Holiday music: Nine songs to add to your December playlist
“December Back 2 June” – Alicia Keys
“On her first-ever Christmas album, Alicia Keys goes into ’70s Soul Train mode on the record’s lead single,” said Rachel Brodsky in Stereogum. The catchy, Motown-tinged track “has jingles, scooby-doo-bops, and a feel-good rhythm” that will make you wish you’d been invited to the festive Harlem house party in the song’s music video.
“Wintering” – The 1975
The best new Christmas song of the year was tucked into an album the 1975 released in October, said Maura Johnston in NYMag .com. Anchored by the recurring vow, “I’ll be home on the 23rd,” this peppy tune from the Britpop heirs offers “a brisk whirl through overheard family conversations,” capturing both how exhausting and how gratifying holiday-season reunions can be.
“Nights in December” – Tkay Maidza
“This is the winter vibe we should all aspire to,” said Madeline Roth in The Daily Beast. Tkay Maidza, a Zimbabwean-born singersongwriter who’s currently on tour with
Dua Lipa, “skates around Christmas song conventions” with this single, “a reverbheavy, electronic-tinged bop” inspired by a holiday trip to New York City. “May we all have nights in December this utterly cool.”
“Almost Christmas” – Chris Isaak
Having recently accepted an Americana Music Association lifetime achievement award, Chris Isaak seems in a festive mood, said Scott Stroud in the Associated Press. On his new holiday collection, the rockabilly revivalist rips through “Run Rudolph Run” and other classics and makes room for one original that “fits right in.” You could even do the twist to “Almost Christmas.”
“Naughty and Nice” – Sia Sia’s 2017
holiday album is a gift that keeps on giving, said Adrian Thrills in the Daily Mail (U.K.). The Australian pop star’s Everyday Is Christmas “packed a smarter emotional punch than most midwinter releases,” and a new deluxe edition adds three fresh originals. This catchy standout is a doo-wopflavored confection “spiced with innuendo.”
“California Christmas” – Judy Blank
Here’s another retro-sounding chestnut, said Ed Mazza in The Huffington Post. Dutch singer-songwriter Judy Blank said her goal was to write “the 13th song on a Beach Boys Christmas album.” OK then: “Mission accomplished.”
“Kid on Christmas” – Pentatonix with Meghan Trainor
At six seasonal releases and counting, Pentatonix is now “as synonymous with Christmas as Mariah Carey,” said Melissa Ruggieri in USA Today. The a capella group’s new holiday album features artists from around the world, but “sets a joyful mood” with an opening track featuring Meghan Trainor’s cheerful voice soaring over the quintet’s “jubilant” backing vocals.
“So Much Wine” – Phoebe Bridgers
For those enduring a blue Christmas, Phoebe Bridgers has you covered, said Spencer Dukoff in Consequence. Each year, the indie-rock darling releases a holidaythemed antidote to excessive cheer. Her past covers include Merle Haggard’s “If We Make It Through December.” This year, her pretty and passionate take on the Handsome Family’s 2000 country lament “makes you feel good about feeling bad.”
“Groovy Xmas” – The Linda Lindas
“Who said Christmas can’t be punk rock?” asked Hannah Dailey in Billboard.com. Gen Z loves pop-punk, and with this “headbanging” original, the Linda Lindas—four Angelenos ages 12 to 18—lay on the power chords and poke fun at seasonal clichés with snarky, playful lyrics.