Ariana Grande's Christmas original, which was first released on the Japanese reissue of her Christmas EP Christmas Kisses, has become a modern favorite. Stevie Wonder released his Someday at Christmas album, which featured this track, in 1967. Fun fact: Released in 1984, it didn't top the charts until 2017. 6. Each one trying to leave their mark on history. Paul McCartney has said that the catchy, upbeat holiday jingle only took him 10 minutes to write. To help you keep your inner Scrooge at bay for the rest of the Christmas season, here are 34 of the best, wackiest, and weirdest Christmas songs out there. This song is one of the original tracks that appears on Harry Connick Jr.'s Christmas album of the same name, which went triple platinum. Country of Origin: Germany. Who doesn't love this upbeat Christmas hit? Most of what the English-speaking world regards as traditional Christmas music is actually less than 200 years old. Don't you tell a single soul, What I'm going to say; Christmas Eve is coming soon, Now, you dear old man, Whisper what you'll bring to me: Tell me if you can. The book helped popularize several of the most-known Christmas carols including âResonet in laudibus.â Popular English hymn writer, John M. Neale, translated the song into English as âChrist was born on Christmas Dayâ and based his version on the one in Piae Cantiones. When Joseph was an old man, And an old man was he; He wedded virgin Mary, The Queen of Galilee. Although the song is popular, academics have been critical of Neale’s decision to put his own lyrics over the original melody. However, the most popular Christmas songs were created in more recent times. Whether you're trying to shake your Grinch mood on your drive to the office, on the hunt for a sing-along soundtrack while you deck the halls with all your favorite holiday decorating ideas, or baking holiday cookies for your annual Christmas party, you’ll want all the best Christmas songs playing in the background to get you into the spirit of the holidays. John Lennon and Yoko Ono originally recorded this somewhat controversial tune with the Harlem Community Choir to protest the Vietnam War. âResonet in laudibusâ is a traditional Christmas carol from 14th century Europe. Its exact origins are difficult to date, but it was widely-known and sung all over medieval Europe. The most popular English version of the song was written in 1841 by the English Catholic priest Frederick Oakeley. Happy holiday hits for an entire month, or dare we say two months, leading up to the most wonderful time of the year? The most sung version of the song was written by John M. Neale with help from his music editor Thomas Helmore in 1853. Jesus Refulsit Omnium is often cited as the oldest known Christmas song in the world. There are good R&B Christmas songs and then there are great ones, like this Jackson 5 classic. Neale called âGood Christian Men, Rejoice.â, Created: unknown â believed to be around the 13th or 16th century The song may have been inspired by the Book of Isiah chapter 1 verse 3 where the ox and the donkey are present for the birth of Jesus Christ. Neale’s original English lyrics were set to the melody of a 13th century Easter hymn called âTempus adest floridumâ (âThe time is near for floweringâ) from the 1582 hymn book Piae Cantiones. âGood King Wenceslasâ is a classic and popular Christmas carol about a king from Bohemia who journeyed through harsh winter conditions to give alms to a poor peasant on the Feast of Stephen, which is on December 26th. The Christmas folk song from the Canadian singer-songwriter has become one of Joni Mitchell's most recorded tracks. Country of Origin: France. Several people credit St. Hilary as the first Latin Christian hymn writer and two other hymns are attributed to him. The original Latin song has been credited to several people including John IV of Portugal in the early to mid-17th century, John Reading in the late 17th century, and John Francis Wade in the mid-18th century. Created: 1853 based on 13th century carol Not much is known about the song other than the fact that it originated in France. The British supergroup Band Aid recorded this Christmas song as a benefit single to combat famine in Ethiopia. Every Christmas season brings a rush of artists releasing Christmas albums. Choose the category of Christmas music that you're interested in, ranging from traditional to contemporary, and click the title of the song to open a player in the browser. Christmas songs are universally popular once the holiday season starts and many annual classics such as Bing Crosby’s âWhite Christmasâ seem like they’ve been around forever. Copyright 2020 Oldest.org | Terms | Privacy | Contact | Facebook, Spread the loveThere is no doubt about it: religion is old. Everyone knows how to say Merry Christmas in Spanish thanks to this classic penned by Puerto Rican musician and composer José Feliciano. âIn dulci jublioâ is another traditional Christmas carol dating back to medieval times. "Blue Christmas" is a Christmas song written by Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson and most famously performed by Elvis Presley; it was first recorded by Doye O'Dell in 1948. Do You Know How to Hang Christmas Lights? Joseph Was An Old Man 4 Lyrics. