The name of the album this song comes off of is “Christmas and
Chill.” That should give you some indication of the kind of Christmas
songs Ms. Grande has in mind. With “True Love,” Grande has
infused elements of Trap and R&B with sweet lyrics of winter and
Christmas time to make one of the biggest Holiday club jams there
is (if Holiday Clubs are a thing?). Synthesizers pulsate throughout the
song as Grande’s strong vocals can be felt all over the track. While
enunciation has always been a struggle for her, Grande has continually
served the best vocal ability of her generation, even reaching the
highs of another famous singer on this list. A very modern take on
the Christmas carol “12 Days of Christmas,” Grande has ventured
into a different style than her previous work and has continued to
surprise us with what she is willing to experiment with (production
and lyric-wise.) Made within the span of a week, “Christmas and
Chill” brings loving lyrics and heavy productions, re-branding what a
Christmas song sounds like in the modern era. A remix
to one of the most well known Christmas carols
isn’t something we thought we needed — but certainly
helps create a need for Christmas club bangers — with
Ms. Grande there to fill the void.
Arguably the most popular modern Christmas song, I’m not even sure Mariah Carey knew the phenomenon she was creating with this song. As a matter of fact — it almost didn’t happen. In the prime of her career, Carey’s management was worried about the release of a Christmas album. Carey did it anyway, and we’re so glad she did. With the release of her 1994 album “Merry Christmas,” she not only attained a top 3 album but brought us the bliss that is this song. Light strums with bells lead Carey into the ensuing piano and drum beats. Huge energy accompanies Carey as she sings to be with her lover, even if they have to give up all the holiday-themed items that usually accompany the season. Having a range of E5 notes (yikes that’s very high, don’t try that at home kids), prominent backing vocals, huge swarms of energy, and bells upon bells- this is Christmas pop perfection. The songbird supreme created something equal to magic with the song that continues to top Holiday charts year after year… Even 22 years later.
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This cover is the best selling song. Ever. So there’s that. “White Christmas,” originally composed by Irving Berlin (who is one of the most famous composers ever, reaching #1 on the charts 25 times), was given to Crosby to record for the movie “Holiday Inn.” Released in conjunction with his album “Merry Christmas,” Bing Crosby created THE Christmas song. Pulling at the nostalgia for the season with imagery of sleigh bells, snowflakes falling over the land, and glistening trees, it’s got the power to put anyone in a festive mood. While the lyrics itself are only 3 paragraphs long, they certainly pack the punch needed. Crosby’s voice, while not as deep or smooth as some of today’s holiday icons, is still able to carry the song — even if it is somewhat monotone. Recorded alongside the Trotter Orchestra and backup singers, The Darby Singers, the atmosphere of the song captures everything we have come to think of when we hear a Christmas song. While the song itself initially performed very poorly, it eventually found itself a home in our hearts and on our phones. With over 500 covers of the song, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most recognized songs of our time.
Unlike most Christmas songs, this one is not bright and cheerful. A somber Christmas song is almost unheard of, as most use the chance to celebrate the coming together of the holiday season. Elvis had a different idea. Covering the 1948 Ernest Tubb classic, Elvis blends together country and folk with his serenading voice to plead with his lover to return to him. Not only did the Elvis cover propel the song to new heights of popularity, but Elvis adds a layer of emotion and empathy that makes the listener truly feel the lyrics being sung. Elvis added so much to the song to take it to new heights including adding the backing vocals of the group the Jordanaires and adding “blue notes”in order to add more texture to the song. While the lyrics describe festive scenery, Elvis most certainly makes you look inward and find a sense of sorrow during one of the happiest times of the year. With multiple different covers of the song since its rendition, the legacy Elvis has made with the song is undeniable. It has made an impact on the Christmas genre for decades, as many have tried and will continue to try to replicate the connection it’s created with its listeners.
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