Beyond the Classics: Christmas Music for the 21st Century
By: Benny Schorie
Photo courtesy: Christmas Underground
“Jingle Bells,” “White Christmas,” “Sleigh Ride,” and “Santa Baby.” These are a few of many Christmas songs that have defined holiday cheer for decades. They fill radio stations, retail stores, and American homes for the whole month of December. People love them for their nostalgia and cannot imagine Christmas without them. But, as music genres have expanded in the last 60 years, maybe you have grown weary of the same old sound of Christmas year in and year out. It might be time to revamp our Christmas playlists and find some new classics.
If you love singer-songwriter music, Phoebe Bridgers brings her devastating sound to some Christmas tunes. She has a nice collection of original and covered songs that will break your heart in the best way. “Day After Tomorrow” captures winter solitude, and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” hollows out the classic song with a melancholy twist.
For the R&B fan, “Def the Halls” is a collaborative compilation coordinated by Def Jam Recordings and 4th & Broadway Records. It features artists like Jhené Aiko, Alessia Cara, and Coco Jones performing covers and original songs. “Under the Mistletoe (with Kendra Jae)” by AUGUST 08 and Kendra Jae captures the subtle sensuality of R&B with Christmas themes. “Wrap Me Up” by Jhené Aiko has lovely vocals combined with the nostalgic feel of sleigh bells in the background.
Another twist on Christmas is “Punk Goes Christmas” by Punk Goes…, a compilation album series by Fearless Records. Punk Goes… usually does punk covers of pop songs with the contributions of punk bands. “Punk Goes Christmas” is fun and unexpected with its 2010s punk vibes to create Christmas music; it almost feels sacrilegious to punk and Christmas music. “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” by Issues brings metal to the compilation alongside holiday cheer. Meanwhile, “This Christmas (I’ll Burn It To The Ground)” by Set It Off provides commentary on consumerism ruining Christmas in a way only punk could do.
Christmas music is the backbone of the Christmas season, and it is time to switch it up. The classics have served us well for a long time helping to define our childhood and bringing joy to a sometimes difficult time. As we make new memories, let’s have a new soundtrack.