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It's practically impossible not to dance along to The Spice Girls' 1998 cover of this fun Christmas song. Your Christmas Dessert Table Needs These Recipes. Chuck Berry's blues-inspired rock song proves that rock and roll and Christmas really do go hand in hand. Christmas Songs Criteria: Chosen for ongoing popularity, impact, importance, and strong association with the holiday. In an effort to "stay cool by thinking cool", the most-performed (according to BMI) Christmas song was born. Contemporary technology made possible this duet with country star Martina McBride. Yes, we mean the whole Nutcracker! The video stars Cindy Crawford as Jon Bon Jovi's love interest. We recommend you to check other playlists or our favorite music charts. "Blue Christmas" was best known as a country Christmas song in a version recorded by Ernest Tubbs in 1948 until Elvis Presley made it a rock 'n' roll classic with his 1957 recording. "When My Heart Finds Christmas" by Harry Connick Jr. "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)" by The Chipmunks, "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" by *NSYNC, "My Only Wish (This Year)" by Britney Spears, "I'd Like Your For Christmas" by Julie London, "Wonderful Christmastime" by Paul McCartney, "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" by Darlene Love, "Here Comes Santa Claus (Down Santa Claus Lane)" by Gene Autry, "I'll Be Home For Christmas" by Bing Crosby, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Judy Garland, "Let It Snow! The oldest known written copy of the song appears in the Moosburg Gradual of 1360. âEntre le bÅuf et l’âne grisâ or âBetween the Ox and the Grey Donkeyâ in English, is one of the oldest French Christmas carols that is still sung today. Written By: Heinrich Seuse Wild Man Fischer, “I’m a Christmas Tree” (1999) Professional weirdos Wild Man Fischer and radio personality Dr. Demento team up for possibly the worst Christmas song ever. Of all the versions of this song, including Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and even Radiohead, we think Darlene Love comes out on top. Country of Origin: unknown, somewhere in Europe â original song is Latin. If you're like us, you probably start blasting Christmas music soon as you can—after all, there's no such thing as too soon when it comes to Christmas tunes. by Band Aid, "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer" by Elmo & Patsy, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" by John Denver & The Muppets. The Muppets version of this classic Christmas carol from the 1700s has become a classic in its own right. All of those holiday radio stations won't be able to compete with your holly jolly playlist! The song gained renewed interest when it was included in 1991 on Atco Records' revised edition of their 1968 Soul Christmas compilation album and has since become a modern Christmas standard, with the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers reporting that it was the … "I saw a spiral pad on his (Wells's) piano with four lines written in pencil", Tormé recalled. Punk meets Christmas in this holiday-inspired tune that didn't chart when it was first released but has since become a rock Christmas favorite. However, many historians believe that the earliest…, Spread the loveThe word Torah can mean many different things, but in general it refers to the first five books…, Spread the loveDetermining when the books in the Bible were written can be difficult because there is a lot of…, Spread the loveThere’s something about walking into a cathedral that’s been standing for so many centuries that you can’t help…. The Carpenters put out this song in 1970, and it hit number 1 on the Billboard Christmas singles charts for three years. Written By: John M. Neale and Thomas Helmore This pop tune is the kind of Christmas song you can sing in the shower. Written By: unknown, possibly John IV of Portugal, John Reading, or John Francis Wade No Christmas song should ever contain the word "sorrow." We dream of a white, snowy Christmas every year thanks to this classic hit. While âCorde natus ex Parentisâ isn’t a popular Christmas song today, it is probably the oldest known Christmas song that is still performed by a few churches today. Created: date is disputed â current form from mid-18th century, but words may be from 13th century Dating back to 1864, this song is said to be the second oldest secular Christmas carol, according to The Christmas Carol Reader. Although âJesus Refulsit Omniumâ is the oldest Christmas hymn, it isn’t widely-known today. Although this is the “season to be jolly,” some composers believe otherwise and try to share a bit of their negativity into Christmas songs that have somehow achieved popularity among the public. This holiday tune is one of Eartha Kitt's most well-known songs of all time. Joel isn't just any lump of coal, he's Santa's favorite, and in this song, we follow the two on their journey to bring all the kids toys on Christmas Eve. Karen Carpenter's pure voice makes any song, especially this happy holiday tune, sound like home sweet home. The Carpenters' classic song about spending Christmas apart and dreaming about being together was originally released as a single in 1970. Written By: unknown; modern English words written by Robert Davis by Frank Sinatra, "I'll Be Home for Christmas" by Michael Bublé, "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" by Brenda Lee, "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" by Andy Williams. Today, two English translations of the song are used in its performance: one by John M. Neale from 1851, which was later extended by Henry W. Baker a decade later and the other by Robert Furley Davis for the English Hymnal in 1906. "This Christmas" is a song by American soul musician Donny Hathaway released in 1970 by Atco Records. Sorry, Bing! According to different sources, the song either dates back to as early as the 13th century or the 16th century. The original lyrics of the song were written by an unknown author in 12th century France and the song is set to the melody of the Latin song âOrientis Partibus.â The modern English words were written by Robert Davis in 1920. SKU: MN0099053 The origins of Christmas songs dates back to around the 4th century when some of the first Latin Christian hymns were written about Jesus Christ. Kelly O’Sullivan is the content strategy editor for The Pioneer Woman and manages the website’s social channels, in addition to covering entertainment and lifestyle news. Top 70 Most Classic Country Songs of All Time, 35 Most Classic Christmas Movies of All Time, Spread Joy With These Religious Christmas Songs, A Christmas Playlist to Listen to All December Long. Although not originally intended to be a Christmas song, this tune has gone on to be featured on several holiday albums, including those by Kelly Clarkson and Rod Stewart. Somewhere along the way, it became a beloved Christmas song. Written By: St. Hilary of Poitiers The King made this song famous with his rock and roll take on it. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, Best Gingerbread Dessert Ideas for the Holidays, Christmas Recipes That Healthy Eaters Will Love, Easy, Delicious Best Christmas Lunch Recipes, 15 Easy and Complete Christmas Dinner Menus, These Stores Will Be Open on Christmas Day, Winter Cocktails to Warm the Cockles of Your Heart, 68 Gifts for Teen Girls That They Actually Want, "All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey, "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" by Jackson 5. This swingin' song makes you feel like a martini at a fancy-dress holiday party. Listening to this kid-friendly classic will immediately transport you back to your childhood. Featured on her Christmas album Wrapped in Red, this single quickly became a top holiday hit. "Traditional" is defined as encompassing all pre-rock styles of popular music; Christmas songs include both religious and secular songs as well as songs about winter which are associated with the festive season. Following the duo's first two smash singles, "Merry Christmas, Darling" reached #1 on the Billboard Christmas songs chart. This song was written for Frank Sinatra in 1954, where it first appeared as a B-side recording on his cover of "White Christmas.". Like most early Christmas songs, âBetween the Ox and the Grey Donkeyâ is about the nativity scene. Yours came first, but we love this version, too! This 1961 jazz piece might just be the merriest song we've ever heard. Let It Snow!" 2 "Last Christmas" by Wham! The hymn was composed in Latin by St. Hilary of Poitiers sometime in the fourth century. This