CHRISTMAS SONG CRITIQUE A detailed and honest review and ranking of popular Christmas hits
LUCY LOCHMOELLER a&e editor
illustration by | NICOLE GORRELL images courtesy of Genius
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU
Mariah Carey
Despite being a very successful R&B singer, Mariah Carey has made quite the name for herself in the Christmas music world. According to Business Insider, Carey has made $60 million from “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” It would be a crime to not crown this work of art with the title of best Christmas song. It’s as if once the familiar little chime melody is heard, everyone around is entranced. They stop what they’re doing, perhaps even stand up, take a deep breath and begin to belt out the lyrics — no matter how off-key — with Carey. Carey has cursed us all, but I don’t think anyone is mad about it.
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ROCKIN’ AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE
HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS
I WANT A HIPPOPOTAMUS FOR CHRISTMAS
Brenda Lee
Michael Bublé
Gayla Peevey
This 1958 Christmas classic is a timeless, catchy and upbeat song. This song gets extra points for being in one of the most iconic parts of “Home Alone,” when Kevin dances around and creates a fake party with mannequins. It’s also a perfect sing-along song that people of all ages can enjoy.
This wouldn’t be an accurate Christmas song ranking without the Christmas King: Michael Bublé. Every winter, Bublé makes his appearance on holiday radio stations. Bublé’s version of “Holly Jolly Christmas” fits his style of jazzy music. It could be catchier, but it’s still a Christmas favorite.
Sorry, Peevey, but this is easily one of the worst Christmas songs to date. While it is a popular hit in the 1950’s style of music, but it has become a disgrace to good Christmas music over the years. It hurts to listen to, the lyrics don’t blend well together and Peevey’s deep yet child-like voice is no help either.
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SPREAD DESIGN BY LUCY LOCHMOELLER | DOMENIC FENOGLIO
