs.
23. Christmas, Baby Please Come Home
Artist: Darlene Love
Writer: Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry
Recorded Year: 1963
Genre: Soul
Significance: This popular R&B song performed by Darlene Love offered something quite unique and original to the Christmas carols. It has a very festive fusion of rock and soul music that can be enjoyed by all.
Artist: Stevie Wonder
Writer: Stevie Wonder
Recorded Year: 1967
Genre: Soul
Significance: A very powerful, original, and soulful Christmas song by the great Stevie Wonder. The song is loaded with references to equality and justice in a future world.
21. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Artist: Nat King Cole
Writer: William Hone (1829)
Recorded Year: 1962
Genre: Religious Hymn
Significance: Yet another very old classic religious hymn that dates back as far as 1760. The traditional English melody that we know it as today was composed by William Hone. The song has ever since become a traditional festive song during the Christmas season.
Artist: Burl Ives
Writer: Burl Ives
Recorded Year: 1965
Genre: Rock
Significance: A very catchy rock-n-roll song by the folk artist Burl Ives. While also known for his work on Rudolph the Red-Noised Reindeer, this in my opinion is his real claim to fame.
19. It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Artist: Andy Williams
Writer: Edward Pola and George Wyle
Recorded Year: 1963
Genre: Pop
Artist: Dean Martin
Writer: Jay Livingston and Ray Evans
Recorded Year: 1966
Genre: Easy Listening
17. Rocking Around the Christmas Tree
Artist: Brenda Lee
Writer: Johnny Marks
Recorded Year: 1958
Genre: Rock
16. It's Beginning to Look A lot Like Christmas
Writer: Meredith Wilson
Recorded Year: 1951
Genre: Pop
Significance: One of the most iconic Christmas songs for me, I remember fondly as a child. I would almost put this in the overplayed category had it not been for two memories. The first was when I was a kid skipping around church with Jhormy singing this song at the start of Christmas season. The 2nd is that famous line of "mom and dad can't wait for school to start again".
15. Sleigh Ride
Artist: The Ronettes
Writer: Leroy Anderson (1948)
Recorded Year: 1963
Significance: Once again a catchy song with many version, my preference is the pop version by the Ronettes. This girl group truly embodies the 1960s R&B soul scene with this very upbeat song.
14. Winter Wonderland
Artist: Darlene Love
Writer: Felix Bernard and Richard Bernhard Smith
Recorded Year: 1963
Genre: Pop
Artist: The Temptations
Writer: Franz Xaver Gruber (1818)
Recorded Year: 1980
Genre: Religious Hymn
Significance: This old classical religious hymn dates back to 1818 composed by the German Franz Xaver Gruber. It is a staple of religious songs during Christmas season best performed by choral arrangements. This version by the Temptations is quite different from the original melody but still the same lyrics loaded with the utmost of passion. The harmony and vocal range by this group in this particular song is incredible.
12. O Christmas Tree
Writer: Ernst Anshutz (1824)
Recorded Year: 1992
Genre: Soul, Pop
Significance: This old German song dates back to 1824 first referred to as "A Tannebaum". The song is loaded with powerful religious references that celebrate the meaning for the season. This version by Aretha Franklin is loaded with powerful soul and emotion that truly brings it home.
11. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Writer: J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillepsie
Recorded Year: 1975
Genre: Rock-n-Roll
Significance: There are many versions of this song and it would very likely fall in my overplayed category had it not been for this version by the boss, Bruce Springsteen. His live rock-n-roll version really gets going and makes for an ideal festive song.
10. O Come All Ye Faithful
Artist: Celine Dion
Writer: John Francis Wade (1744)
Recorded Year: 1998
Genre: Religious Hymn
Significance: A very old religious hymn acredited to various authors and composers. One of the earliest and most recognizable printed version was that of English hymnist John Grancis Wade in 1744. The song is originally referenced in Latin as "Adeste Fideles" and is an iconic religious hymn during Christmas. This version by Celine Dion is one of my favorites accompanied by a choir she really belts it out as the song builds and builds.