famous instrumental tune by Leroy Anderson is the perfect background music to any holiday party. It's impossible to listen to it and not be in a good mood. Elton John released his Christmas single in 1973, and it hit number 1 on the Billboard Christmas singles chart. We like this intense and exciting musical performance with an equally exhilarating light show. Over the years, the song has been recorded by several famous singers including Burl Ives, Harry Belafonte, Johnny Cash, and Garth Brooks. This jolly song by Burl Ives is the leading track on his Christmas album for a reason. Print and download The Old Man sheet music from White Christmas. He wedded virgin Mary, The Queen of Galilee. to more modern, uptempo tunes like "All I Want for Christmas Is You" (so cheerful!). Darlene Love performed this song live every year (except one, due to a writer's strike) from 1986 to 2014 on Late Night with David Letterman. Jimmy Boyd's original version of this song is great, but Jackson 5's catchy cover will have everyone dancing and singing along to the funky beats. From there, you can download the song. It is a tale of unrequited love during the holidays and is a longstanding staple of Christmas music, especially in the country genre. Few other songs get kids as excited to see old St. Nick than Gene Autry's cheery tune. The most famous version goes as follows: Christmas is coming, the geese are getting fat Please put a penny in the old man's hat If you haven't got a … According to German folklore, Seuse wrote the song sometime in 1328 after he heard the angels sing the words and joined them in a dance of worship. The song’s exact origins are unknown, but Heinrich Seuse is typically credited as the song’s author. Perhaps best known for "What a Wonderful World," Louis's ode to New Orleans during the holidays captures his signature sound with a big brass band backing him up. Another tune by Bing Crosby worthy of playing on repeat proves he's the unofficial king of Christmas. Let It Snow! The oldest written record of the hymn appears in a manuscript dating back to the 10th century. Stevie Wonder, ... then presumably goes home to play with old syringes and broken razor blades. Listening to this Christmas hit is the best way to start out the season. You’ll recall religious Christmas songs and country Christmas songs that give you that warm and fuzzy feeling, too. More about us. We recommend playing it for your husband right before Christmastime if you "want a yacht." âO Come, All Ye Faithfulâ, originally known as âAdeste Fidelasâ in Latin, is well-known Christmas carol with disputed origins. Christmas is the only holiday with such a large range of music that's integral to its festivities. Otis Redding's jazzy R&B version of this song will have all of your holiday party guests moving and grooving to the beat. Country of Origin: Germany. Like many of the first Christmas songs, âJesus Refulsit Omniumâ is a Christian hymn. It features mega stars including Duran Duran, Phil Collins, Sting, and Boy George. It is believed that he may have created the song after the first recorded Christmas celebration took place in 336 AD. When you hear "The Nutcracker: March," "Waltz of the Flowers" and the "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy," you know Christmas is right around the corner. This track—which is the best-selling modern day Christmas song of all time—has earned Mariah Carey the title "Queen of Christmas.". Wade’s version is the one used today and was first published in Cantus Diversi in 1751. The creator of this song, Ross Bagdasarian Sr., won three Grammy awards for this track in 1958. If you enjoyed listening to this one, maybe you will like: 1. 1. This diddy is sung by the inhabitants of the Island of Misfit Toys in the 1964 stop-motion Christmas movie Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Of the very oldest Christmas songs on this list, âThe Friendly Beastsâ is still regularly sung today and is considered a traditional Christmas song. Bing Crosby's cover of this song made it a popular Christmas staple, and She & Him's cover gives it a contemporary twist. Written in 1934, the song quickly became a pop hit. Your email address will not be published. . Judy Garland recorded this for the musical Meet Me in St. Louis, which should be required viewing around the holidays. Christmas Carols. 1 "All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey. Happy is right! In 1582, the Piae Cantiones â a collection of medieval Latin songs â was first published. The nostalgic melody of Nat King Cole's Christmas tune is bound to make you want nothing more than a crackling fire on a frosty winter day.