Photo Jordan De La Cruz

A cheery blue christmas tree marking the beginning of the holiday season

Christmas music has already taken front stage in our everyday life, well before December has even hit. There are some songs that we have already been playing on repeat, while others we feel don’t live up to the hype. But with this season of Christmas classics, let this be a warning; there are simply too many amazing songs, making it unnecessary to listen to the same few mediocre songs. Here’s a list of our most overrated, but as well, a list of the most underrated.

Overrated

5: “Here Comes Santa Claus” by Gene Autry

To begin with, “Here Comes Santa Claus” is the most repetitive and annoying Christmas song out there. Autry just repeats the same 4 lines over and over again, paired with meaningless rhymes about getting presents. There is no unique sound, no interesting lyrics and definitely does not get us excited for Christmas time.

4: “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” by The Jackson 5

At number four, this one is just creepy. We could’ve easily let this one stay in the idea box. The reason this song is overrated is because we don’t think it should be played anywhere at all. The message is weird, the little chorus of kids singing it is unnerving, and it’s both confusing to kids and unfunny for adults. Overall, we deem it undeserving of even being called a “Christmas-Classic.”

3 : “Last Christmas” by Wham!

In 1984, Wham! released the song that easily took the Christmas music landscape by storm. It is obvious why it’s such a fan favorite; the tune is catchy and fun. With that being said, the song is given too much credit for its memorable phrases yet shaky lyrics. The only compliment we could give it is the amazing mop of hair atop of one of the lead singer’s head, within the music video. Apart from that positive, the song is generic, emotionless and bland.

2: “All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth” by Spike Jones & His City Slickers

As objectively as we could be, this song just plain bad. Even as an eight-year-old, I didn’t find this funny or amusing. The lyrics are random and irrelevant, the singer’s voice is so annoying and the song is very repetitive. Everybody needs to remove this from their Christmas playlist immediately.

1 : “All I want for Christmas is you” by Mariah Carrey

And last of all, the easily most Overrated Christmas song on this list, on any list or playlist even. Of course, there is nothing inherently wrong regarding the song; the instrumentals are fantastic and Mariah Carrey’s voice and lyrics are even better. It would be deserving of any spot on a Christmas playlist, yet it is objectively the most overrated Christmas song out there. There are simply so many other, and arguably less generic holiday tunes to listen to, such as one very special song in our Underrated Playlist.

Underrated 

5: “Grandma Got Ran Over by a Reindeer” by Elmo and Patsy

Easily the best song on the playlist. “Grandma Got Ran Over by a Reindeer” is an emotional rollercoaster, bringing tears of both wonder and sadness to anyone worthy enough of listening to it. This is, no question, one of the best holiday tunes here. The only reason it’s not number one on the list is to bring more attention to less well-known songs. Elmo and Patsy must’ve had a little bit extra Christmas cheer with this amazing harmonic sequence of beauty.

4: “Wonderful Christmastime” by Paul McCartney

This song is just the epitome of Christmas cheer. McCartney wrote a song with a unique sound, a joyful tone, and lyrics that get you in the mood for a cozy Christmas holiday. It’s not too upbeat, yet clearly spirited. We think that this popular song should get even more appreciation than it does already.

3: “Christmas Tree Farm (Old Timey Version)” by Taylor Swift

Our number three spot goes to Taylor Swift. Swift wrote a magical, romantic song that just transports you into the merry season. The original is great as well, but the old timey version is filled with warmth and a cozy feeling that you can’t really find in many new songs. Her lyrics are upbeat and original, with a classic theme of love during the winter season.

2: “Do they Know It’s Christmas Time?” by Band Aid

“Do They Know It’s Christmas Time?” is the sincerest and genuine of any other on the list. In fact, it was, in our opinion, the most invoking of any other holiday tune on this list. Its lyrics reveal a story that gets you to ponder, which is unlike any other song on this list.

1: “Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson

“Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson, is fantastic, as well as a great contrast to the greatly overhyped “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey. Clarkson creates a song with creative lyrics, Christmas bells in the background and an energetic and wonderful Christmas feeling all throughout. Her vocals are incredible as well, with an amazing bridge and catchy chorus. We believe that Underneath the Tree should be the new iconic Christmas song.