Christmas is fast approaching and for many music fans out there it's always a struggle to decide what songs should make it onto the family holiday playlist to keep things fresh but appropriate for the whole family. Here are four suggestions to play this holiday from classics to original songs that came out in 2015.
Carly Rae Jepsen "Last Christmas:" Critics and pop music fans alike are raving about her E•MO•TION album and this take on a Christmas classic is no different. There's still all of that great synth pop sensibility and the same glorious saxophone that makes "Run Away With Me" so infectious. It might even spark a conversation about how unrecognized her music was this year.
Pentatonix "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas:" Are they cheesy? Yes. Are they highly over marketed? Yes. But, think about how impressed your family will be to learn this group is entirely acapella, including the beat boxing. It's a fun new take on the song and shows that you're really hip to trending YouTube channels.
John Legend "Under The Stars:" The R&B legend returns with another winning song created for the Stella Artois "Give Beautifully Campaign" that sounds like it could have been created for a non-Christmas album. The song reminds us of what Christmas is all about - giving to others - and it does it in a masterful way.
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings "Ain't No Chimneys In The Projects:" In a year of great socially conscious music, it only makes sense that it would translate to our Christmas music as well. The title pretty much says it all, but don't overlook the rest of this fabulous album. "Silent Night" gets an upbeat, bluesy, R&B rendition and Hannukah gets a much-needed new song that isn't by Adam Sandler. This album is an instant classic that shouldn't be overlooked this holiday season.
