1. “All I Want for Christmas Is You”

Artist: Mariah Carey

Genre: Pop

To no surprise, the best modern Christmas song belongs to the Mariah Carey. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has stood the test of time throughout the two decades since it first hit the airwaves. This success stems from the fact that the song embodies the essence of the Christmas spirit. Carey started the Christmas song revolution; she paved the way for other artists to try their hands at holiday classics. The production of the song sets the standard for all modern Christmas songs with bells chiming in the background, an upbeat tempo synth beat and a chorus that evokes a feeling of camaraderie. If you haven’t been in the festive mood yet over the break, this will bring you into the spirit!

2.”Underneath the Tree”

Artist: Kelly Clarkson

Genre: Pop

Another iconic Christmas bop, “Underneath the Tree,” was penned 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.” The song touches lyrically upon the holiday standard: two star-crossed lovers meeting together in the light of Christmas festivities. However, beyond the 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; her voice provides the perfect balance of sentiment and emotion to carry the song. Sonically, Clarkson and her producers inject the song with Christmas spirit with a piano interlude before each chorus, and, to cap it all off,  utilize a strategically placed saxophone and bell interlude that is utter perfection.

3. “My Only Wish (This Year)”

Artist: Britney Spears

Genre: Bubblegum Pop

A lot of people fail to realize that America’s favorite pop princess, Britney Spears, released a Christmas song that flew completely under the radar. “My Only Wish (This Year)” is pop perfection in that it channels the atmospheric aspects that a Christmas song needs in order to thrive: jingling bells, a synth beat that is cut with a jumping piano, and perfectly auto-tuned vocals. Unlike most artists on the list, Ms. Spears’s voice isn’t the highlight of the song. Instead, the success of the song is based on the sentimental tone of the lyrics and the production. Spears and her team crafted an infectious Christmas anthem that utilizes an array of instruments and catchy songwriting.