Honestly, the way most people's Christmas playlists look, you'd think artists stopped making holiday music after the 90s. Now I'm not saying we should leave out 'Last Christmas' this Christmas, but perhaps, it wouldn't hurt to add in some variety either. Here are some contemporary holiday hits to bring you up to speed.
Snowman — Sia
One of the most recognizable voices in pop, singer-songwriter Sia added an entire Christmas album to her discography some time back. Not only is it perfect for the holidays, it’s also versatile enough to have you listening all the way through till March. Among a selection of gems, 'Snowman' stands out as the song to turn the volume up for. Sia sings about being in love, either with a man made of literal snow or a man addicted to cocaine — it depends how you choose to look at it. Although, the first interpretation is probably more in line with the holiday spirit.
When to play it?
This one’s best served after dinner, when the kitchen’s no longer a panic zone and the kids are coming off their sugar high. You want the room mellowed out and in the mood for a slow dance.
Favourite line:
I want you to know that I'm never leaving
Cause I'm Mrs. Snow, 'til death we'll be freezing
Blame It On The Mistletoe — Ella Henderson, AJ Mitchell
A brand new banger from earlier this December — if the clubs were open right now, you’d be hearing EDM remixes of this song all season long. ‘Blame It On The Mistletoe’ makes it known that the holidays are as good a time as any to shoot your shot. With irresistible vocal melodies and bubbly production, this will put you right on track for a worry-free Christmas.
When to play it?
While it’s still early in the night and you need everyone looking alive. This is the song to get people out from under covers and into the upbeat spirit which the holidays call for.
Favourite line:
So baby, kiss me, or we'll never know
We can blame it on the mistletoe
Favourite Tings — Masego
I’m usually skeptical when it comes to covering classics, but it would seem multi-instrumentalist Masego can do no wrong. In his jazz-inspired rendition of ‘My Favourite Things’ from The Sound Of Music, he breathes whole new life into this iconic 60s number. When you’ve got the whole family over, it can be tough to find music to everyone’s liking, but if there was ever a song to bridge the gap between generations, I’d put my money right here.
When to play it?
There’s never a wrong time to play jazz.
Favourite line:
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things
It’s Not Christmas Till Somebody Cries — Carly Rae Jepsen
Yes, she has made songs other than ‘Call Me Maybe’. Carly Rae Jepsen’s new single might be a polarizing one, mostly because of how brutally honest it is. As much as we like to think of Christmas as this joyous time of the year when everything is rainbows and sparkles, that’s not usually how it goes down, is it? Well, maybe for the first hour or two. Then, just as you're letting your guard down, destiny arrives all the same. Your mum starts asking why you don't visit more, your aunt's wondering why you aren't married yet, and your uncle's seen off enough bottles to render him incomprehensible.
This isn’t a song we want to hear — it’s one we need to.
When to play it
Soon as you need to drown out the sound of dinner table arguments.
Favourite Line:
My boyfriend is a vegan so they fed him fish
My uncle made it worse by talking politics
Micah Edwards – December 26
Finally, a song not about Christmas, but the day which follows. Oh, empty and hollow December 26, when the lights no longer shine as bright and trees are no longer welcome inside houses. Upcoming singer-songwriter Micah Edwards has a wholesome message hidden within his cheeky songwriting. In blissfully soulful fashion, he declares that it’s not decorations or gifts which he needs this year — just happy memories with friends and family.
When to play it?
December 26.
Favourite line:
Forget about that Christmas tree
I just need you here with me
