Christmas is just around the corner, and as the season of joy and cheer approaches, music lovers are gearing up for a delightful array of new holiday tunes. Whether you're cranking up the classics or searching for something fresh to liven up your playlists, the music scene for 2024 promises delightful surprises.
This year, several artists have released new original Christmas songs, giving fans plenty to celebrate. For those who love to discover fresh music, Jennifer Hudson's latest album, The Gift of Love, is topping the lists. This roll-out features her interpretation of beloved holiday gems and includes four jaw-dropping originals. Among them, the powerful duet with Common called “Almost Christmas” stands out, showcasing Hudson's vocal prowess. Another highlight is the uplifting track “Santa for Someone,” which she introduced recently on her show. It's about making it through tough times to find solace and joy during the holiday season.
Venturing down under, The Bamboos, known for their vibrant soul and funk vibes, has released their EP titled Hot Christmas. This work offers two sun-kissed tracks like “Wrapt in a Beau,” capturing the essence of Christmas amid warm summer days. Band leader Lance Ferguson shares his perspective on the holiday: "I'm never going to make an Xmas track without putting some sleigh bells in the mix." The EP features another captivating instrumental piece called “The Bells Of Holly Hill,” perfect for setting the mood as we deck the halls.
Then there's Bella Brown & The Jealous Lovers from Los Angeles with their soulful offering “Always Christmas Eve,” sure to resonate with audiences seeking emotional depth. Meanwhile, indie folk artist Sara Noelle has graced us with “Little Dove,” inspired by nature, embedding the delicate and ethereal spirit of Christmas within its notes.
Despite its title, Icelandic singer Arny Margret's new song “Happy New Year” paints the picture of Christmas with wistful melodies and poignant lyrics, reflecting on the bittersweet nature of this time of year. Margret revealed, “This one is about Christmas and New Year. New Year’s Eve has always felt like it’s a sad and dark time for me.” Her honesty may resonate with many who find the holiday season to be emotionally layered.
Kelly Clarkson continues her streak of Christmas hits with “You For Christmas.” This tune provides listeners with the warm, nostalgia-filled experience we’ve come to love from her festive music. Not to be outdone, indie artist Kat Quinn captures holiday cheer with her track “Santa’s Makin’ Moves,” recently featured at the end of the Hallmark movie Jingle Bell Run.
On the playful side, rapper Saweetie enters the holiday music festivity with her two-track EP, which includes “Big Santa.” Combining cheeky holiday innuendos with charm, the song leaves audiences wanting more. Saweetie promises to keep it classy, but the lyrics hint just enough to catch attention.
Bringing country vibes back to the forefront, The Bobby Bones Show had its own fair share of festive favorites. Among the picks discussed, the upbeat rendition of “Run Run Rudolph” by Luke Bryan and Brett Eldredge’s smooth “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” highlight the variety fans can enjoy from the genre. Other notable suggestions included classics like Gene Autry's timeless “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” and the holiday staple “Santa Claus is Coming To Town” reimagined by the Jackson 5.
Adding to the vibrant lineup, Canadian rockers Art of Dying made their mark with “Die Hard Christmas,” tying music with pop culture references. This release joins the ranks of songs making the case for Die Hard being considered the ultimate Christmas movie, evidence of the blending of holiday sentiment with contemporary themes.
Jack Antonoff of Bleachers introduces his unique take on the holiday with “Merry Christmas, Please Don’t Call.” Unlike traditional tunes centering on togetherness, he conveys the importance of self-reliance, marking the season with his musicianship and life experiences from which many can draw inspiration.
For something truly unique, country artist Orville Peck delivers “Happy Trails,” blending rich vocals with guitar, crafting something reminiscent of classic country tunes. He layers this with modern flair, making it appealing to diverse audiences.
Sunturns—a phenomenon of Norway’s indie music scene—has put out its third album titled Christmas III, continuing to explore the essence of Christmas, referencing the winter solstice and the significance of days lengthening as we near the new year. “First Winter” from this album promises to encapsulate the spirit of this season through its layered sound.
Finally, let’s not forget about late-night hosts getting festive too! Jimmy Fallon, known for his musical collaborations, has delivered “Hey Rudy” featuring The Roots. Proving laughter and music are inseparable during the holidays, this track is reminiscent of the classics, allowing the joy of the season to be shared across platforms.
Rounding up the season’s new offerings is singer-songwriter Ben Folds with his first holiday project titled Sleigher, featuring seven originals—a collection bound to become classics for years to come.
With so much talent showcasing their takes on holiday music this year, it's clear Christmas 2024 is set to be filled with fresh tunes to match the season's joy. Whether you're combing through the nostalgia of classics or embracing the new music splashes, there's something for everyone to connect with and enjoy. So put on those holiday playlists and let the spirit of Christmas fill your home!
