When December rolls around, the air fills with the familiar sounds of holiday music. Christmas songs have a magical way of evoking nostalgia, spreading joy, and uniting people across generations. But with so many festive tunes out there, which ones truly stand the test of time? Here’s a look at some of the top Christmas songs that have become seasonal staples, bringing warmth and cheer year after year.
1. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey
Since its release in 1994, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has become synonymous with the holiday season. Its infectious melody, upbeat tempo, and heartfelt lyrics have earned it perennial popularity. Each year, the song climbs the charts, proving its enduring appeal.
Why It’s a Hit:
- Catchy Melody: The opening chimes set a magical tone.
- Timeless Appeal: A blend of pop and classic holiday sounds.
- Cultural Impact: Its appearances in movies, commercials, and even memes ensure its lasting legacy.
2. “Last Christmas” – Wham!
“Last Christmas” by Wham! is a bittersweet holiday anthem that combines heartbreak with festive nostalgia. Released in 1984, its synth-pop sound and emotional lyrics have made it a Christmas classic.
Why It’s a Hit:
- Relatable Theme: Love and loss resonate universally.
- Memorable Chorus: Easy to sing along to.
- Enduring Covers: Countless artists have reinterpreted the song.
3. “Jingle Bell Rock” – Bobby Helms
Since its debut in 1957, “Jingle Bell Rock” has been a holiday favorite. Its rock ‘n’ roll twist on traditional Christmas music added a fresh vibe that still feels festive decades later.
Why It’s a Hit:
- Upbeat Rhythm: Its lively tempo energizes any holiday gathering.
- Holiday Imagery: Classic winter references make it timeless.
- Cinematic Presence: Featured in iconic holiday films like Home Alone 2.
4. “White Christmas” – Bing Crosby
Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” is perhaps the most iconic Christmas song of all time. Written by Irving Berlin and first performed in 1941, it has sold millions of copies and continues to evoke memories of snowy, picturesque holidays.
Why It’s a Hit:
- Emotional Nostalgia: Longing for a classic Christmas experience.
- Soothing Vocals: Crosby’s warm baritone creates a cozy ambiance.
- Cultural Milestone: Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
5. “Feliz Navidad” – José Feliciano
“Feliz Navidad” is a bilingual Christmas anthem that spreads joy across cultures. Released in 1970, its simple lyrics and festive melody make it instantly recognizable.
Why It’s a Hit:
- Cross-Cultural Appeal: Loved by English and Spanish speakers alike.
- Feel-Good Vibes: Its upbeat rhythm inspires dancing and singing along.
- Universal Message: A straightforward wish for happiness and a prosperous new year.
6. “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” – Andy Williams
Andy Williams’ 1963 hit “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” perfectly captures the holiday spirit. Its grand orchestration and jubilant lyrics make it a go-to for festive playlists.
Why It’s a Hit:
- Festive Energy: Celebrates all things Christmas.
- Classic Sound: A full orchestra adds depth and richness.
- Enduring Legacy: Frequently used in holiday commercials and parades.
7. “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” – Bruce Springsteen (and others)
Though many artists have recorded “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” Bruce Springsteen’s live version stands out for its energetic, rock-infused take. Originally written in 1934, the song has become a beloved holiday staple.
Why It’s a Hit:
- Sing-Along Factor: Easy lyrics that everyone knows.
- Holiday Excitement: Builds anticipation for Santa’s arrival.
- Versatile Versions: Interpreted across genres, from jazz to pop.
8. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – Judy Garland (and Frank Sinatra)
Introduced in the 1944 film Meet Me in St. Louis, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” strikes a delicate balance between melancholy and hope. Frank Sinatra’s version further popularized it.
Why It’s a Hit:
- Emotional Depth: Reflects both joy and longing.
- Beautiful Melodies: A soothing, sentimental tune.
- Timeless Covers: Covered by artists from Sam Smith to Michael Bublé.
9. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” – Brenda Lee
Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” has been a holiday favorite since its release in 1958. Its rockabilly sound and playful lyrics make it perfect for Christmas parties.
Why It’s a Hit:
- Danceable Beat: Great for holiday celebrations.
- Iconic Status: Featured prominently in Home Alone.
- Generational Appeal: Loved by listeners young and old.
10. “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” – Nat King Cole
Written in 1945 and immortalized by Nat King Cole, “The Christmas Song” is one of the most beloved holiday standards. Its warm imagery and velvety vocals create a timeless classic.
Why It’s a Hit:
- Visual Lyrics: Paints a vivid holiday scene.
- Smooth Delivery: Nat King Cole’s rich voice adds elegance.
- Seasonal Tradition: Frequently played by the fireplace.
Honorable Mentions:
- “Silent Night” – Various Artists: A serene and spiritual carol.
- “Wonderful Christmastime” – Paul McCartney: A playful, synth-driven track.
- “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” – Band Aid: A charity anthem with a powerful message.
