Top 12 Modern Christmas Songs

We are all familiar with the music that traditionally comprises Christmastime playlists, such as the classics “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree”. While they are all amazing songs, modern music (post-1970) has been conjuring up some worthy staples of their own.

With that in mind, Eclectic Pop has compiled a list of the Top 12 Modern Christmas songs and you can listen to them via a Spotify playlist below...

#12: “Little Soldier” by Mindi Gledhill

Mindi Gledhill’s original song is a sedately melodic gem that’s sorrowful tune is not depressing, rather serene.

#11: “Extraordinary Merry Christmas” by The Glee Cast

One of the songs from the TV series’ multiple Christmas specials, the “Glee” cast’s “Extraordinary Merry Christmas” is an original filled with exuberance and yuletide merriment.

#10: “Grown-Up Christmas List” by Amy Grant

A song that’s warm hopefulness for the future is infinitely appealing. “Grown-Up Christmas List” is an optimistic song that encapsulates the goodwill of the holiday season in a manner that avoids preachy pitfalls.

#9: “Last Christmas” by Wham!

The holidays are a time to reflect on a year that’s changes are sometimes happy and sometimes sad. In this increasingly popular staple, a lovelorn paramour reminisces about a broken relationship that existed “last Christmas.”

[Image by Syco/RCA]

#8: “One More Sleep” by Leona Lewis

This catchy and deliriously infectious original single by exquisite songstress Leona Lewis, tells of the agonizing wait she endures anticipating the arrival of her great love.

#7: “It Wasn’t His Child” by Trisha Yearwood

An unusual and important perspective from the nativity is told in Trisha Yearwood’s “It Wasn’t His Child.” One of the rare Christmas songs to tell a story that is profound, thought-provoking, and meaningful.

#6: “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” by Sara Groves

This soaring ballad’s modern flair blends with a sweeping instrumentation that profoundly separates itself from the average Christmas song.

#5: “River” by Joni Mitchell

This slow tempo, melancholic folk song finds Mitchell wishing for a river to take her away, as Christmas nears. Poignant and evocative, “River’s” place as a modern classic is well-deserved.

[Image by Big Machine Records]

#4: “Christmas Must Be Something More” by Taylor Swift

For her fantastic 6-track Christmas EP “Sounds of the Season”, Swift penned this spectacular original song meant to remind listeners about the true meaning of Christmas.

#3: “Where Are You Christmas?” by Faith Hill

For anyone who has felt that strange transition from the childlike wonder of Christmas to the adult appreciation of the season, “Where Are You Christmas?” is the ultimate anthem of comfort. You are not going crazy. You are growing up.

#2: “Cold December Night” by Michael Buble

Twenty years from now, it would come as no surprise to find Buble’s catchy Christmas single joining the ranks of the classics. Replete with the sound of jingle bells and a hook for the ages, Buble’s pop hit is the perfect Christmastime love song.

[Image by Island Def Jam]

#1: “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey

The definitive modern classic, Mariah Carey’s phenomenal vocals give life to one of the most repeatable songs in music history, period. “All I Want for Christmas” is catchy ear candy that never gets stale.

Honorable Mention:

“Emmanuel, God With Us” is another worthy song from Amy Grant’s original Christmas album, ‘Home for Christmas.’ There is no other Christmas song quite like it. Thanks in large part to a stirring melody, "Emmanuel, God With Us" is a personal favorite.

LISTEN:

You can listen to Eclectic Pop's picks for the Top 12 Modern Christmas Songs via the Spotify embed below. If you prefer to follow the link, you can check it out here. Without further ado, here is the embed...

[Featured Image by Capital Studios, Island Def Jam, Syco/RCA]