The Best Christmas Songs You Don't Know

If you listen to Christmas music on the radio, you'll notice that there's probably about 40 Christmas songs that just get played over and over again. There are probably 40 or 50 more that you know but don't hear very often. But there are some wonderful, yet obscure, Christmas recordings that ought to be listened to more often. (There are plenty of other obscure Christmas recordings that are obscure for a very good reason, but that's another blog altogether.) Here are some great Christmas songs that you've probably never heard before.

What Will Santa Claus Say (When He Finds Everybody Swingin'): Louis Prima

Louis Prima was a triple threat: fabulous trumpeter, gifted vocalist, amazing showman. All three talents are in play in this wonderful recording of this jazz hit. The first minute is Prima's brass skills, then he - and the band - break into vocals, and the song ends with a fabulous clarinet solo.

Donde Esta Santa Claus?: Augie Rios

The 1950s was the era of the novelty Christmas song, many of which were forgettable at best and painful at worst. But this sweet bilingual song, sung by a 12-year-old boy, asks "Mama, where is Santa Claus?" It was covered by Charo in the 1970s and more recently by Straight No Chaser. All three versions have their own kind of charm, but I admit that I love the original best of all.

The Christmas Tree Angel: The Andrews Sisters

In typical Andrews Sisters' style, the sisters take turns singing each verse as a solo, then the trio breaks into their familiar tight harmony for the refrain. The song tells the story of "Angie, The Christmas Tree Angel," whose job it is to fancy up the Christmas decorations and arrange all of the presents under the tree on Christmas morning.

I Remember Christmas: The Drifters

Much like the Andrews Sisters, the Drifters have a distinctive sound that carries through to their Christmas music. One lead voice with soft harmonizing vocals in the background accompanied by a twangy electric guitar, this laid-back reminiscence song has an old-fashioned feel that will remind you of Christmas in your youth.

The Lord's Bright Blessing (from Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol)

I rewatched this Christmas special for the first time in probably 35 years or more just the other day, and I realized how many wonderful songs there are. You may remember this one as "The Razzleberry Dressing" song, as Tiny Tim references razzleberries about 27 times during the song. The lyrics capture the beauty of Christmas as it's meant to be, where "knowing we're together" is more important than having lots of presents, resulting in a holiday that's "more glorious than grand." God bless us, every one.

All Those Christmas Cliches: Nancy LaMott

Written by the Tony-Award-winning team of Broadway composers Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, this lovely song opens with the singer proclaiming that she's lived in exciting cities all the world, and she thought it didn't matter, but now she realizes she wants "all those Christmas cliches" - and then goes on to list them, from plywood reindeer on the roof to the wreath on the door to tinsel to fruitcake. And when the song ends with a poignant request for "that guy in the bright red outfit" to stay instead of flying off, you just might have a little lump in your throat.

Heigh-Ho the Holly: Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians

The group I perform with at Christmas every year does a lovely a cappella arrangement of this piece, but I love the version recorded by Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians. It opens with a music-box sounding section, then an orchestral introduction before the voices come in, and it includes a tag which seems to belong to a different piece entirely, but I still love it.

Who Would Imagine a King: Whitney Houston (from The Preacher's Wife)

Houston was at the top of her vocal game in the mid-90s when she released this religious Christmas song on the soundtrack of her hit movie, "The Preacher's Wife." The lyrics contrast the poor baby Jesus' apparent destiny as a carpenter or a fisherman with the angels' proclamations that He would be a King.

Gabriel's Message: The Swingle Singers

This song has also been recorded by Sting and Jars of Clay, but it's the Swingle Singers' a cappella version with its tight and sometimes unexpected harmonies that I would gladly listen to over and over.

Rejoice with Exceeding Great Joy: The Gaither Family

Written by Bill and Gloria Gaither, the patriarch and matriarch of the Gaither music empire and composers of a significant portion of the contemporary Christian music written in the 60s and 70s, this piece has their familiar tight, Southern gospel harmony, Even if you don't consider yourself music, you'll find yourself breaking into harmonies and joining in on this sweeping hymn.

