This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s fall editorial intern Raven Minyard. Find her on Instagram at @raven.minyard. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Christmas is almost here! While some people could listen to Christmas music year-round and never get tired of it, I am definitely not one of them. I’m all for some good holiday cheer, but by the time Christmas Day actually rolls around, I’m sick of hearing the same versions of the same Christmas songs over and over again. I used to think I was just a bit of a Grinch, but turns out, that’s not the case; I just need my favorite artists to cover the songs. As an indie music fan, I was delighted when I found out some of my favorite musicians have Christmas songs on Spotify, and I decided to spread the Christmas spirit by sharing some of my favorites with all of you. Without further ado, here are some of the best songs to add to your indie Christmas playlist.
Christmas Song – Phoebe Bridgers
You know we can’t have an indie Christmas playlist without Phoebe Bridgers and her sad holiday songs. Her EP If We Make It Through December was released in 2020 and has been a Christmas staple ever since. I’d never heard the original recording of “Christmas Song” until I heard this cover. The lyrics fit Bridgers’s lonely, melancholy vibe so well it sounds like it was written by her.
Last Christmas – Lucy Dacus
This may be a controversial opinion, but “Last Christmas” is my favorite Christmas song, so imagine how excited I was when I found out one of my favorite artists, Lucy Dacus, covered it. This is a really fun and upbeat version of the song, and it’s a great way to add some cheer to your indie Christmas playlist because let’s face it — most of these artists aren’t known for producing the happiest songs.
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – The Lumineers
The Lumineers have several Christmas song covers on Spotify, but this one is my favorite. I hear this song every year, but I’ve never really paid attention to how sad the lyrics are until I heard this version. The Lumineers took this normally upbeat song and filled it with a longing that matches that of the lyrics. Be sure to check out their other Christmas covers if you want to hear melancholy versions of some classics.
Winter Wonderland – Cocteau Twins
Don’t worry—we have some classic indie artists on here, too. If you’re a fan of 80s synth, you have to check out Cocteau Twins’ cover of “Winter Wonderland.” It’s much more upbeat than most of the songs on this list and it ultimately has the same vibe as the original version. This is a great song to put on in the background while you’re building a gingerbread house or making Christmas cookies.
Frosty the Snowman – Fiona Apple
Fiona Apple’s voice is surprisingly perfect for “Frosty the Snowman.” You wouldn’t necessarily think of it when listening to her original music, but her voice has a vintage quality that fits really well with this cover. It’s a simple guitar cover, but it feels the most Christmasy out of the songs chosen for this playlist.
Blue Christmas – Sharon Van Etten
“Blue Christmas” is usually a skip for me, but I’m absolutely obsessed with Sharon Van Etten’s cover. The stripped-back instrumentals and the overlaying of her voice give this cover such a dreamy, wistful vibe that I’ve never heard in another version. It makes me feel like I’m in the sad part of a holiday rom-com, watching the snow fall outside.
Bonus: Auld Lang Syne – Haley Blais
“Auld Lang Syne” is more traditionally associated with New Year’s than Christmas, but New Year’s is right around the corner, too! This cover has all the typical sad longing of the original with the added sad longing of an indie song. If you want to be in your feels this New Year’s, this is the song for you.
We hope you enjoyed our indie Christmas playlist! What’s your favorite Christmas song cover? Let us know in the comments!
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