The holiday season is the perfect time to listen to festive tunes to get you in the holiday spirit. Although many of us know and love the holiday classics, there are more modern songs that take a new twist on the overdone lyrics of traditional holiday music. This year, make some new traditions by listening to the latest festive music.
- “Mistletoe” by Justin Beiber
In this relaxed song, Justin Beiber tells the story of a holiday romance ending with an infamous kiss under the mistletoe. This song was released in 2011 and is still generally popular today; however, it offers a unique perspective and beat not heard anywhere else. With an initial slow melody and gentle singing, this song is a great sing-along. It quickly becomes more upbeat, including a pop-style structure and beat. This feel-good tune is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
“I have loved listening to this song ever since I first heard it when I was little,” senior Avery LaSota said.
- “Santa Tell Me” by Ariana Grande
Released in 2014, hit the top 10 charts in multiple countries, including Austria, Australia, and Germany. Since its release, “Santa Tell Me” has not been categorized as a “popular” Christmas song. Although it hit the Billboard 100 again in 2015, most people don’t consider it a classic or even recognize the song by name.
“I listen to Christmas music year-round, and this song just doesn’t make it on my playlist. I forgot she even made this song, to be honest,” senior Ava Dermott said.
- “Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson
As part of her first Christmas Album, “Wrapped in Red,” Kelly Clarkson sings powerfully in this cheerful song. In this upbeat tune, Clarkson emphasizes the importance of spending the holidays with someone you love and striving to find this love. After its initial release in 2013, this bright tune was constantly listened to. Even today, this song is popular among all ages. Its more modern take on traditional Christmas music allows people to sing to this cheery music.
“Kelly Clarkson’s holiday music is so catchy. This song especially gets me in the holiday spirit,” senior Aylan Nawabi said.
- “Christmas Tree Farm” by Taylor Swift
Although Swift has become one of the most famous artists in the past decade, her only Christmas song falls in the forgotten shadows. Swift wrote this song to inspire the Christmas tree farm she grew up on. Released in December of 2019, Christmas Tree Farm did not chart the Billboard 100. However, avid Swift fans consider it a fun and classic song. With its acoustic beats and nostalgic edge, Christmas Tree Farm deserves to be more popular amongst the non-swiftie community.
“It’s such a nostalgic song. I’m a big fan of Taylor Swift, and this song should receive more recognition,” Dermott said.
Listening to any of these songs will get you in the holiday spirit, bringing the joy of holiday festivities through the power of music.
