As December’s frosty breath begins to envelop us in its crystalline embrace and we approach Christmas, it heralds a symphony of melodies that evoke the enchantment, exuberance and fun of the season. Here then, are my Top 20 Songs for December - an eclectic selection that ranges from joyful Christmas tunes to songs that conjure snowy scenes via more reflective pieces that challenge us to think of others and the world as a whole at this time of year. These twenty songs are presented in an order than I feel makes a great playlist (link at the end) rather than ranked in any way.
Halford – Get Into The Spirit
Co-written with Roy Z, Get Into The Spirit is taken from Halford’s third album Winter Songs, which contained a few songs and several traditional Christmas favourites, all presented in Rob Halford’s powerhouse fashion. On this high-octane anthem that encapsulates the essence of festive revelry, Halford’s attitude is infectious in transforming traditional holiday cheer into head-banging celebration. With soaring guitar solos from Roy S and Mike Chlasciak, it is a stirring opener to this selection of tracks and one that Halford clearly had immense fun putting together.
AC/DC – Mistress For Christmas
Mistress For Christmas is a thumping song that exudes AC/DC’s trademark energy. While the lyrics are undeniably cheesy (what’s new?), brimming with playful innuendos and tongue-in-cheek humour, it is a festive themed tune (lyrically if not musically) that does not take itself seriously in the slightest, making it a light-hearted addition to this playlist. While not amongst AC/DC’s best ever tracks, the guitar solo still brings a smile to the face.
Lemmy, Billy F Gibbons and Dave Grohl – Run Run Rudolph
A storming rendition of the classic track by Chuck Berry, Run Run Rudolph brings together three titans of rock, each contributing their unique style to create a thrilling and energetic performance. Lemmy’s gritty vocals add a raw edge, Billy Gibbons delivers a superb bluesy performance on guitar, and Grohl provides the solid foundation. A song that demands to be played loud, this version is a must-listen for any rock fan looking to spice up their Christmas.
Greg Lake – I Believe In Father Christmas
A poignant song that stands out for its introspective lyrics and emotive melody, I Believe in Father Christmas delves into themes of disillusionment and the loss of innocence wrapped up in the nostalgic glow of Christmas. Musically, it is a masterful blend of acoustic guitar and orchestral arrangements creating a hauntingly beautiful soundscape. The instrumental interlude, featuring Prokofiev’s Troika, adds a layer of elegance, enhancing the track’s timeless quality. Lake’s vocals are deeply evocative, perfectly conveying the bittersweet sentiment.
Mike Oldfield – In Dulce Jubilo
Released in 1975, this captivating instrumental version of In Dulce Jubilo showcased Oldfield’s exceptional talent for blending classical influences with contemporary sounds, resulting in a joyous and uplifting arrangement. A delightful tapestry of layered melodies, it is intricate but accessible. I first remember hearing this version when I saw the video which is a visual treat in itself. The split-screen format allows viewers to see Oldfield performing his multiple parts simultaneously, highlighting his versality and the complexity of the arrangement.
Chris De Burgh – A Spaceman Came Travelling
A mesmerising and enchanting song, A Spaceman Came Travelling beautifully combines celestial themes with exquisite musical craftsmanship. The track stands out for its unique narrative and ethereal quality, making it a timeless composition. Telling the compelling story of a mysterious traveller, it blends elements of science fiction with the spiritual essence of Christmas. Lush and atmospheric, De Burgh’s vocals have never been better and it builds to an emotional, impactful climax. It contains some wonderful musical details such as the delightful acoustic guitar motif just before the first words are sung.
The Pogues (featuring Kirsty MacColl) – Fairytale of New York
One of the most popular Christmas songs of all time, Fairytale of New York has become a quintessential holiday classic that stands apart for its raw emotional depth and storytelling. Richly orchestrated, it features traditional Irish folk elements blended with a rock sensibility. As the song progresses, Shane MacGowan’s raspy delivery intertwines beautifully with Kirsty MacColl’s clear emotive vocal. I still remember buying this on 7” single in 1987 when it reached number two in the UK charts (it did one better in the Irish charts).
Linkin Park – My December
Beginning the more reflective section of this playlist, My December is crafted through the use of minimalist instrumentation and ghostly production. The song merges delicate piano melodies with electronic beats creating an otherworldly ambiance that mirrors the cold, barren landscape described in the lyrics. Chester Bennington’s vocals are plaintive and tender, conveying a profound sense of longing. With the imagery of a desolate December serving as a metaphor for emotional isolation, the icy and stark environment created reflects the inner turmoil of the protagonist.
Disconnected Souls – Endless Winter
The newest song on this list, Endless Winter is a spectral and vivid track that uses the metaphor of a harsh, unyielding season to explore themes of inner conflict, resilience and transformation. Disconnected Souls are blessed with a variety of singers and across the track, the lamenting vocals of Matthew Simon Fletcher combine with the melodic tones of Holly Royle and Felix King, together with guttural growls of Patrick Lloyd. Creating a frigid, labyrinth of sound, Endless Winter is an enigmatic symphony of icy meditation.
