As the holiday season approaches, the sounds of Christmas music fill the air in malls and public spaces across the United States. In the spirit of this festive time, members of The Daily Campus Life section share their thoughts on Christmas songs that deserve more recognition, alongside those they wish would fade from the seasonal playlists.
Dan Stark, Life Editor, champions “A New York Christmas,” written by Rob Thomas, who gained fame as the frontman of Matchbox Twenty. He emphasizes the song’s poignant backdrop, being composed in the post-September 11 climate, which adds depth and relevance to its lyrics about peace and unity. Stark expresses personal appreciation for Thomas’s emotional vocal delivery, which enhances the song’s impact. Conversely, Stark dismisses Wham’s “Last Christmas” as overhyped, mentioning his own loss in the Whammagedon challenge—where fans attempt to avoid hearing the track during the holiday season—as a contributing factor to his disdain.
Staff Writer Elijah Polance shares a similar experience with classic holiday tunes. While he finds most popular songs enjoyable, he singles out Bobby Helms’ “Jingle Bell Rock” and José Feliciano’s “Feliz Navidad” as less favorable. Polance argues that Helms’ tune can become monotonous while acknowledging Feliciano’s attempt to include Spanish flair, which he thinks falls short in variety. On a more positive note, he praises the extensive Christmas compilation from indie artist Sufjan Stevens, highlighting the track “Christmas Unicorn” for its unique narrative and energetic arrangement that captures the multifaceted nature of the Christmas spirit.
Campus Correspondent Alex Klancko advocates for “Mele Kalikimaka,” a classic sung by Bing Crosby and The Andrew Sisters, dubbing it the most underrated Christmas song. He appreciates its warm, cheerful vibe that evokes images of celebrating Christmas in a tropical setting, contrasting sharply with the traditional wintry associations. However, Klancko points out that while “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey may hold iconic status, its incessant play in retail environments has led to it being perceived as overrated. He believes that its overexposure creates a sense of nostalgia for many retail workers, leading to a desire for diversity in holiday music.
As the Christmas season draws near, the debate on holiday music continues, reflecting the balance of nostalgia and desire for fresh sounds, ensuring that the spirit of the season remains vibrant and engaging for all.