Top 10 underrated must-hear Christmas songs to listen to this holiday season
Christmas season is here once again and as usual, there will be plenty of festive get-togethers, boisterous spirits and cheery holiday sing-alongs. Since we all know those evergreen Christmas carols by heart by now, why don't you take a listen to 10 of these relatively unheard, but absolutely must-listen-to Christmas tunes! The genre-spanning list starts below:
1. Sun Ra presents The Qualities - It's Christmas Time
Avant-garde jazz legend Sun Ra produced plenty of incredible mind-bending music in his hey-day. But he was also responsible for producing some criminally-underrated classic bands like The Qualities - take a listen to this 1960 diamond in the rough and we're sure you'll agree.
2. Belle & Sebastian - Are You Coming Over For Christmas?
Scottish indie-pop darlings Belle & Sebastian first grabbed our attention with their astonishingly good debut 'Tigermilk'. On Are You Coming Over For Christmas, they blend lilting brass instruments with their understated intertwining vocals, and the result is a gorgeous treat for our ears.
3. For King & Country - Little Drummer Boy (Live)
The dynamic Australian pop-rock duo For King & Country show us why they are one of the best live acts around with this spellbinding version of the Christmas classic 'Little Drummer Boy', complete with thumping percussion and great vocal performances.
4. Jim Backus - Why Don't You Go Home For Christmas
Best known as Thurston Howell from 'Gilligan’s Island', and as the voice of the bumbling cartoon character, Mr. Magoo, Jim Backus is a man of many talents. Here, he brings a smile to our faces with his unmistakable voice in this laidback jazz-lounge gem.
5. Juice Crew - Cold Chillin' Christmas
The old-school hip-hop outfit Juice Crew were well regarded as one of the pioneering rap supergroups of their generation, comparable only to the likes of the Wu-Tang Clan. Listen to them drop dimes on this bomb of a Christmas mix.
6. Caroline Romano - Remember Christmas
Country music artist Caroline Romano is a rising young star who has enchanted listeners with her captivating voice and heartfelt lyrics. She wrote this nostalgic holiday tune when she was only 12, and we feel it definitely deserves way more listens.
7. Rob Halford - O Holy Night
Judas Priest is one of the greatest metal bands of all time, so it might come as a surprise to know that their iconic frontman Rob Halford has also made two Christmas albums, replete with his trademark power vocals. An absolute must-listen for metal fans.
8. Basshunter - Jingle Bells (Electro)
The Swedish DJ Basshunter is no stranger to rave and EDM festival-goers, but even clubbing enthusiasts might be surprised to know that he dropped this brilliant Christmas track over a decade ago. It's extremely groove-worthy too.
9. Duck&Bear - Jingle Bell Rock Remix (A Trappy Christmas)
Trap is one of the biggest genres taking over the world right now, and yet there's still a good chance millions of hip-to-it listeners would never have heard of this absolute banger of a remix. Give it a whirl and wait for that sick bass to kick in.
10. Robert Fripp - Silent Night' a' la Frippertronics
We saved the best for last - Robert Fripp of King Crimson fame unveiled a magical version of 'Silent Night' in 1979 that showcases his inimitable musical ability, and quite frankly, it deserves to be looped to be fully appreciated. There is also an equally brilliant version with added vocals by Jakko Jakszyk.
Christmas Bonus Tracks
As a generous Christmas bonus, here are 10 more amazing-yet-unheard Christmas tracks that didn't make the top ten list, but we feel you'd appreciate checking them out anyway - tis the season, after all!
The HoHoHos (aka The Juliettes) - We wish you a Merry Christmas
Kurtis Blow - Christmas Rapping
Bryan Adams - Joe and Mary
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - All I want for Christmas
Low - Just Like Christmas
LCD Soundsystem - Christmas Will Break Your Heart
Can - Silent Night
Now, Now - Lonely Christmas
TobyMac - The First Noel ft. Owl City
The Flaming Lips - Christmas At The Zoo
And if you're still looking out for more undiscovered gems, check out this Obscure Christmas Tunes playlist on Spotify. Happy holidays to you!