December has started and everyone’s favorite artists have wasted no time getting into the holiday spirit. For those looking for some holly jolly tunes, a variety of performers have wrapped up perfect gifts for this holiday season.
Having finished the U.S. leg of her current tour, Sabrina Carpenter has already transitioned from a “Short and Sweet” summer to “A Nonsense Christmas” and released her Christmas special on Friday, Dec. 6. “A Nonsense Christmas” is a sing-through of Carpenter’s Christmas EP “Fruitcake,” released on Nov. 17, 2023. This lascivious EP is a catchy collection of songs that this pop icon stirred up to sneak in the salacious feeling of being with your significant other for the holidays. A notable mention is the track “Cindy Lou Who,” which is a slower, more personal song that describes the envy Carpenter feels when the one she loves is seen with another, prompting her to ask, “Cindy Lou, who?” Overall, this album is a playful playlist for a fun sleigh ride.
For a bluer Christmas, Jack Antonoff, a singer-songwriter and record producer who has worked with Taylor Swift before, released a single with his band, The Bleachers. “Merry Christmas, Please Don’t Call,” released on Nov. 13, perfectly encapsulates the holidays after going through a bitter breakup. This acrimonious track uses synth, piano, and drum instrumentation to take the listener through a melancholic experience of spending the holidays hoping to forget the sore end of a once loving relationship.
Similar to Antonoff’s heavy-hearted lyrics, “Holidays,” released by Conan Gray on Oct. 18, encompasses the feeling of growing old when coming home for the holidays. This winter single is a slow ballad that knits together the emotions of nostalgia and dismality when seeing what you left behind in your hometown. It’s a perfect addition to a more calm, somber holiday playlist.
When home and shopping for the holidays, popular country duo Dan + Shay might make a cheery appearance on the loudspeakers. The pair dropped their new holiday album “It’s Officially Christmas: The Double Album,” on Oct. 18, which consists of 10 covers of numerous Christmas hits, including “Let it Snow,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” and “Winter Wonderland,” and 11 original songs, such as “Take Me Home For Christmas,” “Save The Snowman,” and “Parson Brown.” Here, Dan + Shay’s smooth harmonization and country instrumentals intertwine to produce a cheerful tracklist that is perfect for a happy holiday.
To end on a more humorous note, on Nov. 1, fan-favorite talk show host Jimmy Fallon surprisingly came out with his own festive record, “Holiday Seasoning.” This tracklist contains satiric songs featuring A-List celebrities like Dolly Parton, Will Ferrell, and Ariana Grande. The album’s light-hearted and upbeat theme matches perfectly with Jimmy Fallon’s comedic persona. It’s definitely an album for fun and laughs with a frivolous group of friends.
Many different artists have their own aesthetic to their discographies, but this time of year ties them all together. Whether you’re looking to rock around the Christmas tree or bundle up in a blanket and sit by the fire, there’s a holiday tune waiting to accompany you.
