Read Ebook {PDF EPUB} Jazzy Little Christmas by Nica Berry Jazzy Little Christmas by Nica Berry. Completing the CAPTCHA proves you are a human and gives you temporary access to the web property. What can I do to prevent this in the future? If you are on a personal connection, like at home, you can run an anti-virus scan on your device to make sure it is not infected with malware. If you are at an office or shared network, you can ask the network administrator to run a scan across the network looking for misconfigured or infected devices. Another way to prevent getting this page in the future is to use Privacy Pass. You may need to download version 2.0 now from the Chrome Web Store. Cloudflare Ray ID: 66026e5adb944e80 • Your IP : 116.202.236.252 • Performance & security by Cloudflare. The 30 Best Swing and Jazz Christmas Songs. We’ve compiled our top jazz, swing and blues Christmas songs that will add a touch of class and groove to your festivities. Perfect to put on while you are decorating the tree or catching up with friends, or for something a little more formal such as a Christmas drinks reception, these Christmas jazz songs are suitable for every occasion! Ranging from old-school favourites such as Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong to modern day jazz newcomers such as Michael Bublé and Norah Jones, this list of top jazz Christmas songs will leave you feeling festive and mellow – no matter how hectic the Christmas period gets. 1. Frosty The Snowman – Ella Fitzgerald. The album ‘Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas’ was released in 1960 and featured 12 classic Christmas songs. ‘Frosty The Snowman’ is the fifth song on the second side of the album and is a much-loved favourite. Originally written by Walter Rollins and Steve Nelson in 1950, the song has had hundreds of covers recorded and released in its time by jazz bands, solo singers, Motown artists – the list is endless! This jazzy version by Ella Fitzgerald is definitely one of our favourite versions on the song. 2. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Frank Sinatra. An all-time Christmas favourite, ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ is the kind of song that warms your heart when you hear it for the first time in December. Frank Sinatra released his version with adjusted lyrics in 1948, with the original recording being by Judy Garland in 1944. Originally for the musical Meet Me In St. Louis, this song is now a Christmas staple that we couldn’t imagine the festive season without. 3. Merry Christmas Baby – Etta James. Etta James released ‘Merry Christmas Baby’ on her holiday album ’12 Songs of Christmas’ in 1998. This jazzy blues album features James singing some of the most popular Christmas songs with the smooth accompaniment of keys, trombone and saxophone. The song itself dates back to 1947 when it was first recorded by Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers. Since then, it’s been covered by anyone who’s anyone in the world of music, from Otis Redding, Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry to John Legend, Christina Aguilera and HANSON! 4. The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole. It has been reported that ‘The Christmas Song’ was written in the middle of summer by Bob Wells and Mel Tormé as they tried to think of ways they could stave off the blistering heat. The songwriters theorised that by visualising the icy chill of winter, they could fool themselves into feeling cool. After 40 minutes of inspiration, one of the greatest Christmas songs of all was born. It makes us feel us cozy and warm – so the opposite of the intended effect, but who cares; this song IS Christmas. 5. Those Soulful Jingle Bells – Mark Whitfield. Mark Whitfield is a popular American jazz guitarist from New York. He has been the bandleader for Warner Bros Records and Verve record label, working with many prominent and legendary jazz performers. This soulful version of jingle bells is an excellent alternative to more traditional (and sometimes slightly childish) versions of the song. 6. Count Your Blessings – Barry Manilow. ‘In The Swing Of Christmas’ by Barry Manilow was released in 2007 and was the singer’s third Christmas album. ‘Count Your Blessings’ features on this album and was written by Irving Berlin for the movie White Christmas. As a result of this, it is usually played at Christmas time, even though there are no lyrics in the song that actually refer to any festive activities or December or Christmas. However, it’s still a captivating, slow jazzy song that fits nicely into this playlist. 7. Wintertime – Norah Jones. ‘Wintertime’ is a seasonal, slow blues song by Norah Jones which was released earlier this year. It’s instantly recognisable as being sung by Jones, with its opening chords bringing the song ‘Turn Me On’ to mind. Jones had been named the top jazz artist of the 2000-2009 decade by Billboard and has sold over 50 million records worldwide. With a jazz title as prominent as that she had to appear on our jazz Christmas list, (and she might be making a couple more appearances too!) 8. