Dive into the festive world of holiday music as this year's releases are explored and rated using a fun sleigh bell system. Discover the enduring legacy of Mariah Carey’s classic and hear about ambitious new originals and creative covers. The evolution of Christmas tunes is analyzed, from Kesha's playful interpretations to Amy Grant’s heartfelt renditions. Unique genres like 'funktry' make a debut, while discussions on AI's role in songwriting add a modern twist. It’s a cheerful blend of nostalgia and contemporary themes!
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Quick takeaways
The podcast highlights the dual role of holiday music as both a commercial endeavor, exemplified by Mariah Carey's lucrative classic, and an artistic expression through diverse new entries each year.
Through their unique sleigh bell rating system, hosts showcase both nostalgic and contemporary songs, indicating that while some may achieve classic status, others add fresh perspectives to the holiday music landscape.
Deep dives
Exploration of Holiday Music Trends
The podcast discusses the annual phenomenon of pop stars releasing holiday music, highlighting the dual nature of these songs as both commercially motivated releases and artistic expressions. It examines the enduring popularity of Mariah Carey’s 'All I Want for Christmas is You,' which generates significant annual royalties, demonstrating the financial incentives for artists. The hosts highlight the cyclical nature of holiday music, noting how new songs often vie for a place in the holiday canon alongside classic tracks. They categorize new releases into original songs, covers of classics, and even the year's quirkiest entries, acknowledging that while many songs may not become staples, they still contribute to the festive atmosphere.
Review of New Original Holiday Tracks
The hosts dive into several new original holiday songs, starting with Kelly Clarkson's 'You for Christmas,' which they praise for its Motown-inspired production and powerful vocals. This song is noted for its nostalgic feel and being a strong contender for holiday classic status, receiving high praise in their unique sleigh bell rating system. They also discuss Conan Gray's 'Holidays,' which presents a more introspective take on the holiday theme, evocative of personal memories rather than traditional holiday cheer. While the hosts express uncertainty about its holiday categorization, they appreciate its fresh perspective, acknowledging its potential to resonate year-round.
Unique Covers and Emerging Favorites
The conversation shifts to new covers of classic holiday songs, including a notable rendition of 'Holiday Road' by Kesha, which the hosts find divided opinions on due to its serious tone compared to the original's lighthearted vibe. They also review Orville Peck's 'Happy Trails,' which offers a nostalgic sound while subtly intertwining contemporary themes, earning a favorable sleigh bell rating. The hosts highlight Jennifer Hudson’s track, 'Santa for Someone,' as a potential sleeper hit of the season, citing its relatable themes of holiday stress and budgeting. This modern approach to holiday music stands out in a crowded field, showcasing reality within the joy, which leads to a higher sleigh bell rating and hopeful longevity in holiday playlists.
It's an annual tradition: Every December, artists release their bids to join the hallowed halls of holiday music history. The gold standard remains Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You," which reportedly earns the pop star $2.5 million annually in royalties. This year's crop of seasonal offerings spans from ambitious originals to reimagined classics, with artists trying everything from AI-generated lyrics to funk renditions of Hanukah hymns. To evaluate this year's entries, we're introducing our definitive sleigh bell ranking system: five sleigh bells marks a future holiday classic destined to join Mariah in the pantheon, while one sleigh bell promises pop obscurity.