As we make our way through the festive season, are eardrums are continuously being crammed with the same five classic tunes of so called holiday cheer. Every shop we walk by, every cafe we take refuge in after a long day of gift shopping, no matter where you go, the air is inescapably filled with popular Christmas songs meant to put us into a more festive and giving mood.

However, this often has the opposite effect. By the time Christmas actually rolls around, the Christmas song fatigue has inevitably taken hold of even the most cheerful of us. Our heads are filled with Wham! and Mariah Carrey to the point that, given the choice, we want nothing less than to listen to them surrounded by our loved ones on Christmas day.

This season, we have compiled a list of four festive-themed songs, that you definitely won’t be sick of hearing by now!

“Goodwill” – NOANNE (acoustic version)

Delving into the darker aspects of the holiday season, NOANNE’s acoustic version of “Goodwill” narrates a story of loneliness and introspection, set during a time generally associated with joy and togetherness.

The Prague born singer paints a vivid scenery of raw emotions and unconventional perspectives, offering an image that resonates more deeply with the introspective and somber themes of the song. A picture conveying the idea that loneliness can be a profound and insightful experience, offering a deeper understanding of our true selves.

This acoustic version is accompanied by a remarkably executed music video. Set in an old Hollywood style, it features a stark contrast of her attire, a shimmering white dress, against the backdrop of black curtains and a black stage to symbolize the darkness that often surrounds us, even amidst the glitter and glamour. With this bold and artistic statement, it invites viewers to further explore the darker, more reflective side of the holidays.

This setting is a deliberate choice that emphasizes the timeless quality of this narrative, especially vital in today’s political climate, where the dazzling lights are being used to hide and distract us from, the sadness and destruction happening around the world. NOANNE is able to blend the elegance of old Hollywood with a narrative honoring the complexity of human emotions during a time often oversimplified as merely joyous.

“December, forever” – Big Society

Since 2020, Manchester’s Big Society has been the band to look out for during the holiday period, and this year isn’t any different. Their newest Christmas release “December, forever” is an acoustic indie-folk perfect for anyone itching to get into the holiday spirit, without having to listen to “classic” Christmas songs. The single has also been released in aid of The Booth Centre, a Manchester based charity helping people who have been impacted by homelessness.

Between the dynamic harmonies and soft instrumentals, this piece creates a sense of melancholic hopefulness that takes you on a lyrical journey anyone can resonate with. The melodic arrangement, mixed with the sincere vocals, conveys a sense of introspection and creates an incredibly warm sound.

“Christmas Toonite” – Idaho Green

Idaho Green’s 2022 single “Christmas Toonite,” mixes messy guitars and a relaxed flourish that is often not typical of Christmas songs.

This new single is the perfect indie rock Christmas tune, starting with a brief narration about being stuck in Montana during a snowstorm, it quickly moves into one of the most cheerful and joyous Christmas songs of the season.

You can find “Christmas Toonite” on Spotify and Bandcamp.

“Coventry Carol/What Child is This” – Allan Palacios Chan

Blending centuries of musical legacy with contemporary charm, Allan Palacios Chan’s Christmas single, “Coventry Carol/What Child is This” marks the pinnacle of Chan’s transformative crossover journey, mixing baroque, pop, and operatic influences to create the perfect holiday experience.

The Philippine-born, American tenor’s new Christmas single intertwines history and modernity. It crosses the poignant narrative of ‘Coventry Carol,’ echoing the ancient horrors of King Herod’s era, with a more delicateness of ‘What Child is This,’ harmonising the timeless melodies to create a balanced mismatch.

“I love the contrast this music provides and did not expect the subject matter to become so horrifyingly relevant as the world seemed to be set on fire during the recording process,” Chan says, speaking of the single. “With this music and video, I aimed to create something truly beautiful, mysterious, and enchanting—what I feel when I think of Christmas.”

This stands as a testament to Chan’s ambitious approach, melding centuries-old melodies with contemporary charm. This Christmas season we are invited on a transformative musical journey meant to blend tradition with innovation.

Find our fell playlist on Spotify right now!