By Sean Titone
December 18, 2021
If you’re one to say you can’t stand Christmas music, then you’re probably not being adventurous enough in your listening. We’ve made it easy for you to get into the spirit of the season. Think of these festive songs as sweet stocking stuffers for your playlist to get you through the next few weeks into the New Year.
We’ve put together an eclectic mix of old and new classics with several rarities that are sure to become your new favorites.
Here are some highlights:
Masego – “Favorite Tings”
Jazz/R&B saxophonist and singer Masego’s take on the Rodgers and Hammerstein standard, “My Favorite Things,” “Favorite Tings,” showcases his multi-talented skills with a dizzying sax solo that elevates the song to another level.
Kacey Musgraves – A Very Kacey Christmas
Kacey Musgraves can do no wrong in our eyes, and when it comes to writing original Christmas songs, that’s certainly true as well. On her album A Very Kacey Christmas, she invites special guests like Willie Nelson and Leon Bridges to duet with her and bring some country vibes with the feel-good Christmas cheer.
Traveller – “Christmas Eve at Kroger”
Traveller is an indie country supergroup led by Cory Chisel, Robert Ellis and Jonny Fritz. On their 2018 debut album, Western Movies, the closing track is a song called Christmas Eve at Kroger,” and it’s full of nostalgia and melancholy.
Ghostface Killah – “Ghostface X-mas?”
Did you know that Ghostface Killah from the legendary Wu-Tang Clan has a Christmas song called “Ghostface X-mas?” It’s got his trademark, nearly breathless rapid-fire bars, and a sample of “Carol of the Bells” that runs throughout. Further proof that Wu-Tang is indeed for the children.
Spoon – “Christmas Time (Is Here Again)”
We have been rationing out the epic three-part Beatles series, Get Back, so we had to throw a George Harrison holiday jam on here with “Ding Dong, Ding Dong,” as well as a new cover of the Beatles’ “Christmas Time (Is Here Again)” from indie rock veterans Spoon.
Nao – “This Christmas”
Critically-acclaimed soul and R&B singer Nao has been on the rise for a few years now, receiving a nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album Grammy in 2020. You’ll love her fresh and mellow take on the Donny Hathaway song, “This Christmas.”
Calexico – “It’s Christmas All Over Again”
It’s a bold move to take on a beloved classic by none other than Tom Petty, but Calexico and Nick Urata from Devotchka prove they are more than up for the challenge in their faithful, fun, horn-fueled rendition of “It’s Christmas All Over Again.”
With additional tracks from Phoebe Bridgers, James Brown, Best Coast, Kishi Bashi, Smino, Preservation Hall Jazz Band and much more, this playlist will bring chill vibes to your holiday party or make the road trip to your parents’ house much more merry.
Our 2021 CLTure Christmas Playlist:
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