This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s summer editorial intern Jordyn Centerwall. Find her on Instagram at @jordyncenterwall. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
I love Christmas time. All the lights, celebrations, and of course the festive songs that return each year. There are plenty of songs that are classics for good reasons. Mariah Carey, Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, Kelly Clarkson, and so many more have solidified themselves among the greatest of holiday tunes. Each year, new artists continue to put their own spin on Christmas cheer. Indie versions, sad girl Christmas playlists, Disney Christmas favorites, and cowboy Christmas tracks are just a few of the categories that holiday music has expanded into. It begs exploration each year. Here are some underrated Christmas songs I’ve discovered in recent years that will make my rotation for seasons to come.
Underrated Classics
(Everybody’s Waitin’ for) The Man With The Bag By Kay Starr
Kay Starr kicks off our list of underrated Christmas songs that fall into the traditional category. This songs makes me want to throw on an apron and do some holiday baking with my family. The jazzy tune captures the hustle and bustle of this season, while also making you want to slow down and enjoy all of the joyous moments.
Christmas in Hollis by Run–D.M.C.
My jaw dropped when this track started playing. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t heard it before. In this Queens-inspired tune, Run sees St. Nick in the park and finds his wallet, which is loaded. He later finds out it was meant for him as a gift. The strong beat in this song is on par with Run–D.M.C’s classic hits. This time they throw in sleigh bells and a scratched ode to Jingle Bells at the beginning. It’s the saxophone that makes it for me though.
This song had me questioning why I hadn’t heard more rap or R&B Christmas carols. I don’t think I could have told you another, unless you count Busta Rhymes’ appearance on Justin Bieber’s Drummer Boy. While that song is certainly a bop, this one feels true to the genre. And there are more out there. Now I know to look for them.
Silent Night by Stevie Nicks
I would give anything for a Fleetwood Mac Christmas album. This is the next best thing. This song is simultaneously a masterpiece and a lullaby. I’m not kidding. My eyelids were drooping listening to her bluesy version of this Christmas favorite. Some other awesome artists who have covered this track include Sinéad O’Connor’s whose take is beautifully eerie, and Teddy Swims.
Christmas All Over Again by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
I’m going to be honest, I only clicked on this song in the first place because it was Tom Petty. The Free Fallin’ singer and his band, the Heartbreakers, did not disappoint. This 1992 track is on the second album of a series of compilation albums put together to benefit the Special Olympics. The track is upbeat and fun. Exactly what I want to hear while I’m doing my holiday shopping. The song has some really funny lines too. The second verse talks about kinda missing your relatives but not wanting to kiss them.
A Very Emo Christmas
This next category is more of an anti-Christmas vibe. I was so excited to discover that so many alternative bands have done Christmas singles and albums over the years. They’re not all the most cheery, but they definitely scratch the emo itch that the Christmas genre often misses.
Yule Shoot Your Eye Out by Fall Out Boy
This one is a little bit morbid at times, but overall is such a funny twist on typical sappy holiday songs. First of all, the name is a tribute to A Christmas Story’s iconic line. The song also features a play on the 12 Days of Christmas classic, offering instead “one awkward silence and two hopes you cry yourself to sleep.” While I would never wish these tidings on anyone, it’s impossible to not sing along to the chorus.
Merry Christmas, Kiss My Ass by All Time Low
This song will have you bopping your head along even as the singer leans into Grinch-territory. But hey, it makes sense for the group name. The Dear Maria, Count Me In group have long inspired teen angst and this track is no different. I especially love the outro which is pulled from the movie, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
Boxing Day by blink-182
For those of us Americans, Boxing Day is the day after Christmas. It was once a British holiday for servants and a day to give back to the less fortunate. Now, it’s known as a day of sales and returning and exchanging Christmas gifts. In this song, blink-182 sings about getting left by their girlfriend on the “day after Christmas.” This song captures the perfect melancholy feeling of when the holidays have come to an end and real life resumes.
Ho Ho Hopefully by The Maine
This group is wholly new to me. And I’m lowkey mad about it. This track has the perfect ratio of bells and crooning. It’s wholesome and cute and the “ho ho” gives it the perfect amount of Christmas cheer.
Kpop Christmas
Christmas EveL and 24 to 25 by Stray Kids
Now, admittedly, there are lots of other K-pop Christmas tracks. Taeyeon and V are some great artists to check out. Stray Kids will always have a special place on my playlists though, and these original Christmas tracks are top tier.
Christmas EveL will always make a return to my rotation. This hype track is great on it’s own, but the third verse makes it legendary in my opinion. You’ll catch me singing along to “Feliz Navidad, Feliz Navidad, I can feel the evil coming but Felix, never bad,” each year without fail. 24 to 25 is on the sweeter side. The lyrics urge their lover to stay for Christmas, with 24 and 25 referencing the dates. Winter Falls and Stray Kids’ latest Christmas track, Christmas Love, are both also bangers if you’re ever looking for even more underrated Christmas songs.
New Christmas Music This Year
There are so many more I could include in here. With how much money Mariah Carey makes with All I Want For Christmas each year, I can’t really blame artists for churning out more tracks each year. Not that I’m complaining. Each year it’s always so fun to hear what artists are releasing new Christmas albums. This year I can’t wait to listen to the new songs by Little Big Town, Kesha, Dasha, and Dan + Shay.
What other underrated Christmas songs should make the list? Let us know in the comments!
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