There are two kinds of people: the ones who love Christmas songs and the one who cannot stand them. Fortunately for you, I identify with the former. This list provides classics with a humorous twist and Christmas songs you probably didn't even know existed. Here are twelve contemporary Christmas jams that will have those on the fence about Christmas music join my side.
1. A Great Sled by The Killers ft. Toni Halliday
That's right, The Killers produced a Christmas song! Brandon Flowers' voice contrasts beautifully with the light hearted subject of Christmas. There's just something funny about hearing him say "ho, ho, ho" in a monotone. Perfect for teenage holiday angst.
2. #FirstWorldChristmasProblems by Awkward Kids
These three women, known as Awkward Kids on YouTube, decided to take a comedic look at complaints made during the Christmas season. Such complaints include: not trying the holiday drinks at Starbucks because they stopped making them, not having enough magnets for all of the Christmas cards you're receiving, and getting an iPad mini when you wanted an iPad. You can buy the song on iTunes!
3. Sump'n Claus by Kenan Thompson
I felt it would be unfair to have more than one Saturday Night Live Christmas song, and I decided to pick this jam. It was hard though, "Santa's My Boyfriend" is also a classic hit by SNL. However, this one is too catchy to pass up, and Kenan Thompson's performance, as always, is top notch.
4. Dear Santa (Bring Me a Man This Christmas) by The Weather Girls
Did you know the women who sang "It's Raining Men" also came out with the soul filled masterpiece that is "Dear Santa (Bring Me a Man This Christmas)" in 1983? Well, they did, and they start with the same line they do in their classic: Hi, Hi! We're your weather girls!
5. I Wish It Was Christmas Today by Julian Casablancas
Sound familiar? This is the original song to Saturday Night Live's famous "Holiday Treat For All" piece starring Jimmy Fallon, Tracy Morgan, Chris Katan, and Horatio Sanz on season 27 of SNL. It became a classic, and they even came back to do the song again 10 seasons later. If you liked the performance, you're going to love the original!
6. Christmas Rhapsody by Pledge Drive
Do you like the song "Bohemian Rhapsody?" Of course you do! Then you're going to fall head over heels for this genius parody of the super smash hit. Instead of yelling at the top of your lungs "MAMAAA" you can scream "SANTAAA." Family fun for everyone.
7. Progressive Christmas Carols by Jon Cozart
Another YouTuber, what can I say, they upload hilarious and catchy Christmas songs! Jon Cozart, whose Disney princess parody titled "After Ever After" went viral a couple years ago, came back with this parody mashup of traditional Christmas carols filled with modern lyrics that address social issues. This song is available on iTunes, but if you don't have the money to spend, it's also on Spotify!
8. Christmas On Riverside Drive by August Darnell
Doesn't this song make you want to dance and clap your hands? Full of that funk and no wave genre, it's a shame you never hear it on the Christmas radios. It feels like it's actually Christmas in 1981. Feel that 1980s Christmas aesthetic.
9. Must Be Santa by Bob Dylan
Oh Bob Dylan, with your... polka? I guess it comes as no surprise considering he has covered a wide range of genres in his musical career. The music video to this song is a must-see, and the lyrics are catchy and hilarious. There's one point where he initially starts naming reindeer, but he ends up naming presidents instead.
10. Soulful Christmas by James Brown
I had no idea James Brown sang Christmas songs until just recently. The bass grooves out to this soulful tune, and everything from the music to his recognizable, iconic voice just make the song all the more enjoyable. Too bad I don't hear this song in shopping malls. It would make gift-buying a whole lot more exciting.
11. Christmas is Cancelled by The Long Blondes
The Long Blondes were a British indie band who were together from 2004 to 2008. This song seems to be an anthem for single people who spent last Christmas with a significant other who they are no longer with for this Christmas. Their Christmas song actually sounds a lot like something an American indie band would produce, at least instrumental wise. This one goes out to those still mending a broken heart this holiday season.
12. All I Want For Christmas Is A Space Jam by Mariah Carey and the Quad City DJs
Finally, the best for last. We have YouTuber ItsCrisp to thank for the most astounding Christmas jam of all time. You can download it for free (see the description box under the video). Actually, there are many Christmas songs that have been mashed up with "Space Jam" on the internet. Who knew "All I Want For Christmas Is You?" and "Space Jam" sounded so unexpectedly well together?
