12 Underrated Christmas Classics You Need to Know
The countdown to December 25 is officially on, which means only one thing – Christmas music everywhere you go! Before you roll your eyes, I am here to bust the myth that festive music is overplayed and annoying. Forget the 12 days of Christmas, I have 12 songs of soul here to ignite that festive feeling in you.
Sounds Of Blackness – Soul Holidays
It only feels right to start with this essential record. ‘Soul Holidays‘ is one of my favourite Christmas songs, as it draws from gospel, soul, and Black church traditions and celebrates them. It captures the communal warmth of the holidays perfectly, when you’re surrounded by your friends and family digging into a feast. This record makes you feel happy and connected, celebrating the joyfulness of festive traditions.
Outkast – Player’s Ball (Christmas Mix)
Let’s start with a plain and simple fact – Outkast did not want to make this record. However, it is one of their most beloved records of all time. Yes, ‘Player’s Ball‘ started its life as a Xmas tune. In 1993, their label, LaFace Records, released ‘A LaFace Family Christmas‘, an attempt at bringing some of their biggest stars on their roster, from TLC to Usher, onto one mammoth compilation album. Initially concerned they’d lose all street cred by releasing a Christmas cut, the duo decided to flip the script. They kept it real, explaining what the holidays mean in the gritty projects of the South.
You’d be forgiven for not picking up festive vibes from the mix we all know and love, but consider its lyrics. The opening line, “It’s beginnin’ to look a lot like, what?“, to Big Boi’s “Ain’t no chimneys in the ghetto,” line, it’s clear what this song was made for. A Christmas song you can play all year round, and no one bats an eyelid? Sounds like a winner to me.
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings – Ain’t No Chimneys in the Projects
Christmas is a time for being thankful, and this year I’m thankful for funk and soul. This band spearheaded the revival of vintage soul in the 90s, as powerhouse vocalist Sharon Jones embodied the role of a female James Brown. This charming festive record possesses a vintage analog sound, with sweet and clever storytelling. How does Santa get to you if there are no chimneys in the projects? I suppose it’s magic.
Buy the track here.
Mary Mary – ‘Tis the Season
It wouldn’t be Christmas without my fairy godmothers. These sisters deliver vulnerability, strength, and gospel greatness all year round, but they come into full bloom at this holy time of year. Whilst ‘A Mary Mary Christmas‘ celebrates its 20th birthday next year, it’s timeless to many fans. If you seek joyful energy, with warm and rich vocals, you can always count on Mary Mary.
Donny Hathaway – This Christmas
A musical maestro in the truest sense, Donny Hathaway holds legendary status in the music industry for good reason. Blending church sounds with jazz, funk, and Gospel, the Chicagoan knew how to make timeless music with emotion. He set the bar exceptionally high with what many consider to be the GOAT Christmas song, ‘This Christmas‘. This track will never die out, as listeners come back year after year for the holiday comfort and those horns.
Whitney Houston – Do You Hear What I Hear?
Whilst there may be many covers of this record out there, in my opinion, Whitney’s is the definitive version. Recorded as part of her charity Christmas album in 1987, this track also landed on the ‘Waiting to Exhale‘ movie soundtrack, several years later. This song is inherently emotional and holy through its lyrics, but no one quite delivers it like ‘The Voice‘.
Louis Armstrong & The Commanders – ‘Zat You, Santa Claus?
Quirky and cool, this is a delightful record that showcases the larger-than-life personality of Louis. His gravelly voice matches the mischievous storyline perfectly, with punchy horns and a vintage groove. Get that New Orleans jazz feel wherever you are by pressing play.
Ella Fitzgerald – What Are You Doing New Years Eve?
In a sad, hopeful song that may be the definitive version of this holiday classic, the inimitable Ella Fitzgerald wows listeners with her emotive voice. This take on the classic is beautiful and dreamy, pulling at your heartstrings as she sings about a lover she wishes would choose her. It’s a classic for counting down the last few moments of the year in the jazziest, most elegant way possible.
Tyler, The Creator FT. Ryan Beatty & Santigold – Lights On
Such an incredible Christmas gift landed in 2018 with a Tyler, The Creator Xmas release. Yes, you read that right. The Grinch EP sounds straight from the Odd Future catalogue, as he brings back a Tyler from an earlier era. This felt at the time a contrast to 2017’s ‘Flower Boy‘, and adopts much more minimal production. ‘Lights On‘ is my favourite from the EP. It’s hyper self-aware, vulnerable at times, and Ryan Beatty’s vocals balance our leads perfectly.
Vanessa Williams & Brian McKnight – Joy To The World
Actress, singer, Miss America winner… is there anything Vanessa Williams can’t do? Turning a traditional church song like ‘Joy To The World‘ into a luxurious modern jam is no easy feat, but she pulls it off gloriously. Brian McKnight’s musical fingerprints are recognisably all over this record, as the pair transition effortlessly back and forth. Soulful ad-libs, angelic runs, and utterly intimate, this is one for when you’re under the mistletoe this Christmas.
Kelly Rowland – Love You More At Christmas Time
This Destiny’s Child star is no stranger to R&B Christmas bangers – need I remind you of the ‘8 Days Of Christmas‘ album? However, as the world is well aware, Kelly Rowland can make stellar songs solo. This is R&B for grown-ups; it’s pure romance and sincerity. With a gentle rhythm underpinning the warm voice we know and love, this is a comforting, underrated gem.
Jhené Aiko – Wrap Me Up
This is probably my favourite Christmas cut from the last few years. The beautiful Jhené Aiko keeps us cozy with this single, made for slow dancing and declarations of gratitude to the one you love. Armed with an enchanting voice, Jhené sounds like a festive angel. ‘Wrap Me Up‘ is a transcendent, hypnotic feel-good track that needs a lot more love.
Conclusion
There you have it – twelve essential tracks that are criminally under-appreciated, but mesmerising nonetheless. Whether you’re looking for a modern take on festive feelings with Tyler, The Creator, or seeking the warm hug that is Ella Fitzgerald’s voice this festive season, I hope you have found something to love. Merry Christmas, all!
Press play on the playlist below to enjoy the above tracks. You can read more song reviews here.
About The Author