Thunder – Christmas Day
Among the best British rock bands of the last thirty-five years, Thunder should be classified as a national treasure. Christmas Day is a soulful track that amalgamates bluesy embellishments with its touching narrative. At the heart of the song is Danny Bowes’s remarkable voice which brings an unparalleled depth to the performance. Both tender and powerful, he captures the heartfelt essence of the lyrics which unfold with a sense of wistful nostalgia, striking a balance between melancholy and optimism.
Kate Bush – December Will Be Magic Again
A poetic celebration of the time of year it describes, December Will Be Magic Again, finds Kate Bush painting vivid pictures with her words. Unsurprisingly, Bush’s voice is nothing short of mesmerising as it effortlessly dances through the melody, with a playful yet deeply emotive delivery that captures the listener’s imagination. With a feel of whimsical delight and serene beauty, the lush instrumental arrangement creates a dreamy, fantastical atmosphere. December Will Be Magic Again by Kate Bush is not available of Spotify so it does not features in the playlist at the end but I have included an instrumental version by pianist Goldwyck. A video with Kate Bush's version can be watched below.
Vivaldi – The Four Seasons: Winter
And now, as Monty Python would say, for something completely different. Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons is amongst my favourite classical pieces of all time and Nigel Kennedy's version is still one of the best. With three movements, Winter - a masterful depiction of the coldest time of year - is resplendent with resonant gravitas. The first movement - Allegro non molto - uses harsh, biting strings to mimic chilling winds, while the second - Largo - shifts to more flowing melodies to evoke the peaceful stillness of a winter’s night. Completing the piece, the third movement - Allegro - is vibrant and spirited, conveying the dynamic and multi-faceted characteristics of the season. To keep the flow of the playlist, I have included the first movement in the link at the end of this article but a full performance of Winter can be enjoyed in the video below.
Bruce Springsteen – Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Moving this playlist into a section of fun and celebratory Christmas songs, this begins with pre-song banter capturing the band’s camaraderie that immediately sets a joyful, light-hearted tone. Originally the B’ Side to My Hometown, Springsteen’s gritty delivery breath’s new life into the familiar lyrics and his charismatic performance, combined with the super musicianship of the E-Street Band (one of the standout moments is Clarence Clemons’s saxophone solo), transforms the song into a high-energy festive anthem.
Chris Rea – Driving Home For Christmas
An ode to the tradition of returning to where we belong for the Yuletide period, the understated tones of Driving Home For Christmas make it one of the most enjoyable tracks within this selection. Rea’s gravelling vocals instantly evoke a sense of affection and familiarity. Its ability to resonate with anyone who has ever embarked on a homeward pilgrimage for Christmas means anyone can find a piece of their own story within its lyrics.
Toby Jepson and Dave Kemp – Cheese and Port
A fun, bluesy track from the former Little Angels frontman Toby Jepson and long time collaborator Dave Kemp, Cheese and Port encourages the listener to make the most of Christmas and its ability to bring people together. Balancing lyrical references to the fun aspects of the season and famous Christmas songs, the melody is comforting and invigorating with Jepson and Kemp enjoying the sense of warmth and optimism they create.
The Darkness – Christmas Time (Don’t Let The Bells End)
A flamboyant and exuberant addition to the canon of Christmas rock anthems, The Darkness’s signature over-the-top style is on full display making this track an unforgettable festive experience. The lyrics are a jovial yet meaningful blend of Christmas cheer and rock bravado. From soaring guitar riffs to dramatic pauses, every element is designed to be larger-than-life. Justin Hawkins’s vocals highlight his impressive range and his passionate delivery injects the song with a sense of urgency and excitement.
Clannad – Christmas Angels
Signalling a change of mood in the final section of the playlist, Clannad’s Christmas Angels is a sublime audio tapestry that opens with a delicate, gossamer-like instrumental prelude setting the stage for Moya Brennan’s sparkling vocals. Her voice, imbued with a seraphic quality, weaves through the arrangement with effortless grace. The song gently crescendos enveloping us in a cocoon of sound that is both expansive and intimate.
Marillion – Seasons End
One of the best songs in the band’s discography, Seasons End - while not specifically about Winter or Christmas aside from referencing the fear that it might never snow again in England - deals with the passage of time, environmental decay and the hope for renewal; thus, it has often found its place in Marillion’s Christmas tours (on occasion preceded by Gabriel’s Message that set a solemn yet hopeful tone). Steve Hogarth’s voice adds a layer of sincerity and passion that is both moving and thought-provoking, while Steve Rothery’s guitar work is both technically brilliant and deeply expressive.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood – The Power Of Love
Released in 1984, The Power Of Love is a gorgeous ballad that captures the emotions associated with love and protection. Despite not being a traditional Christmas song, it has become intrinsically linked to the festive season due to the timing of its release and the accompanying music video which features nativity scenes and imagery of the Madonna and child. Holly Johnson’s vocals are the centrepiece of the track and his delivery is both commanding and delicate.
Magnum – On Christmas Day
Serving as a moving testament to the futility of war and the enduring desire for peace, On Christmas Day by Magnum also paints a stark picture of the realities that it unfortunately creates. Using the brief pause in fighting over Christmas 1914 as a reference point, Tony Clarkin’s touching words show just how superb he was at writing lyrics as well as music. Originally featured on the Rock Art album in 1994, a re-recorded version was released in 2014 to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I.
Listen to My Top 20 Songs for December playlist below.
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