Festive cheer! 10 songs to add to your Christmas playlist
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...
Nothing puts you in the festive spirit more than Christmas songs.
If you are tired of Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' and Michael Bublé's version of 'It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas', then you might want to listen to these classics.
Here's a look at 10 songs you need to add to your holiday playlist.
ALSO READ: Swing City celebrates Christmas with 'Santa Clause Is Comin' to Town'
Darlene Love - 'Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)'
Darlene Love caused a stir in 2022 when she slammed Mariah Carey for trying to trademark, 'Queen of Christmas'. Miss Darlene let the world know that she was the 'Queen of Christmas' long before Mariah came along.
"David Letterman officially declared me the Queen of Christmas 29 years ago, a year before she released 'All I want For Christmas Is You' and at 81 years of age I’m NOT changing anything. I’ve been in the business for 52 years, have earned it and can still hit those notes! If Mariah has a problem call David or my lawyer!!" she wrote on Facebook.
One of Darlene's most popular songs is 'Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)'. She released the song in 1963 and it has been a favourite ever since.
ALSO READ: Oops! Mariah Carey is not the only 'Queen of Christmas'
Wham! - 'Last Christmas'
Wham! released this Christmas classic in 1984. The song - which was written by George Michael - remains one of the British pop duo's most popular tracks. Several stars including Ariana Grande and Carly Rae Jepsen have recorded their own versions of the song.
The Jackson 5 - 'I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause'
'I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause' was written by songwriter Tommie Connor. It was first recorded in 1952 by American singer Jimmy Boyd when he was just 13 years old. The Jackson 5 covered the Christmas song in 1970. Some of the lyrics include:
Wow! Mommy's kissing Santa Claus!
I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus (kissing, kissing Santa Claus)
Underneath the mistletoe last night
She didn't see me creep
Down the stairs to have a peep
She thought that I was tucked up
In my bedroom, fast asleep
Source: Musixmatch
Band Aid - 'Do They Know It's Christmas'
Bob Geldof and Midge Ure wrote this iconic Christmas song to raise money for charity. The song was recorded in 1984 by various artists, including Sting, Duran Duran, Phil Collins, Boy George, and Bono.
ALSO READ: Christmas light trick very few know about
Eartha Kitt - 'Santa Baby'
Eartha Kitt's 'Santa Baby' remains one of the best Christmas songs ever recorded. She recorded the song with Henri René and his Orchestra in 1953. The song's "naughty" lyrics saw it being banned in some parts of America. Despite the backlash, it went on to become the biggest Christmas song of the year.
ALSO READ: Elf On The Shelf: Cute ideas for parents to keep children entertained
Elvis Presley & Martina McBride - 'Blue Christmas'
The 'King of Rock 'n Roll' described 'Blue Christmas' as one of his favourite festive season tracks. Doye O'Dell sang the original in 1948 before Elvis released his version in 1957.
ALSO READ: Musician Elvis Blue chats to Rob & Roz about the fire at his farm stall
Nat King Cole - 'The Christmas Song'
No Christmas playlist is complete without this Nat King Cole classic. It was recorded in 1946. Nearly 80 years later, the lyrics, "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire / Jack Frost nipping at your nose", can be heard in just about every home during the festive season.
The song was written by Robert Wells and Mel Tormé.
MORE FROM JACARANDA FM
Brenda Lee - 'Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree'
This Brenda Lee classic is guaranteed to get any Christmas party started. The 1958 classic, which was written by Johnny Marks, has sold more than 25-million copies around the world.
Elton John - 'Step Into Christmas'
Sir Elton John recorded 'Step Into Christmas' in 1973. The track became a hit around the world and reached the top spot on the Billboard Christmas Singles chart.
ALSO READ: Sir Elton John shares emotional farewell message after final Los Angeles show
Donny Hathaway - 'This Christmas'
Donny Hathaway's holiday song, 'This Christmas', turns 52 on 9 December 2022. The song has been used in several Christmas movies. Donny co-wrote the single with Nadine McKinnor.
ALSO READ: REPORT: Madonna's 1987 MTV Video Music Award goes on auction for over R1-million
Main image credit: iStock (ProStock-Studio)