Noel: Lauren Daigle

Daigle's vaguely husky yet clear and powerful voice is perfectly suited to this simple melody with its simple yet deep lyrics. This arrangement begins with light, subtle accompaniment that eventually increases into sweeping but not overwhelming synth that lapses into a counterpoint melody in the keyboard, then Daigle's powerful belt of the refrain takes the piece to a whole new place. Great voice, great song.

In the First Light: Glad

The contemporary Christian band Glad started out in the 1970s as a "progressive rock band," but they found that their occasional a cappella arrangements were extremely popular and in the late 1980s they experienced a new popularity as a mainly a cappella group. In what is now common a cappella structure, the song begins with lead vocals and a single harmony line, adds accompanying vocals on ooh and ahs, then finishes with all the voices joining in on intertwining vocal lines, and just a hint of barbershop roots on the last note as the lead voice holds the final glory note until the others echo and hold a rich chord.

The Best Instrumental Christmas Recordings

I know, I know, not ANOTHER blog on Christmas music! But all-instrumental recordings are an animal all their own, and one that I barely touched on in my other Christmas music blogs. I've already mentioned the Boston Pops' recording(s) of Leroy Anderson's Sleigh Ride, but there are plenty more fantastic instrumentals from many different genres that are wonderful listens on a snowy evening in December. Here are a few of my favorite instrumental Christmas recordings.

Carol of the Bells: Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Not exactly for traditionalists, but if you appreciate really well-done, technically skilled "head-banging" music licks, this is the version for you. It opens with an electronic but relatively traditional arrangement, then vamps into screaming electric guitars wailing into the stratosphere. It's not for all tastes, but it's great if you need some really upbeat, energetic music to break you out of a holiday funk.

Carol of the Birds: Mannheim Steamroller

Mannheim Steamroller fascinates me, with their wildly-varied orchestrations, from authentic Renaissance instruments to synthesizers and wailing electric guitars. And as much as I enjoy their funky, modern takes on Christmas songs, it's often the Renaissance arrangements I go back to again and again. "Carol of the Birds" is a rarely-heard carol, but one that I love, and their instrumentation in this recording creates a lovely sense of being outside, listening to the birds.

The Nutcracker Ballet: The Kirov Orchestra

There are literally hundreds of recordings of all or part of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" to choose from (see this article for an excellent comparison of some favorites), but I'm particularly fond of both the Kirov Ballet's video performance and the Kirov Orchestra's recording under the baton of Valery Gergiev. The rhythms are unbelievably crisp, the intonation is perfect, and the tempos are barely human. Just gorgeous, and you can picture the entire ballet in your mind while listening.

Christmas Time Is Here: Vince Guaraldi Trio

When you think of Charlie Brown, you think of the music of the Vince Guaraldi Trio. And when you think of "A Charlie Brown Christmas," you think of "Christmas Time Is Here." As much as we all love the version in the special where all the kids sing, the instrumental version by the Trio is as smooth and mellow and relaxing as a mug of eggnog by the fire.

Santa Baby: Herb Alpert

Eartha Kitt may have recorded the ultimate vocal version of "Santa Baby," but Herb Alpert (sans the Tijuana Brass) released the ultimate instrumental version just this year on his album, "The Christmas Wish". From the opening plunks of the electric bass, joined first by bongos then by Alpert's jazzy trumpet, and finally backed by a full jazz orchestra, this version will have you grooving merrily around your Christmas tree from beginning to end.

Winter Wonderland: Harry Connick, Jr.

Connick has released several versions of "Winter Wonderland" with vocals (including a delightful duet with his daughter Kate), but this solo piano version from the soundtrack of "When Harry Met Sally" is bluesy and jazzy and rockin' and has a merry ol' time goofing around with the melody. It feels like having a really talented friend noodling around on your piano while you wrap presents by the fireplace.

A Christmas Festival: The Boston Pops

This brilliant medley of Christmas favorites arranged by Leroy Anderson is a staple of high school and college bands and professional orchestras alike. (It's even the overture to the Christmas show my family performs in every year.) If you listen carefully, you'll hear Joy to the World, Jingle Bells, Deck the Halls, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Good King Wenceslas, Hark the Herald Angels, The First Noel, Silent Night, and O Come All Ye Faithful arranged in styles from a delicate music box to a military march.