9. Happy Xmas (War is Over)
Writer: John Lennon and Yoko Ono
Year: 1971
Genre: Rock-n-Roll
Significance: From Mr. Beatle himself, John Lennon brings home a very powerful message about peace and love in this song. Unlike his former band-mate Paul McCartney's cheesy song about simply having a wonderful Christmas time, John Lennon is challenging the listener in this song. He is asking what have you done to celebrate Christmas and to make it something very worthwhile.
8. I'll Be Home for Christmas
Artist: Bing Crosby
Writer: Kim Gannon and Walter Kent
Recorded Year: 1943
Genre: Easy Listening
Significance: One of the most iconic and beautiful of Christmas songs by the father of Christmas Carols himself the great Bing Crosby.
7. Little Drummer Boy
Writer: Katherine Kennicott Davis (1941)
Recorded Year: 1971
Genre: Easy Listening
Significance: There are so many great versions of this song which is no doubt a credit to it's brilliance. The song is a celebration of percussion at its finest. I enjoy the Jackson 5's version as well as Bing Crosby's multiple versions including his duet with David Bowe "Peace on Earth". For sake of originality I'm going to include the original version by the Harry Simeone Chorale which provides the iconic "Pa-rum-pa-pum-pum" melody and drumline with a full choral backing.
6. Christmas Canon
Writer: Paul O'Neil and Johann Pachelbel
Recorded Year: 1998
Genre: Classical
Significance: This is a very unique fusion of a song mixing the classical piece of Pachelbel's Canon with lyrics and music by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The song is accompanied by a beautiful children's choral arrangement in which the melody builds and builds as the song progresses.
5. The Littlest Angel
Artist: Bing Crosby
Recorded Year: 1962
Genre: Easy Listening
Significance: One of the most beautiful, emotional, religious, soul-wrenching song of them all. It tells the sad story of a young poor boy who is an angel and ashamed of his meager gift he gives to Jesus. However Jesus takes favor with the little boy's gift and thus the star of littlest angel of them all shines brightest at night. This song reminds me of my mom and was always one of her favorite songs.
4. The Christmas Song
Artist: Nat King Cole
Writer: Robert Wells and Mel Torme
Recorded Year: 1962
Genre: Easy Listening
Significance: One of the most iconic and beautiful of the easy listening Christmas melodies. There are so many great versions of it, but it's the one by Nat King Cole that really hits home for me. Something about that opening line, about "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" really establish a warm feeling of comfort and nostalgia.
3. White Christmas
Writer: Irving Berlin (1942)
Recorded Year: 1942
Genre: Easy Listening
Significance: One of the most popular and iconic of the Christmas melodies sung by the father of Christmas carols himself, Bing Crosby. The song was written by the famous American songwriter Irving Berlin, but first debuted in the 1942 film Holiday Inn. Bing opens with his deep crooning voice and is later accompanied by a full orchestra and choral arrangement.
2. O Holy Night
Artist: Celine Dion
Writer: Adolphe Adam and Placide Cappeau
Recorded Year: 1843
Genre: Religious Hymn
Significance: The song was originally written as a poem by the French author Placide Cappeau to celebrate the birth of our lord, Jesus Christ. It was later composed into a classical music piece by Adolphe Adam in 1847. It is in my opinion without question the most beautiful religious melody of Christmas. There are so many great versions, however it's Celine Dion's powerful voice that really brings this one home for me. The song builds and builds throughout and she delivers several gut-wrenching long-sustained notes towards the end in beautiful harmony.
1. Do They Know it's Christmas
Artist: Band-Aid
Writer: Bob Geldof and Midge Ure
Recorded Year: 1989
Genre: Rock-and-Roll, Pop
Significance: This is a personal preference to me and every time I hear it it brings me great joy. It's quite a unique, original, and rather modern song from most Christmas carols. But it drives and builds and has a positive message (on par with John Lennon's song) about being grateful and doing good onto others for Christmas. The song reminds us of everything we have to be grateful for and finishes on a very celebratory message of sharing Christmas cheer with all. I remember blaring this song as a kid in our living room during Christmas time; jumping, dancing, and singing my heart out.
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