Best ever holiday cover songs, ranked
Fact: Peppermint hot chocolate is 120% more enjoyable while listening to “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” by Frank Sinatra. Music has (and forever will) set the tone for the holiday season. Over the years, we’ve enjoyed classics like “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole, “Rockin‘ Around The Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee, “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby along with countless others. Nothing can compare to these holiday classics, but every now and then, a great cover song comes along and sweeps us off our chilly feet.
We’ve decided to gather up all of these dreamy covers and deliver them to you in one, convenient, merry post. Grab your nearest domesticated animal —it’s time to snuggle up and enjoy the very best holiday cover songs:
10. TLC – “Sleigh Ride”
It’s hard to make a 1946 classic like “Sleigh Ride” sound contemporary, but TLC definitely pulls it off. T-Boz’s opening verses are sure to take you back to December of 1992. Oh jeez, I can see my family’s patchwork vests so very clearly now. . .
9. Kylie Minogue – “Santa Baby”
Our holiday song catalog wouldn’t be complete without this cheeky little number. Kylie Minogue gave the ’53 classic a millennium-worthy makeover in 2002. Aside from Eartha Kitt’s original version, we wouldn’t want it any other way.
8. Christina Aguilera – “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”
Nothing beats a little Christina during the holidays. Not to mention, her 2000 album My Kind of Christmas is one of the most timeless holiday albums in recent memory.
7. Pentatonix – “Little Drummer Boy”
“Little Drummer Boy” was a favorite of mine as a kid, and Pentatonix has me loving it even more. Considering its perfect harmonies and heavy bass lines, this cover is sure to land a spot on your holiday playlist.
6. David Thibault – “Blue Christmas”
If you haven’t heard of David Thibault, you’re in for a treat. He’s a French Canadian teen who sounds so much like Elvis that it’s borderline creepy (but still wonderfully amazing).
5. The Ronettes – “Sleigh Ride”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Co7ZGOjGV4A
The Ronettes produced one of the most monumental, and well-loved holiday covers of all time with their ’60s rendition of “Sleigh Ride.” Sure, it’s been used in countless holiday commercials, but it’s impossible not to love this song.
4. Jackson 5 – “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”
I don’t care what you say —after 1970, “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” belonged to the Jackson 5, and still does to this day. If their version doesn’t get you pumped for the holidays, I don’t know what will!
3. Michael Bublé – “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASUGzePWx4o
Blame it on his charming, Sinatra-esque vocals, but Michael Bublé is the holiday singer. In fact, he has so many great holiday songs, it was a two-hour long process having to choose just one. So, I hope you’re satisfied with this one. Then again, how could you not be?
2. She and Him – “The Christmas Song”
It’s not easy doing Nat King Cole justice, but She and Him’s cover of “The Christmas Song” is nothing short of perfection. The nostalgic lyrics paired with Zooey’s ethereal vocals make for a divine cover. For what it’s worth, all of the songs on A Very She and Him Christmas are noteworthy holiday covers, so have at it.
1. Cat Power “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”
Cat Power probably isn’t the first person you’d think of for a holiday song cover, but that’s what makes her version of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” so wonderful. Her raw, buttery voice adds an unexpected element to the lyrics, making it as beautiful as it is unique.
Have any of your own cover song suggestions? The more the merrier!
Image via