Ding Dong Merrily On High: The Canadian Brass

Being a French horn player, I'm naturally a sucker for brass quintets, especially at Christmas. This album is one of my favorites, and this song is one of my favorites from the album. I love that it starts with bells, the segues into the quintet, eventually adding an orchestra and a pipe organ.

O Holy Night: National Philharmonic Orchestra

The National Philharmonic accompanied Luciano Pavarotti in a much more well-known vocal version of this piece, but their orchestral arrangement is equally awe-inspiring. If you've never listened to this piece as an instrumental, give it a chance. You may be surprised at how moving it is, even without lyrics.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: The Empire Brass

Another brass quintet arrangement that adds other instrumentation - in this case, a dulcimer and finger cymbals - to a well-known carol, this recording takes a simple and haunting melody and lets it shine with antiphonal echoes and descants rather than harmonies. The melodies chase each other and wind together, much like the path of the Three Kings of old winding through the desert, with a glorious resolve on the final chord.

Jingle Bells: The Count Basie Orchestra

You think that "Jingle Bells" is a boring Christmas song? You've got another think coming after you listen to Basie's swinging arrangement featuring soaring trumpet solos, lively drum breaks, and just general coolness throughout. Need another dose of Christmas Basie? Check out "Good Swing Wenceslas". It doesn't get any cooler than that.

Contemporary Carols

Last week, I blogged about the most iconic recordings of Christmas carols. My criteria then were that each song had to have multiple covers by other artists, and each artist had to be the one that most people thought of when they thought of that particular Christmas song. So I really only considered recordings that have been out for quite some time - as you can see from my list, the majority of the songs were recorded prior to 1970. But of course, there are some wonderful recordings from more contemporary artists and groups. So today's blog is a list of some of my favorite Christmas recordings from more recent years - let's limit it to recordings released in the last 20 years or so. Some of them are newer recordings of the same classics as my previous blog, but some are newer songs - but ones that I think should become classics down the road.

These are some of my favorite contemporary Christmas recordings, in no particular order.

Baby, It's Cold Outside: Michael Buble and Idina Menzel

This song has gotten a bad rap as the "date rape" song, and while I don't see it that way in its original context and time period, I appreciate that Buble and Menzel rewrote the lyrics to make it flirty instead of creepy. I also love the sweet video with two adorable tweens dancing and lip-synching, It gives it the cozy charm intended by the original composer, and Buble and Menzel have just the right voices and styles to keep it feeling retro but still fresh and contemporary.

Where Are You, Christmas?: Faith Hill

Originally recorded by a very young Taylor Momsen as Cindy Lou Who in Jim Carrey's version of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," Mariah Carey recorded a pop version which was never released due to legal complications. Hill then released her recording, along with a video interspersing footage from the movie with Hill singing. Hill's version is poignant and emotional without (quite) being overwrought, and it shows off her spectacular and powerful voice.

The Man with the Bag: Jessie J

I've always loved this song, whether it's the original Kay Starr recording, the Brian Setzer Orchestra version, or anything in between. Jessie J's rich voice and laid-back delivery capture the saucy spirit of the original while still bringing a fresh voice to the song. And it doesn't hurt that she's backed by an absolutely rocking big band.

Holly Jolly Christmas: Harry Connick, Jr.

Picking just one Harry Connick, Jr. Christmas tune wasn't easy - I love (almost) all of his jazzy takes on Christmas classics, as well as some lesser-known holiday tunes. But his recording of "Holly Jolly Christmas,"a song made famous by Burl Ives' performance in the Rankin-Bass special, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," is one of my favorites, partly because it features his fabulous orchestra cutting loose for long stretches, with Connick's silky-smooth vocals playing around with the melody just enough to make it fun without losing the tune entirely. It's completely different from Ives' recording, yet equally delightful.

The Little Drummer Boy: Pentatonix

I'm not always a fan of combining beat-boxing with classic Christmas music, but for obvious reasons, it seems to work for this particular song. I love that each vocalist has his or her own style, yet they blend together so beautifully. The clear voices and perfect harmonies of this recording makes it one of my favorite Pentatonix holiday pieces.

Winter Wonderland: Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett

Weirdest pairing ever, right? But Gaga is nothing if not a musical chameleon, and she sells this song with her rich, belty jazz vocals, and Bennett's voice belies his age. The two sound like they're having the time of their lives, with a surprisingly good blend of both sound and style. And I love Gaga's delighted, "Tony! It's snowin'!" at the end.

