Music is a big part of Christmas. It helps you get into the
holiday spirit, as well as expresses the joyousness of the season. However, radio
stations tend to play the same renditions of classic holiday tracks ad nausea at
this time of year. And while these are classics for a reason, they can become a
bit stale after a while.
There are a lot of artist who released original Christmas
songs this year. Both Sia and Chance the Rapper released wholly original
Christmas albums. Violinist Lindsey Sterling released a new holiday album this
year with some of her own compositions. Pop artists like Gwen Stefani, Hanson
and Mariah Carey all put out original songs this year, as did rock and
alternative artists like The Maine and Sufjan Stevens.
To get in the holiday spirit, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s
music outlet, has been checking out some of this year’s new Christmas originals.
Here are seven that are sure to spice up your holiday playlist.
1.
Lindsey Sterling feat. Becky G, “Christmas C’mon”:
I included this song in a recent “week in review,” but it deserves a mention
here too. Unlike a lot of instrumentalists working with singers, Sterling’s
violin does not get lost in the mix with on “Christmas C’mon.” In fact, it
stands out as another voice, complimenting Becky G’s. (video)
2.
The Maine, “Winter Means Nothing”: The Maine
have had a banner year with their latest album, ‘Lovely Little Lonely,’ and
have now released a new Christmas EP. The EP’s first single, “Winter Means
Nothing,” is a somber song about missing your significant other during the
holiday season. Because without love, the season “means nothing.” The song is
just as good as anything on “Lovely Little Lonely,” continuing the forward momentum
the band has been building this year. (video)
3.
Gwen Stefani feat. Blake Shelton, “You Make It
Feel Like Christmas”: Gwen Stefani’s foray into country music, “You Make It
Feel Like Christmas” is a high-energy holiday love song ripe for professing one’s
love for the person next to them. Blake Shelton’s country twang comes through
as the main melodic influence, though some of Stefani’s pop tones can be heard
as well. (video)
4.
Sia,
“Candy Cane Lane”: Sia decided to release an entire album of Christmas
originals this year. “Candy Cane Lane” is the most adorable and joyous of these
tracks. While some of the other tracks are either incoherent or about bourbon,
this song peps you up and gets you into the holiday spirit. (video)
5.
Hanson,
“It’s Finally Christmas”: After 20 years, Hanson finally released a new
Christmas album, as well as a very upbeat original single. “It’s Finally
Christmas,” the album’s title track, feels like one big Christmas party. The
song perfectly mixes the band’s pop, country, jazz and rock influences with
lyrics about celebrating the season and feeling that Christmas cheer. (video)
6.
Mariah
Carey, “Lil Snowman”: It’s not Christmas without Mariah Carey. The
legendary singer put out a new song to coincide with her new holiday special this
year. Trading in her signature pop high notes for a little rockabilly flair, “Lil
Snowman” finds Carey singing to her “little snowman” about how cool Santa is. The
song is upbeat and ready for livening up the dancing at your holiday party. (vinyl)
7.
Sufjan Stevens, “The Greatest Gift”: Not all
holiday songs have to be peppy, or about Santa Claus or Christ. Sufjan Stevens
makes it clear in his low-key new track, “The Greatest Gift,” that being with
friends and family is the best gift of all. (video)
These are some of this year’s best new original Christmas
songs. Add these to your holiday playlist and have a great holiday season.
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Find Christmas music and more at Vinyl Bay 777. Long Island’s
favorite new independent record shop has thousands of titles to choose from in
an array of genres. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records,
CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia in store at our Plainview location during
our holiday hours or shop online at vinylbay777.com anytime. With more titles
being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find
at Vinyl Bay 777.
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