With Thanksgiving recently over and Halloween in the rearview, there is one thing left before we close out the year: holiday season. Say hello to holiday cheer as The Review Online ranks the top ten holiday songs.
10. Silent Night
A bit controversial, but Silent Night is one of the most overhyped Christmas songs. Even though it’s a long-time classic, the slow tempo, lacking Christmas spirit, leaves me feeling more subdued than excited for the holiday. However, the harmonies throughout the song make it calming and smooth to listen to.
9. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
Since we don’t get snow in Texas, this song often causes more jealousy toward people who get to experience a white Christmas than it brings holiday cheer. While the tune has simple, catchy lyrics, it quickly gets old.
8. Holly Jolly Christmas
This holiday song feels forgettable. Although the beat is cheery and fun, it doesn’t capture the feeling of Christmas and flies under the radar into irrelevance.
7. Deck the Halls
While the “fa la la la la” repetition in the chorus is memorable and gets stuck in my head during the holidays, it can get annoying after hearing the phrase a dozen times in a one-and-a-half-minute-long track. Maybe if a few more substantive lyrics or verses were added, it would rank higher.
6. It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
This song perfectly encapsulates the feeling when the clock hits November 1. The lyrics evoke memories of Christmas lights, candy canes, caroling, and other iconic Christmas decorations and customs. This song is easy to sing along to and is a great listen while looking at Christmas lights during the holiday season.
5. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
One of the oldest on this list, made in the 1950s, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree feels very nostalgic as I write. Despite being more traditional, it’s still catchy and reminds me of a simple Christmas morning sitting by the tree with family. The song is short, barely over two minutes, and Brenda Lee’s voice can get a bit tiring after a few listens because of the 1950s sound quality.
4. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Andy Williams perfectly captures the pure bliss and warmth of Christmas time in this song. The cheery beat perfectly matches the lyrics that highlight the best parts of the holiday season. The song combines the most popular Christmas traditions and the togetherness of the holidays, making listeners truly feel like it’s the most wonderful time of the year.
3. Jingle Bell Rock
This song gets points for both its production and lyricism. The snappy start quickly gets me in the Christmas mood, layering together an electric guitar riff and percussion sounds that closely resemble jingle bells. This song became even more iconic after its feature in Mean Girls, and every time I listen, it makes me want to dance just like Regina and Gretchen.
2. Last Christmas
The song’s beat is a very infectious, upbeat tune that makes me want to sing along. This song takes a different approach to the Christmas season, discussing a heartbreak around the holidays. This topic is relatable for many people, and it’s tied together with a cheery holiday beat. The song has even had viral snippets on TikTok with dances that enhance the listening experience.
1. All I Want for Christmas Is You
It’s time. This song perfectly captures Christmas magic. It has become one of the most popular Christmas songs in recent years, and for good reason. All I Want for Christmas Is You is much more upbeat compared to many of the other traditional Christmas songs, and it doesn’t get old. It’s always fun to sing along and try to hit some of Mariah Carey’s high notes.