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town – Michael Bublé. While Michael Bublé has songs that can be played all year round, he seems to magically appear in everyone’s lives at Christmas. This is because he is incredibly well known for his Christmas album, Christmas, which was released in 2011. This jazz and swing album features an array of popular festive hits, including ‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town’. We love this big band version of the song, along with the rest of his album, and all his other work as well. Basically, we just really love Michael Bublé. 9. Little Jack Frost Get Lost – Seth MacFarlane and Norah Jones. Seth MacFarlane and Norah Jones recorded ‘Little Jack Frost Get Lost’ for the album ‘Holiday For Swing’. Featuring a 65-piece orchestra and big band and swing renditions of some lesser-known Christmas songs, this album is a great choice if you want a break from the more overplayed Christmas hits. ‘Little Jack Frost Get Lost’ is a short song, only running for 2 minutes and 34 seconds, with the jazzy melodies and charming vocals making it incredibly catchy. 10. Baby, It’s Cold Outside – Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Jordan. ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’ was written in 1944 by Frank Loesser. This is another one of those “Christmas” songs where there aren’t actually any mentions of the holiday, but it does have a winter theme. It was originally written for Hollywood parties in the 1940s. Back in those days, big stars were expected to perform at any party they attended. Loesser and his wife performed the song at the end of the night, indicating to guests it was time to leave. So basically, the song is a polite way of telling everyone to go home. Ella Fitzgerald recorded her version of the song in 1949 with Louis Jordan and his Tympany Five. 11. ‘Zat You, Santa Claus? – Louis Armstrong. ‘Zat You, Santa Claus?’ was recorded by Louis Armstrong with The Commanders in 1953. The song has a somewhat sinister feel to it and gives us vibes of A Nightmare Before Christmas which was released in 1994. With a sharp trumpet and a tempo that makes you feel like someone is sneaking around, this is one of the more unusual and less festive Christmas songs on our list. 12. A Marshmallow World – Seth MacFarlane. ‘A Marshmallow World’ was first a success for Bing Crosby but has since had multiple covers released. This version by Seth MacFarlane features on his previously mentioned album, ‘Holiday For Swing’. The lyrics describe a dreamy winter wonderland landscape covered in snow, something we all wish for at Christmas. We love this swing band version with its smooth vocals and upbeat tempo. 13. Holly Jolly Christmas – Michael Bublé. Another Michael Bublé hit, ‘Holly Jolly Christmas’ is an upbeat version of the popular song which features a soulful guitar solo in the middle. The original version featured on the Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer soundtrack in 1964 and was sung by Burl Ives. 14. White Christmas – Bing Crosby. ‘White Christmas’ was released by Bing Crosby on his 1945 Christmas album, Merry Christmas. This song is often considered to be his signature number and is one of the best-selling songs of all time, with over 50 million copies being bought worldwide. Originally written by Irving Berlin in 1942, the song describes an old-fashion, traditional Christmas and everything perfect about it. Crosby’s version of the song has been ranked second on a list of ‘Songs Of The Century,’ being beaten by Judy Garland’s Over The Rainbow for the top spot. 15. Christmas In New Orleans – Louis Armstrong and Benny Carter. We believe this is one of the finest jazz Christmas songs out there. ‘Christmas In New Orleans’ was written by Joseph Van Winkle and Richard Sherman and released by Louis Armstrong in 1955. The song takes you on a jazz journey, from quieter moments of just vocals and keys to the impact of a full horn section and vibrant harmonies. 16. It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year – Andy Williams. ‘It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year’ is one of the most beloved Christmas songs of all time. Written in triple time (an uncommon feature for jazz, we know) this song may slightly push our swing, jazz, blues theme, but it had to appear on here at some point! The song was released by Andy Williams in 1963 for his first Christmas album. The song is a celebration of Christmas and all the activities and events that come along with it, focusing mainly on coming together with family and friends. 