While I love every Christmas album Pentatonix has produced the Christmas season doesn’t stop me from listening to my favorite artists. Here are some songs that won’t make the office party playlist
"Merry Christmas Everybody"- IDKHOW (Christmas Drag)
It sounds like a normal happy Christmas song, but in true IDKHOW fashion they slip something in to put it on its head (you’ll just have to listen to find out what that is)
Taylor Swift- Christmas Tree Farm (Single)
This song is pop perfection. During the season you’ll hear it everywhere, but you don’t get sick of it. It can instantly put you in a good mood with the upbeat melody and Swift’s cheery vocals
Lindsey Stirling feat. Sabrina Carpenter- You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch (Warmer in the Winter)
Another update of a classic. If you’ve seen the cartoon you probably know the lyrics by heart, but Stirling and Carpenter update the tune. Stirling’s violin give the song a western vibe and carpenter’s vocals pair beautifully with it. Carpenter’s delivery of the lines is excellent, pausing for effect just like in the original.
"Ho Ho Hopefully"- The Maine (...and a happy new year)
This song brings the hope some of the other songs don’t have. This song has all the Christmas references (trees, lights, etc), but it’s not cheesy; it’s a wonderful listen.
"Yule Shoot Your Eye Out"- Fall Out Boy (Believers Never Die: Greatest Hits)
This is one of my favorite Fall Out Boy songs of all time. It never seems to get old to me. Their cynicism comes through, but this time with holiday lights wrapped around it.
"Ordinary Christmas"- State Champs (Single)
This song discusses how the holidays can be when you or family members don't get along. It's draining, you want to skip the festivities and you might even wish your family resembled one featured in a Hallmark movie. I appreciate how this song acknowledges this very real scenario.
"I Had A Heart"- Real Friends (Punk Goes Christmas)
This is the same angsty pop-punk song we’re all accustomed to but with mentions of Christmas. Again, a song for those who are looking for a song that isn’t overflowing with joy.
"Christmas at 22"- The Wonder Years (Sleeping On Trash: A Collection of Songs Recorded 2005-2014)
A classic pop-punk acoustic track. For those of you navigating your late teens/early 20s this one will resonate with you. It definitely resonates with me.
"December Air"- Mandala (Single)
This one is best described as “groovy.” Believe me when I say this song doesn’t sound anything else on this playlist. That alone, makes me love it more than I already do.
"Dasher" (ft. Lydia Night)- Gerard Way (Single)
A song that was released last Christmas, and untraditional one at that. It doesn’t have sleigh bells ringing through out it, just a steady drum beat. If you haven’t heard Way’s music before, or it’s been a while, this song will remind you of the magic his songs can create.
Beach Bunny- Christmas Caller (Single)
Much like Yule Shoot Your Eye Out this song talks about relationships, and the lack there of during the holiday season. Lili Trifilo sings about missing a former partner and if they should reconnect over the holidays. The song balances talking about a real topic people go through while still being upbeat.
"Make it to Christmas"- Alessia Cara (Single)
Saving a relationship in the name of Christmas. It's a topic that only makes more sense the older you get. It's an upbeat song, and definitely one you could imagine hearing while in the mall. This is an important point, considering this is not a common theme
"HERE (for Christmas)" - Lukas Graham (Single)
For a song that discusses missing a loved one around the holidays it’s very upbeat. But this is a song you can love whether you relate to it or not. It’s a good song, and I feel it hasn’t gotten the recognition it deserves.
"Christmas Song"- Phoebe Bridgers (Single)
This song continues the theme of Christmas being hard on and for some people. It’s a quiet song, but I think out of everything on this playlist it holds the most meaning.
"A Dreamer’s Holiday"- Julien Baker (Single)
This song talks about all the great parts of the holidays. Friends, family, food. Baker also discusses how time isn’t measured the same way around this time of year. People take things slow; they aren’t rushing around to make deadlines.