- “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” – John Lennon & Yoko Ono: A poignant, hopeful holiday song.
- “Little Drummer Boy” – Bing Crosby & David Bowie: An unexpected yet beautiful duet.
Final Thoughts:
From heartwarming classics to modern pop hits, these top Christmas songs continue to bring joy and nostalgia during the holiday season. Whether you’re decorating the tree, hosting a festive party, or cozying up by the fire, these timeless tracks ensure your Christmas is merry and bright.
Every musician loves overcoming a challenge, and with drumming, a challenge is more than a sore throat or blisters from plucking strings. It takes a toll on your entire body—legs for the kick and hi hat, arms for the snare, cymbals, and toms, neck for headbanging—which means a challenge is as broad as music genres.
Here are five songs to challenge your skills and push your limits as a drummer in a fun, exciting way.
Brianstorm is a powerful opener to Arctic Monkey’s album Favourite Worst Nightmare with a quick and heavy drum beat in the beginning that flies around the kit, transitioning swiftly into the first verse with a rapidfire hi hat that is dizzying to follow. This 2:50 minute song never never slows down, so it can be a great way to test out your arm and wrist strength. Although it seems like a simple enough beat, it’s the speed that truly makes it a fun challenge to tackle.
Starting strong with some double pedal action, this Van Halen song takes funky, offbeat rhythms and meshes them into a high energy classic that is sure to rile up any crowd. Hot for Teacher takes a lot of energy, physically and mentally, in order to power through. Although it might take some time to adjust to two pedals, once you’ve memorized all the stops and pattern changes, it’ll be smooth sailing for you there.
Moby Dick is misleadingly easy at first, with a simple, jazzy tone at the beginning, but its simplicity is what makes it so challenging. It consists almost entirely of drumming, which means you get the spotlight. With sudden, fast movements that are sure to make you trip up during every listen, this Led Zeppelin song gives plenty of breathing room to be creative with your own fills—which in and of itself is a challenge—but also grants you bragging rights if you manage to memorize it.
This Mars Voltas song is bound to make any intermediate drummer have a heart attack out of pure intimidation. A loud, eccentric banger with lots of stops, it becomes simpler in the verse, but maintains that fast-faced energy all the way through. Not to mention Goliath is also over seven minutes long, no doubt testing any experienced drummer’s energy levels with just one playthrough, but is also a satisfying beast to tame.
Another song that leans less on speed and more on disorienting beats that are hard to keep up with, Ticks & Leeches is 8 minutes of rock and metal ups and downs, giving pauses in between verses to grant you a break every now and then before diving straight into another fast, harsh chorus. If you’re a huge Tool fan with enough time to dedicate to learning every second of this, it’s a great song to push yourself to your drumming limits.
Drumming takes many skills. Not only do you use both hands and feet on a kit, but they’re all most likely going to be doing different things at once. It takes practice to build the skill of rhythmic multitasking, which most drummers won’t have developed when they decide to pick up sticks for the first time.
Here’s five songs for beginning drummers that will help them build up the skills needed for harder songs.
1: Do I Wanna Know by Arctic Monkeys
AM by Arctic Monkeys is full of songs with interesting and tricky drumming patterns that challenge a drummer to use their entire body. The exception, of course, is Do I Wanna Know, which has an easy to follow beat on the kick drum and snare during the verse. While the chorus does add some flare, with a different kick pattern and some high hat, the beat is steady and slow enough for starters to keep up with.
2: Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes
Ah, the dreaded beginner’s song. While every instructor on the face of the earth may be sick and tired of hearing this song, that doesn’t change its simplicity that any new drummer can easily pick up without any prior experience. Sure, your teacher might lose their mind, hearing this song for the thousandth time, but it’s good practice to work up your leg muscle on the kick and teach your hands to do two different things at once.
Dreams, among many other Fleetwood Mac classics, is a great song for any beginner to try out. It has a sweet and mellow vibe that’s easy to keep up with on the kit. Although it’s slightly faster than the other songs on this list, it’s a great way to build up that high hat speed and have fun with new drumming patterns that don’t become too complex. This song also allows you to have some fun with fills and adding ghost notes to the pattern if you feel up to it.
A loud, heart-thumping banger, Buddy Holly by Weezer is the perfect dip-your-toes song for any young rockers eager and ready to go all out without the struggle of a difficult drum beat. It has an easy tone to keep in time with, a slower pace so you don’t lose the tempo, and enough leeway to use the space and play any funky little drum fill that your heart desires.
5: Psycho Killer by Talking Heads
This classic by the Talking Heads is one that everyone should learn purely for its funky bass, catchy guitar stings, and of course, the heart of the song: the drum beat. Although it’s nothing too difficult for a beginner, Psycho Killer leaves plenty of room to experiment with patterns, drum fills, and anything else your heart desires. And, if you’re feeling particularly experimental, try and play Cage the Elephant’s cover of this iconic song.