Review: 4 Iconic, Modern, Original Christmas Songs

Review%3A+4+Iconic%2C+Modern%2C+Original+Christmas+Songs

Malchijah Hoskins '18, Staff Writer

 

1. “All I want For Christmas Is You”

Artist: Mariah Carey

Genre: Pop

To no surprise, the best modern Christmas song belongs to the queen of Christmas herself, Mariah Carey. “All I Want For Christmas Is You” still stands the test of time throughout the two decades that this song has been around. This stems from the fact that the song embodies the essence of the Christmas spirit. Carey single-handedly started the Christmas song revolution. She paved the way for all of the other artists on this list to try their hands at revamping holiday classics. The production of the song sets the standard for all modern Christmas songs: bells chiming in the background, an upbeat tempo synth beat, and a chorus that evokes a feeling of camaraderie. If you were not in the festive mood before listening, this will get you in the spirit.

2. “Underneath The Tree”

Artist: Kelly Clarkson

Genre: Pop

Another iconic Christmas bop, “Underneath The Tree,” was pinned by Kelly Clarkson for her holiday standard Wrapped In Red. On the surface, “Underneath The Tree” may seem like a carbon copy of “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” Lyrically, the song touches upon the holiday standard: two star-crossed lovers meet together in the light of Christmas festivities. However, beyond its superficial subject matter, “Underneath The Tree” is a whirlwind of Christmas cheer and energy. Clarkson’s lengthy and weighted belts are very reminiscent of Darlene Love’s performance on A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector because her voice provides the perfect amount of sentiment and emotion to carry the song. Sonically, Clarkson and her producers inject the song with Christmas spirit using a piano interlude before each chorus, and they cap it all off with a strategically placed saxophone and bell interlude that is utter perfection.

3. “Wit It This Christmas”

Artist: Ariana Grande

Genre: Pop/R&B

Initially, I had pictured Grande’s “Santa Tell Me” taking the third spot on this list. However, in the days that it took me to write this article, Grande mysteriously dropped a Christmas EP, Christmas and Chill, that could very much change contemporary Christmas music the same way Mariah Carey did years before. Just the name of the EP evokes a generational statement and prepares the listeners for the superb music that is soon to come. It is very clear that this song will not be a blockbuster single, but even an everyday listen can not deny the craft and talent that went into creating this single. For this song, Grande places DJ Mustard in a winter wonderland. “Wit It This Christmas” is atmospheric with opulent trap production and whispery vocals. The organic saxophone and violin cut the trap beets and harmonize together for a perfect outro.

4. “My Only Wish (This Year)”

Artist: Britney Spears

Genre: Bubblegum Pop

Not a lot of people know that America’s favorite pop cyborg princess, Britney Spears, released a Christmas song that completely flew under the radar. “My Only Wish (This Year)” is pop perfection. It channels all of the atmospheric aspects that a Christmas song needs to thrive: jingling bells, a synth beat that is cut with a jumping piano, and perfectly autotuned vocals. Unlike most artists on this list, Ms. Spears’ voice isn’t the highlight of the song. The  sentimental tone of the lyrics and the production are the main contributors to the best parts of the song. Spears and her team crafted an infectious Christmas anthem that utilizes an array of instruments and catchy songwriting.