O Holy Night: NSYNC

This lovely a cappella arrangement is a little jazzy without straying too far from the original, and it is proof positive that these guys can sing. I adore this piece in its classical, operatic setting, but this recording proves it can be equally beautiful and moving when performed in a completely different style.

Jingle Bells: Diana Krall

By now I'm sure you're sensing that my favorite new recordings stray just far enough but not too far from the originals, and Krall's "Jingle Bells" is no exception. She sings the first couple of verses pretty straight, playing just a hair with the rhythms but generally sticking to the melody. But then she and the band let loose and jazz out - vocals, orchestra, and keyboard. So much fun!

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear: Josh Groban

Groban's rich voice is perfect for this lovely, gentle carol, and I love the way this recording builds from simple piano accompaniment and a single voice, to adding a second voice on harmony and a few strings, and finally soaring to a full orchestra and full chorale accompaniment in a gospel style.

O Little Town of Bethlehem: Sarah McLachlan

The guitar accompaniment allows McLachlan's gorgeous vocals to shine. I love the way she completely rewrites the melody within the original chord structure so it still feels as familiar as the original. Her distinctive almost-yodel as she pops between her head voice and chest voice works beautifully in this arrangement.

Great Christmas Music You Might Not Know

I know, I know - the grocery store has been playing Christmas music for a month now and you're sick of it already. But in my house, Christmas music starts in early November and by Thanksgiving week it's all Christmas music, all the time. Of course, when you start that early, you need a huge variety of music so you don't get bored. And with our family's eclectic taste in music, we listen to all kinds of stuff that you might not be familiar with. So here are some suggestions of Christmas tunes from all genres that you should consider adding to your Christmas playlist.

Gaudete - The King's Singers

The King's Singers is a primarily a cappella male sextet founded at King's College in Cambridge, England, in 1968. Despite many changes in membership over the years, they always have a distinctive crisp sound with minimal vibrato, tight harmonies, spot-on pitch, and impeccable diction. Although their repertoire leans heavily toward classical and renaissance music, they cover all kinds of pop tunes and novelty numbers as well. They have multiple Christmas albums with both accompanied and a cappella pieces, and some with other choirs. One of my favorites from their Christmas repertoire is this lovely medieval Latin hymn, the refrain of which translates to, "Rejoice! Rejoice! Christ is born of the virgin Mary." This piece is from their album "A Little Christmas Music."

Similar songs you might also like include: In Dulci Jubilo - Guilford Cathedral Choir; Veni, Veni, Emmanuel - Calmus Ensemble; Resonet in Laudibus - Chorus Salvatoris


Somerset Gloucestershire Wassail - The Kingston Trio

I grew up listening to this album over and over all Christmas season, and there's not a cut I don't love, but this particular song so beautifully features the instruments, the harmony, and the simple repetitive melody. If you enjoy this song, be sure to check out the entire album, released in 1960.

If you like this song, you might also like: Silent Night - Crosby, Stills, and Nash; Comfort and Joy (God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen) - Simon and Garfunkel; The Virgin Mary - The Chad Mitchell Trio

12 Days to Christmas - from "She Loves Me"

This track has a special place in my heart since it's a part of a Christmas revue my family performs in every year. The musical is based on the same source material as the film "You've Got Mail," and this particular scene fast-forwards through the Christmas season as the two clerks begin to fall in love in person. As Christmas nears, the customers and the clerks become increasingly frantic and panicky, and the music speeds up accordingly. It's a funny scene and a funny song, and it's completely true to how most of us deal with Christmas approaching.

Similarly light-hearted Christmas songs include: The 12 Days of Christmas - John Denver and the Muppets; The Christmas Can-Can - Straight No Chaser; Pine Cones and Holly Berries/It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas - The Osmonds

Still, Still, Still - The Cambridge Singers

A chamber group originally formed by renowned composer and choral director John Rutter, these classically trained voices have released a number of Christmas albums: "Christmas Night" (1987), "Christmas with the Cambridge Singers" (1989), "Christmas Day in the Morning," (1993), "The Cambridge Singers Christmas Companion" (2000), "The John Rutter Christmas Album" (2002), and "A Christmas Festival" (2008). I love the sweetness of the boy sopranos and the contrast between the older singers' richer voices. This track, from their 1989 album, is a particular favorite of mine.

