The New Tracks You Need to Add to Your Holiday Playlist
By Lily Sanders
For whatever reason, 2019 seems to be the year of new holiday music. We can almost always expect a Christmas themed single from one artist or another, rarely do we see full-length holiday albums being released in this magnitude. However, not all holiday releases are created equal and some are more noteworthy than others. Here is your guide to just a glimpse of 2019s offerings.
“Baby, It’s Cold Outside” by John Legend (feat. Kelly Clarkson)
Fellow judges on NBC’s “The Voice” collaborated for a revamped rendition of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” for Legend’s “A Legendary Christmas” album. The song was originally released in 1949 by Frank Loesser and has recently been under scrutiny for suggestions of sexual harassment in the lyrics. Clarkson and Legend decided to alter the famous tune to be more appropriate and empowering in this newfound #MeToo era. This alternate interpretation is still imperfect, but it is a fun listen.
Clarkson and Legend performing “Baby Its Cold Outside”// CNN
“This Christmas” by Pink Sweat$ & Donny Hathaway
This duet from up-and-coming R&B artist and Philadelphia native Pink Sweat$ and the deceased icon Donny Hathaway is an unexpected mashup but nonetheless much appreciated. The combination of Pink Sweat$’s new school sound and Donny Hathaway’s classic R&B flow is an absolute delight.
“Like It’s Christmas” by Jonas Brothers
Music snobs might write off this single from the Jo Bros, but personally, I like to bask in all the early 2000s nostalgia I can get. The Jonas Brothers are back and better than ever with this oh-so-catchy tune. With just one listen I found myself belting the chorus, You make every day feel like it’s Christmas in the shower. Their first Christmas song since, “Joyful Kings,” a medley featured on Disney’s “All Wrapped Up” (2008) holiday album, does not disappoint.
Jonas Brothers Christmas Album// Youtube.com
“Make It To Christmas” by Alessia Cara
Down in the dumps this holiday season and in search of brain-numbing pop melancholia? Alessia Cara has you covered. This holiday track tells the story of a relationship gone sour just before Christmas. A tale all too familiar, Cara’s single is a refreshing taste of reality amidst the idealism of the holidays.
“White Christmas” by Lea Michele (feat. Darren Criss)
Former “Glee” fans will really enjoy this rendition of a Christmas classic. While the song itself is nothing new, Criss and Michele sound marvelous together. It might still be second to Blaine and Kurt’s duet in the show, but it’s still a track worthy of appreciation.
“A Hand For Mrs. Claus” by Idina Menzel (feat. Ariana Grande)
This original track from Menzel and Grande is the feminist Christmas anthem we need. Santa gets all the praise, and Mrs. Claus is chopped liver. “A Hand For Mrs. Claus” highlights all that Mrs. Claus does in preparation for the holidays.
8,485 Likes, 77 Comments - Idina Menzel (@idinamenzel) on Instagram: "Love you @ArianaGrande. Check out our lyric vid for "A Hand for Mrs. Claus"! 🤶 Swipe up in my story..."
“Glittery” Kacey Musgraves (feat. Troye Sivan)
While I’m normally not a huge fan of Kacey Musgraves’ music, “Glittery” is an effortlessly gorgeous and ethereal exception. Musgraves and Sivan’s voices mesh perfectly together in this song about crushing around the Christmas season. Its wholesome message is impossible to criticize.
“Noche De Paz” by Reik (Recorded at Electric Lady Studios NYC––Spotify Studios NYC)
“Noche De Paz” is none other than the Spanish translation of “Silent Night.” This rendition by Reik is absolutely gorgeous and a perfect accouterment to any holiday playlist. The Spotify session is more raw and real than others recorded by the Mexican pop group.
Songs to Skip:
“New Axe” by Jack Johnson
This may be a bit biased since I think Jack Johnson’s “Banana Pancakes” played on repeat could be considered cruel and unusual punishment, but the singer’s signature brand of easy-listening, singer-songwriter music is once again unlistenable. “New Axe” is monotonous, uninspired, and in my humble opinion, has the capacity to induce delirium.
“Sugar Plum Fairy Introlude” by Mariah Carey
Pop legend Mariah Carey re-released her iconic 1994 “Merry Christmas” album just in time for its 25th anniversary. While the album consists of tracks from the original release and live renditions, it does feature a few new tunes. The “Sugar Plum Fairy Introlude” is 44 seconds of Mariah singing in whistle tone to instrumentals from “The Nutcracker.” There is also a four-second shorter acapella version of the song to conclude the album. Unfortunately for Mariah, the outcome of this track sounds more like something you would hear trending in the background of a TikTok than a vocally ambitious conquest.
While it is incredibly easy to fall back in the routine of listening to “Last Christmas” by Wham! for the millionth time, it is always good to broaden your horizons, and now you can with our holiday suggestions.