17. I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm – Frank Sinatra. Frank Sinatra has to be played at Christmas time, and with multiple albums and compilations of his festive songs around today you will be spoilt for choice! ‘I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm’ was written by Irvin Berlin in 1937 for the musical film ‘On The Avenue’. This heart-warming song oozes festive vibes and is Christmas song that isn’t overplayed on the radios and in every shop you go into over the festive season. 18. Christmas Time Is Here – Barry Manilow. Another slower Christmas song, ‘Christmas Time Is Here’ by Barry Manilow is smooth, classy and makes for easy listening. The song was originally written in 1965 for the Charlie Brown Christmas TV Special. It became a hit and had two official versions released, before being covered first by jazz guitarist Ron Escheté. 25 years later, this swing version was released by Manilow, which followed Escheté’s slow and soft vibe for the song. 19. I’ll Be Home For Christmas – Stephen Scott. This jazzy version of ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas” is from Verve Records’ album ‘Let It Swing: A Jazz Christmas With Verve’. Stephen Scott is an accomplished jazz pianist who performs this song wonderfully on the keys, with it being unrecognisable in parts due to the free-styling and dramatic twists and turns the song takes. This lively rendition would fit in perfectly at any Christmas drinks reception or get together. 20. Silver Bells – Tony Bennett. Tony Bennett is a big band, jazz and traditional pop standards singer from America. ‘Silver Bells’ appears on the album ‘A Swingin’ Christmas’ which features Bennett singing with the Count Basie Big Band. The album received a Grammy Award nomination and has become a Christmas favourite for many. ‘Silver Bells’ is another one of those incredibly popular festive hits that has hundreds of covers by different artists. We love this swing version by Bennett, with its dreamy keys and mellow base. 21. Peace – Norah Jones. Next we have another Norah Jones song. ‘Peace’ is a composition by Horace Silver from 1959 and has become a jazz standard. Jones released her version of the song in 2001 and then again in 2016. This is a slow and peaceful jazz song, with stunning melodies and harmonies, which Jones performs beautifully. 22. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer – Ella Fitzgerald. This is Ella Fitzgerald’s third appearance on this list, and with her being the queen of jazz there really is no question why! This version of ‘Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer’ is simple yet sophisticated. The original version of the song was released in 1949 and was based on the 1939 story of the same name. Other famous covers of this song beside Ella Fitzgerald’s are by Bing Crosby, Burl Ives and Alvin and the Chipmunks. 23. Jingle Bells – Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters. We couldn’t leave this iconic collaboration out of our playlist. Bing Crosby released his version of ‘Jingle Bells’ with The Andrews Sisters in 1945 on his Christmas compilation, Merry Christmas. The album has sold over 15 million copies worldwide and is the second best-selling Christmas album of all time. Elvis Presley holds the top spot with Elvis’ Christmas Album. ‘Jingle Bells’ is one of the most commonly sung songs around the world today and was the first song to be broadcast from space – there is a random and really useless fact for you. 24. Cool Yule – Louis Armstrong. ‘Cool Yule’ is another song by Louis Armstrong and The Commanders. Definitely less unnerving than ‘Zat You, Santa Claus?’, this song is a loud and groovy jazz Christmas tune that you could easily dance along to. With Armstrong’s iconic vocals and the trumpet section leading the way through the song, this is a classic Christmas jazz hit that we think should be played more often! 25. Blue Christmas – Michael Bublé. There are so many great versions of the song ‘Blue Christmas.’ This rhythm and blues song has become a staple Christmas song, even though the lyrics aren’t the happiest. While the Elvis Presley version is definitely up there as being one of the best, when it comes to jazz Christmas music Michael Bublé takes the top spot for us. We love the passion and enthusiasm he puts into his performance, along with the energy radiating from the musicians and backing singers. 26. Run Rudolph Run – Chuck Berry. ‘Run Rudolph Run’ is a rock n roll classic, but it is a 12-bar blues song as well which means we can justify featuring it on this playlist! It fits so perfectly alongside all these other songs that we had to include it, and its upbeat tempo means it’s another song you can dance too when you get a little merry. The most famous version of this song was released by Chucky Berry in 1958, with celebrities including Cee Lo Green, Kelly Clarkson and Billy Idol all having covered the song. 27. Let It Snow – Michael Bolton. Michael Bolton is an American singer-songwriter who performed hard rock and heavy metal music at the start of his career. He then moved onto the pop-rock ballads for which he is most famous, followed by swing music later on in his life. A Swinging Christmas was released in 2007 and featured 10 Christmas swing songs, including ‘Let It Snow.’ The lyrics are about being cosy and content at home whilst it’s snowing and cold outside. It has a romantic vibe to it, describing a tender and passionate winter romance blossoming by the fire. 28. It’s Not Christmas ‘Til You Come Home – Norah Jones. Our final Norah Jones song, ‘It’s Not Christmas ‘Til You Come Home’ has a balance of romance and sadness. All the lyrics revolve around how Christmas won’t start till a certain loved one is home: “The sleigh bells won’t ring, Bing Crosby won’t sing, it’s not Christmas till you come home.” 29. Mistletoe And Holly – Frank Sinatra. ‘Mistletoe And Holly’ was written by Frank Sinatra and Dok Stanford in 1957 and appeared on the album A Jolly Christmas From Frank Sinatra. This was Sinatra’s first full-length Christmas album, and it went down a treat with his legions of fans. 30. The Christmas Waltz – Tony Bennett. We are ending our jazzy Christmas playlist with ‘The Christmas Waltz’ sung by Tony Bennett. Originally written for Frank Sinatra in 1954 after he insisted he wanted a Christmas song, it has been covered by numerous artists including Bing Crosby, Barry Manilow, John Travolta, Susan Boyle and of course, Tony Bennett. It could be considered to be the first Christmas waltz and has beautiful lyrics about all the wonderful things found at Christmas time. We hope this jazz, blues and swing Christmas song list gives you lots of inspiration for your festive playlists. Perfect for every occasion, whether that’s a cosy night in wrapping presents or an elegant festive drinks reception, you can easily add a touch of class to your evening with these songs. Jazz music is a great alternative to more commonly played (and overplayed) Christmas songs. After all, with a whole month (and the rest) of Christmas tunes being played nearly everywhere you go, you are going to want some variation. The Good Men Playlist: The 12 Songs of Christmas. Season’s Greetings, Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas! Rob Joyner would like to share with you his 12 Songs of Christmas. ‘Tis the Season! That’s what I titled the 2 CD compilation of Christmas songs I created in 2006. After personally giving and sending some through the mail to family members, friends and co-workers I received a lot of wonderful feedback. In the years since many of the recipients still tell me they play the set every Christmas day. That does my heart good. Because the set includes 57 songs it was a little difficult to narrow my top picks down to just 12. Ultimately, nostalgia and memories of my childhood won over. With the exception of just a few, all are classic renditions everyone knows. And no matter what your year has been like, good or bad, just remember there are so many more others who had it worse than you. So this holiday season, please give whatever you can to a favorite charity. From your local food bank to your Humane Society, there are many souls on two feet and four who could use a little extra love. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” has been recorded by a variety of artists, including Dean Martin, Merle Haggard, The Temptations, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Barry Manilow and Ringo Starr. But my favorite version is by Gene Autry, released in 1949. Most noted for his cowboy songs, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is still Autry’s biggest selling single. It was written by Johnny Marks, who also wrote the Christmas classics “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree”, “Run Rudolph Run” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas”. “Frosty the Snowman” was first recorded by Gene Autry in 1950. But it’s the 1969 TV show gravel-voiced version by Jimmy Durante that I like best. It just wouldn’t be Christmas without it. Happy Birthday and cha-cha-cha! “Jingle Bell Rock” was recorded by Bobby Helms and released just before Christmas in 1957. Helms was actually a country singer, but also had crossover hits on the pop charts. ”Jingle Bell Rock” was a top chart hit for Helms every Christmas season for years after it was originally released. It’s now an annual classic that’s still played on both country and rock radio. ”Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree”, another Johnny Marks composition, has been recorded by Alabama, Cyndi Lauper, Toby Keith, Green Day, Chicago and even The Partridge Family, among others. But nobody sings it like Brenda Lee. And …she was only 13 years old when she recorded it in 1958! Jimmy Buffett’s ”I’ll Be Home For Christmas” is from his 1996 Christmas Island album. Though he’s known for his laid back island music, Buffett’s version of this classic is my favorite. It’s simple and pretty. A little bluesy. A little jazzy. If you find yourself away from home during the holidays and feeling blue, this song just may help a little bit. ”Winter