The holidays are upon us, and whether you’re feeling festive or not, musicians are climbing aboard the tinsel bandwagon with new songs for the season. We offer to you a week’s worth of them, nestled in one place, like gifts under a tree.
OLD 97’S – “I DON’T KNOW WHAT CHRISTMAS IS (BUT CHRISTMASTIME IS HERE)”
The Old 97’s co-wrote a song for Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special with writer-director James Gunn and also appear in the special, singing such lines about Santa as, “He’s a master burglar / a pro at picking locks / if you don’t leave milk and cookies out / he will put dung in your socks.”
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THE SO SO GLOS FEAT. SPIDER STACY OF THE POGUES – “THIS COULD BE CHRISTMAS”
NYC punks have teamed up with Pogues member Spider Stacy for this new holiday song. “We wrote this Christmas song during a time of isolation and total uncertainty,” frontman Alex Levine told Rolling Stone. “It illustrates the disconnect between holiday cheer and a darker reality.”
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ALANIS MORISSETTE – “LITTLE DRUMMER BOY”
Alanis closes out the year with a traditional, twinkly take on a Christmas classic, “Little Drummer Boy.”
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GASPARD ROYANT X MAXWELL FARRINGTON & LE SUPERHOMARD – “XMAS & THE 3 WISE MEN”
Maxwell Farrington & Le Superhomard, who teamed up for last year’s Scott Walker-esque album Once, have now joined forces with singer Gaspard Royant for this sweeping, rather groovy holiday song.
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STEVE PERRY – “MAYBE THIS YEAR”
Former Journey frontman Steve Perry released a special edition of his holiday album The Season which comes with two new song, including this original composition.
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THE LINDA LINDAS – “GROOVY XMAS” (LIVE ON KIMMEL)
The Linda Lindas stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live! to perform a very spirited version of their fun new holiday song, “Groovy Xmas.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhu3y3mwo10
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CIARA – “BETTER THANGS (CHRISTMAS VERSION)”
Ciara has released a Christmas version of her song “Better Thangs,” now with lyrics like “I been waiting up all night/Looking at the Christmas lights/Happy that it’s Christmas time/Hope I get what I like.”
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SIDEMEN – “CHRISTMAS DRILLINGS” FT. JME
UK drill crew The Sidemen have teamed up with producer JME for this new holiday track and a snowy video.
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Looking for even more new songs? Browse the ‘New Songs’ archive and our “Holiday Music” category.