Reviewed by Craig Hoffman
With the Christmas season around the corner, it is the perfect moment to rathe ten best Christmas songs. Do you agree with this list? Let the Icon know in the comment section!
“White Christmas” by Bing Crosby
“White Christmas” is perhaps the most famous Christmas song of all-time. It’s sold more than 100 million copies around the world. It’s a can’t miss tune for anyone celebrating the holiday season.
Written in 1942, it’s still a perfect tune for those who can’t get back home for the holidays this year. That includes this reviewer in 2020.
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” debuted in 1994. It was an instant hit and classic. The song reached number eleven on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2015, 21 years after its release.
It is an upbeat reminder of the importance of relationships in life. A positive nudge everyone needs in these trying times.
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Judy Garland
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” written for Judy Garland was featured in the film Meet Me In St. Louis. It remains one of the most performed Christmas songs of all-time. The Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane hit remains a classic despite being composed in 1944.
It’s nice to be reminded of what is important in life. Happiness isn’t always found in a gift box.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” by Gene Autry
There are numerous renditions of this classic, but Gene Autry was the first in 1949. Based on the children’s story of the same name from 1939, songwriter Johnny Marks wrote “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
Ten years later, the Autry version went to number one on the music charts, the first Christmas song to do so. It’s a tune sure to get the kids into the holiday spirit.
“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” by Jackson 5
A Christmas album with holiday standards was put out by The Jackson 5 in 1970. Of the numerous hits on the record, “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” was the most popular, leaping into the Top-25 on the music charts.
It’s a perfect blend of a metabolically-challenged Santa Claus and pop music. This version will make anyone excited about the big guy’s arrival.
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee
Your Christmas tree is the center of attention this time of year. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”is a Johnny Marks’ tune for singer Brenda Lee and was released in 1958. In addition to its commercial success, it was heard on the holiday season blockbuster Home Alone in 1990.
It has sold over 25 million copies and has been covered by any number of artists. Just make sure to wear your mask this year. Nobody wants to be “Rockin’ around…” the hospital.
“Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley
No Christmas song list would be complete without Elvis. “Blue Christmas” sat around for several years largely unknown until Elvis Presley put out his version in 1957. The song and Elvis’ career rocketed up the charts.
“Blue Christmas” remains a yearly listening event for fans of the artist and Christmas. Red, green, or blue, the holidays can be a great time for you and yours no matter how you celebrate.
“Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano
“Feliz Navidad” slowly gained popularity from its release in 1970. The original José Feliciano version of the song first charted on the US Billboard Hot 100 more than two decades after it was first recorded in 1998.
The song annually makes it into the holiday Top-Ten lists in America and Canada. Crank it up as you dream of future travel around the world in 2021!
“Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow” by Dean Martin
Ella Fitzgerald first recorded the song, “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow.” But the tune was made famous by Dean Martin. Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne wrote the song during ironically a spell of hot weather in July 1945.
The duo dreamed of the cold weather as a means of escaping the summer heat. Everyone loves snow in summer, right?
“The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)” by Nat King Cole
It is best known as “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire.” “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)” was made famous by Nat King Cole in 1946. It is a super song that the Grammy Hall of Fame inducted into its collection in 1974.
There’s no doubt you’ll be in a better mood after taking a listen. But you should probably stick to turkey on your plate for the holidays as 2020 has been nuts enough for everybody.
Final Take: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Wherever and whatever you are listening to this holiday season, please enjoy a happy and safe time while embracing the joy of family, friends, and great music. Christmas: 5/5
Craig Hoffman is a music graduate of Ohio Northern University and The University of Akron School of Music. He also serves as the Icon’s Japan correspondent.
