Day 6: Holiday Music Reviews
Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!
By Maya Shah, Beats Editor
Truly a holiday classic, this song brings nothing short of the best possible vibes. Coming in at just over two minutes long, Let it Snow leaves listeners wishing for more. The song is full of uniquely winter activities, perfectly portraying the essence of the season. The instrumental only adds to this experience by leaving a lasting impression on the listener. Although the original is unmatched, Frank Sinatra’s cover is a must-listen as it includes impeccable harmonies in the place of the more powerful backing track. Despite a disappointing lack of snow this year, this will surely be the first song to listen to once we see any sign of flurries.
Last Christmas
By Vanessa Chen, Staff Reporter
As the holiday season rolls around, this pop classic is one that we will definitely listen to on repeat. With an instantly uplifting beat and the chorus coming in at full force as soon as the vocals begin, British pop duo Wham! gives us over four minutes of pure hope and nostalgia that truly embodies the Christmas spirit. The lyrics are laced with notions of innocence and heartbreak, yet these emotions are portrayed in a way that is both sweet and sentimental. As soon as the song begins, bittersweet memories come flooding in, and these spirited feelings are exactly why Last Christmas has risen to the top of holiday hits. Though the original’s synth and sleigh bells are iconic, many artists’ takes on the classic are also well worth giving a listen, including covers by Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift and Meghan Trainor. At the end of the day (and year), this heartfelt song gives us all the feels and perfectly pairs with the winter spirit. Hopefully Last Christmas is a staple in your holiday soundtrack because it will definitely be at the top of mine.
Christmas Tree Farm
By Vanessa Chen, Staff Reporter
Though perhaps not one of the first songs to come to mind as the year draws to a close, Christmas Tree Farm is truly a masterpiece. Beginning with a jazzy ballad that sets the holiday scene, Taylor quickly transitions to an upbeat track that transports us to a magical place. As soon as the sleigh bells begin to ring, listeners are lost in thoughts of snow, sleighs, sparkles and everything else the holiday season is all about. The catchy tune is nearly four minutes long and filled with hopeful lyrics adorned in love, happiness and the Christmas spirit. Although admittedly this pop single is not the most unique on the list, it has a sweet and reliable melody with nostalgic memories of being home for the holidays. The light-hearted and festive song gets us excited for the new year and personally, I can’t help but smile every time I hear it. For both Swifties and non-Swifties alike, Christmas Tree Farm never fails to portray the beauty and true meaning of holiday spirit.
Winter Wonderland
By Lauren Pinheiro, Staff Reporter
This jazzy tune warms my heart. When I hear Winter Wonderland, I reminisce of past winters filled with snow and the feeling of relaxing during winter break. The carol opens with Bing Crosby’s baritone voice setting a wintry scene in saying “Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? In the lane, snow is glistening.” I can already imagine snowflakes drifting down from the sky and the sound of holiday music floating through the air. The lyrics of the song also give the listener suggestions of various winter activities to partake in such as building a snowman or conspiring by a fire. Although Crosby’s version is a classic, Michael Bublé’s cover is toned down yet still sounds vibrant, providing a sentimental feeling. Winter Wonderland definitely sums up the holiday spirit and all it has to offer. I can easily say that this song is one of my favorite holiday classics.
Frosty the Snowman
By Lauren Pinheiro, Staff Reporter
This may be a hot take, but I’ve never thought that Frosty the Snowman was a great song or movie. Although the duration of the theme is a playful tune about a snowman that comes to life and makes kids happy, it’s quite repetitive and contains a depressing twist,“ Frosty the snowman knew it was hot that day, so he said ‘Let’s run and have some fun, before I melt away’” When I listen to holiday songs, I anticipate pure holiday bliss that makes me feel uplifted and ready for the winter season. Frosty the Snowman tricks the listener, ending the overall upbeat song with Frosty melting and children sad about the loss of their friend. This tune leaves the listener disheartened and mourning their favorite snowman. All sadness aside, the melody of the song gets old quickly, and the vocals never change throughout the tune. I’d recommend this song for someone who enjoys the Frosty the Snowman animation or someone looking for a happy sounding song that doesnt pay attention to lyrics.
All I Want for Christmas is You
By Mareska Chettiar, Staff Reporter
Arguably one of Mariah Carey’s most famous hits, All I Want for Christmas rests high on charts every December. Even though I’ve heard this about a thousand times by now, singing the lyrics and watching people laugh at the ridiculous amount of repeats never gets old. The song by itself has a catchy start and immersive tune with great instrumentals and of course, Mariah Carey. Personally, I would find Christmas weird if I didn’t hear this song at least twenty times. Having a duration of four minutes makes it longer than average songs, but still manages to hold interest. Overall, Christmas would just seem incomplete without this song.
Jingle Bell Rock
By Mareska Chettiar, Staff Reporter
A slow serenade, this song is the embodiment of a quiet Christmas. A feeling of warmth seems to linger along this song, reminding you of happy times. The song doesn’t seem long enough at about two minutes, but it’s enough to make you feel at home. Though it isn’t extremely popular, it’s a good song about good times during the holiday season. A short, sweet melody is exactly what people need during the season, and this song delivers exactly that.
Maya Shah can be reached at [email protected].
Vanessa Chen can be reached at [email protected].
Lauren Pinheiro can be reached at [email protected].
Mareska Chettiar can be reached at [email protected].
Maya Shah is a senior and the Co-T/E Life Editor of The Spoke. She covers community-oriented topics and specializes in both editorial writing and photography....
Lauren Pinheiro is a junior and the Photography Editor for The Spoke. She covers news stories, occasionally writes for the T/E Life section and has started...
Vanessa Chen is a junior and Staff Reporter for The Spoke. She primarily writes for the T/E Life and News sections.
Vanessa Chen can be reached at [email protected].
Mareska Chettiar is a senior and Co-T/E Life Editor with Rowan Chetty. Last year, she was Photography Editor. She likes to cover sports games and community...