Wonderland” by Leon Redbone. It’s difficult to classify Redbone’s music. Dixieland, blues, vaudeville, ragtime, jazz. He plays all of these kinds of music. Maybe the best way to classify his music is simply Americana. This song is from Redbone’s 1987 album, Christmas Island . It’s one of my favorites, and also includes ”Let It Snow”, ”White Christmas”, ”I’ll Be Home For Christmas”, ”Frosty The Snowman” and ”Blue Christmas”, among others. If you want to step back in time to when the streets were rattling with Model Ts and a kid could sell lemonade without being hassled by a bureaucrat, then Leon Redbone’s music is for you. ”Run Rudolph Run” was written by Johnny Marks and Marvin Brodie. I love Chuck Berry. To me, he will always be the King of Rock and Roll, above Bill Haley and even Elvis. This is my favorite Christmas rocker. Often mistakenly called “Run Run Rudolph”, Berry recorded ”Run Rudolph Run” in 1958. Next is ”You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch”. How The Grinch Stole Christmas! , the book, was published Christmastime in 1957 by every kid’s best friend, Dr. Seuss. Then it came to life on CBS in 1966 through the magic of the great Chuck Jones. The opening credits state that “the sounds of the Grinch are by Boris Karloff…and read by Boris Karloff too!” This is not exactly correct because the song ”You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” was sung by Thurl Ravenscroft. For whatever reason, his name was left off the credits. You may not know his name, but you know his voice. He voiced Frosted Flakes’ Tony the Tiger for decades. After A Charlie Brown Christmas , How The Grinch Stole Christmas! is my favorite Christmas show. To me, it’s much more than just a show for children: Perhaps you have seen it, or maybe you’ve not. But if you do, you’ll like it a lot. The message that’s there is really quite clear, That compassion and tolerance is so very dear. ”Linus and Lucy”. This instrumental was first recorded by the Vince Guaraldi Trio for their 1964 album Jazz Impressions of a Boy Named Charlie Brown . The next year the first Charlie Brown TV special aired. A Charlie Brown Christmas has become one of the most beloved specials ever and is my favorite Christmas show. Since then ”Linus and Lucy” has become the main theme music for anything Charlie Brown. ”Aspenglow” by John Denver. It was released in 1970 on Denver’s Take Me To Tomorrow album. He later re-recorded it in 1975 for his first Christmas album, Rocky Mountain Christmas . It’s not really a “Christmas” song per se, but I feel it fits in quite nicely. Here is my favorite version, the 1970 original. I think the haunting melody makes it one of Denver’s most beautiful songs. I remember very clearly watching Bing Crosby’s Merrie Olde Christmas special. It was at my aunt and uncle’s house and aired November of 1977, just a month after Crosby’s death. I had heard that David Bowie was going to be on it, and being a fan of his then new song ”Heroes”, I was looking forward to seeing him perform it. But the real highlight of the show was Crosby and Bowie’s duet. What I saw was simply magical. The story is that Bowie didn’t particularly care for ”The Little Drummer Boy”, the song Crosby planned to sing. So the show’s writers came up with a unique idea. They decided to write a new song which Bowie could sing along with Crosby’s rendition of ”The Little Drummer Boy”. And so ”Peace On Earth” was born. The duo then recorded ”Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy” for the special with less than an hour of rehearsal. And now we come to my favorite Christmas song – another Johnny Marks classic, “A Holly Jolly Christmas” by Burl Ives. This is the version found on Ives’ 1965 album Have A Holly Jolly Christmas , and not the faster version which is heard on the Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer TV special released the next year. Ives had a long and successful career as a singer, writer and actor on stage, in film and TV. But for me, he will always be Sam the Snowman from the Rudolph TV special. ”A Holly Jolly Christmas” is my favorite because it’s simply saying to have fun and, gosh darn it, just try to be nice to people – something to remember year-round. Mariah Carey to Smokey Robinson: Here is our holiday music guide. Ask Grammy Award-winning music executive Kevin Liles about Christmas music, and he is making a list and checking it twice. Having worked with a long list of superstars — such as Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Mariah Carey, Migos, Fetty Wap, and Trey Songz, the industry veteran understands that certain songs of the season evoke rich memories. “Holiday music is special because it has such a nostalgic feel to it,” said the co-founder and CEO of 300 Entertainment. “A good holiday song done right can stand the test of time.” As an example, he points to Carey’s 1994 mega-hit “All I Want for Christmas is You.” The bouncy ditty (complete with ringing