If you enjoy this piece, listen to: Coventry Carol - Westminster Cathedral Choir; In the Bleak Midwinter - The Mormon Tabernacle Choir; Adeste Fidelis - Choir of Christchurch Cathedral

A Tender Tennessee Christmas - Amy Grant

This may seem like a strange choice for a dyed-in-the-wool New Englander like myself, but the longing for the kind of Christmas you remember from your childhood is universal. Grant's mellow voice, with its hint of southern hospitality, strikes the right emotional chord for me. This track is from her first Christmas album, "A Christmas Album" (1983), but she has released 10 (!!) other Christmas albums since then, including "The Animals' Christmas" (with Art Garfunkel, 1986), "Home For Christmas" (1992), and "The Christmas Collection" (2008). Her holiday albums are a mix of covers of traditional songs and original compositions.

If this style appeals to you, try these similar recordings: Do You Hear What I Hear? - Carrie Underwood; Christmas Waltz by the Carpenters; Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Kelly Clarkson

Cool Yule - Louis Armstrong

Backed by a rockin' jazz orchestra, Armstrong's distinctive raspy vocals and wailing trumpet will snap you out of the worst holiday funk. His laugh at the end is my favorite part. If you like this number, be sure to listen to the rest of the album, "What a Wonderful Christmas," featuring other great jazz artists like Lionel Hampton, Mel Torme, Lena Horne, and many others.

Other terrific jazz favorites for Christmas you might want to give a listen to include: Sleigh Ride - Ella Fitzgerald; The Man with the Bag - Jessie J; and Shake Hands with Santa Claus - Louis Prima, which gets its own entry below.

Shake Hands with Santa Claus - Louis Prima

You may not think you know who Louis Prima is, but if you've seen the Disney movie "A Jungle Book," you know him as King Louie, the king of the apes who kidnap Mowgli. Recorded in 1951, "Shake Hands with Santa Claus" was released as a single, but it's been included on multiple collections since, including "21 Jazz Christmas Favorites," "Jingle Bell Swing," "Christmas Don't Be Late...Santa Claus is Coming to Town," "Breaking It Up!", and "The Sound of Christmas," among others.

This song is in the same category as Satchmo's Cool Yule, so check the list above for similar songs.

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day - Harry Belafonte

Belafonte's slow, sweet version of this well-known carol reminds me just how glorious and controlled his voice was. This is a perfect song to play on Christmas Eve after all the presents are wrapped, the kids are asleep, and you're sitting back on the couch with your feet by the fire and your sweetheart by your side. Close your eyes, sip your mulled cider, and remember the peace and calm of Christmas. This song is the final track of his first Christmas album, "To Wish You a Merry Christmas," recorded in 1958.

Other soothing, relaxing Christmas songs featuring similarly mellow vocals include: Christmastime is Here - Diana Krall; My Grown-Up Christmas List - Natalie Cole; O Holy Night - Josh Groban

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Harry Connick, Jr.

Harry Connick, Jr. takes the classic chestnut made popular by Andy Williams and jazzes it up with a swinging band backing him up. The album, 'What a Night!" (2008) was Connick's third Christmas album, and contains a mix of Christmas standards and original songs.

For other jazzed-up arrangement of Christmas classics, check out these options: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen/We Three Kings - Barenaked Ladies with Sarah McLachlan; Up on the Housetop - Pentatonix; We Wish You a Merry Christmas - New York Voices and Helsinki Swing Big Band

All Is Well - Voctave

Arguably one of the most beautiful a cappella albums ever recorded, the purity and harmony of the voices in this group gives their 2016 album, "The Spirit of the Season," a distinctive sound. Their recording of "Mary, Did You Know" (featuring lead vocals by the composer, Mark Lowry) may be the most well-known cut from this album, but the whole album is full of gorgeously scored traditional and lesser-known Christmas songs.

Other fabulous a cappella Christmas songs include: Christmas Carol Medley - The New Swingle Singers; Do You Hear What I Hear? - Home Free; Children, Go Where I Send Thee - Little Big Town