As we continue through the holiday season you've most likely come across the Christmas sounds of Nat King Cole, Brenda Lee, Frank Sinatra, Wham, Band Aid, Mariah Carey, Donny Hathaway, and many more. When it comes to Christmas music though, there are tons of songs out there that get little exposure or have been overlooked/forgotten after their initial release. Basically a Christmas song has to become a hit to be included in playlists for years to come.
Today let's look at some of the overlooked and forgotten songs (and maybe a few more well known songs) so that others can discover them and put them into their Christmas playlists.
Tuxedo - Wonderful Christmastime (2014)
Let's start with one of the best Christmas songs out there that nobody really knows. Of course they probably remember the Paul McCartney version but Mayer Hawthorne and his side project Tuxedo recorded this cover in the same tradition of their funky and consistent songs.
The Jets - Christmas In My Heart (1986)
A beautiful ballad from The Jets. It may be a depressing song but you can't deny the quality of its production.
Khruangbin - Christmas Time Is Here (2018)
The greatly talented Khruangbin released this recent cover and it stays true to their sounds. Bonus points for the included animated music video.
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings - Please Come Home For Christmas (2015)
Sharon Jones will always be a treasure to the music industry and her soulful and laid back version of "Please Come Home For Christmas," along with the sounds of the Dap Kings behind her, produce one of the best versions of this song out there. Credit to The Eagles cover version that gets a lot of notice and a great version as well.
Straight No Chaser - This Christmas (2008)
Donny Hathaway's version takes the top honors for his take on this classic but Straight No Chaser delivers a solid acappella version that produces the good feelings of the holiday season.
Ashanti - The Christmas Song (2003)
Ashanti delivered a pleasant version of the holiday classic that gets lost in the hundreds of covers out there each year around this time.
Jeremy Passion - It Just Doesn't Feel Like Christmas (2017)
Jeremy Passion may not be a household name but I suggest hearing this track and appreciating his tear inducing subject matter that unfortunately many people endure around this time of the year, in contrast to the happiness that is associated with Christmas.
Joe - Make Sure You're Home (2010)
Probably one of the most midnight love-esque songs associated with Christmas. This song plays out like a regular R&B ballad but ends up being an original Christmas song that adds variety to the season.
Duke Pearson - Old Fashioned Christmas
I discovered this song last year and what a gem. A piano instrumental that can pass as a regular song outside the Christmas seasons, this song is smooth and produces a much needed calmness this time of the year.
DJ Harrison - Santa Claus is Coming To Town (2020)
The coolest version of Santa Claus is Coming To Town that you'll ever hear. Also shout out to Bruce Springsteen's version that also adds a coolness to the song.
Babyface - Silent Night (1998)
The song starts out like a normal version and ends with a choir and a powerful vibe that kind of hits you unexpectedly.
Anuhea - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (2018)
The talented Anuhea brings us a sweet laid back version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."
Al Green - I'll Be Home For Christmas (1983)
Smooth and sad, a classic track by the great Al Green.
The Whispers - The Christmas Song (1979)
The Whispers adding their version of "This Christmas."
Rev Run feat. Snoop Dogg, Onyx, Salt N Pepa, Mase, Puff Daddy, Keith Murray - Santa Baby (1997)
Who could forget the Hip Hop Christmas posse cut that came out of nowhere in 1997.
Norah Jones - December (2009)
Norah Jones brings the late night vibes with her track "December," fitting in perfectly with the seasonal sounds.
Rolling Stones - Winter (1973)
Maybe not a traditional Christmas song but the subject matter and the reference to Christmas make this song a great addition to the holiday season. I barely discovered it last year and it's become one of my favorites. Such a track.
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