bells) joins traditional tunes such as Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song,” in having sold millions of copies for decades. Both songs are currently on Billboard's Holiday 100 Songs chart and remain perennial favorites. Here are some other holiday tunes recommended by us, music experts, and our readers that we will have on repeat this season. Sleigh Ride Smooth. To unwrap the gift of seasonal R&B standards, consider soulful songs such as “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” by The Temptations and Donny Hathaway’s horn laden “This Christmas,” released in 1971. “You can always get people up and dancing with the classics,” said Pamela `DJ PChris’ Hampton. An East Coast deejay, she's rocked the parties of NBA ballers, spun at major in-store fashion events, and more. Her tips: To set a festive holiday mood, mix things up with different genres of music all with a funky groove. “Something up-tempo like “8 Days of Christmas" by Destiny’s Child is great,” she added, citing their cheeky take on the “12 Days of Christmas." And who can resist Kurtis Blow’s “Christmas Rappin’”? Holiday Tunes For Those In (And Out) of Love. Holiday love songs such as the lush Boyz II Men ballad “Let It Snow” featuring crooner Brian McKnight, are a good choice for those cozy evenings by the fireside or perhaps gazing at the tree. Holiday romance may mean tongue-in-cheek songs, too. “I really like “Santa Baby” by Eartha Kitt,” said Hampton of the 1953 standard whose sample lyrics include: “Santa honey, I want a yacht and really that's not a lot.” For holiday love-gone-wrong there's "Another Lonely Christmas," an achingly melancholy holiday song by the late genius Prince. For sexy sounds of the sax this holiday, Boney James offers "Boney's Funky Christmas" which includes the vocals of Dee Harvey on "This Christmas." The four-time Grammy and two-time NAACP Image Award nominee also brings instrumental flavor to the season with "Let It Snow." Kim Waters "Home For Christmas" also sets the holiday mood and features classics such as "White Christmas," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," and "Away In A Manager." Fresh As Snow: 2017 Holiday Music Releases. The experts say don’t be shy about putting new songs into your holiday rotation. Motown legend Smokey Robinson has a new EP, "Christmas Everyday." Demo Taped, a 19-year-old from Atlanta signed to 300 Entertainment, is known for electronic pop, but has recently released “Christmas Just Ain’t Christmas,” a hit originally performed by the O’Jays. Meanwhile, Dru Hill recently dropped their newest album, "Christmas in Baltimore". And Grammy and Tony Award-winning vocalist Leslie Odom Jr., who co-starred in Broadway’s “Hamilton,” just gave fans a deluxe version (with three new songs) of the jazzy "Simply Christmas" EP in October. The entertainer can also be viewed on YouTube performing "The First Noel" accompanied by the PS22 Chorus, elementary students from Staten Island, New York. Millennials Jingling All The Way. And the holiday musical spirit isn’t lost on younger generations who are accustomed to Spotify, YouTube, and Pandora. Brandon McClary, son of The Commodores co-founder Thomas McClary, is a Howard University student and aspiring music mogul who interned this past summer with Atlantic Records in New York City. His musical tastes are eclectic and he enjoys a wide range of genres, including holiday music. “I stream it or occasionally listen to the radio," he said. His older brother, Ryan Reckords, is an emerging hip-hop artist. Raised in a large, musical family, McClary appreciates instrumentation and intricate arrangements. Some of his holiday faves pre-date his generation, among them, the Jackson 5 rendition of “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.” “I think a lot of millennials are listening to some of the classic songs,” he said. 70 Best Christmas Songs to Get You in the Holiday Spirit. Joy to the world, Christmas is almost here! Before long, the decorations will be strung, Santa will be all over Netflix, and every corner coffee shop, local radio station, and side-street busker will be blaring holiday music. Melodies from familiar old carols like “Silent Night,” and “Jingle Bells” to "All I Want for Christmas Is You," will be shuffled on repeat. And we—in a word—are ecstatic. With so many covers of the same traditional tunes (hello, “White Christmas”) along with original holiday album releases, it’s almost impossible to know which Christmas tracks are actually worthy of your playlists. And that is why we scoured the corners of the digital music shelves to bring you a curated list of the very best Christmas songs out there. Some are vintage classics from Motown royalty like The Temptations, others are uptempo sing-alongs, and a few are admittedly melancholy. But in a good The Pretenders kind of way. So without further ado, here's our list of the top Christmas music of all time. Of course, we checked it twice.