Best Christmas Pop Songs of All-time: A Top 10 List

Old-time, traditional Christmas standards are nice, but it's the rock and pop Christmas songs that are more fun.

The pop charts have seen a number of high-charting Christmas songs over the years. Here's my take on the ten best Christmas pop songs of all-time.

The best Christmas pop songs of all-time:

10 Feliz Navidad, Jose Feliciano, 1970

There's not much to the lyrics of "Feliz Navidad"; they seem like they could've been written in ten minutes. It's the snappy tune and straightforward message that made the song popular. On November 25, 2009, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

9 The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late), Alvin & the Chipmunks, 1958

It's easy to bash this song nowadays for being silly, but when it was recorded 50 years ago, it was quite innovative. The technique of speeding up voices to make them sound like harmonizing chipmunks was so unusual that "The Chipmunk Song" was actually rewarded with three Grammy Awards, including one for engineering.

8 Christmas (Baby Please Come Home), U2, 1987

When a band like U2 records a Christmas song, it gives other rock bands license to do the same, without feeling like they might be selling out or appearing too sappy. U2's version of this Darlene Love tune has become a modern radio favorite during the holidays.

7 Run Rudolph Run, Chuck Berry, 1958

Chuck Berry brought a rock n roll edge to Christmas music, singing about jets, freeways, and electric guitars in "Run Rudolph Run." Berry went on to become a charter member of the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, while his song continues to earn airplay.

6 Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Bruce Springsteen, 1975

I've seen this song on a number of "Worst Christmas Songs" lists, which is just insane. Bruce took one of the most uncool holiday songs in history and turned it into a rocker than everyone could enjoy. Few Christmas songs have the solid musicianship provided here by the E Street Band.

5 Blue Christmas, Elvis Presley, 1957

"Blue Christmas" had been around almost a decade by the time Elvis recorded it, but his style and delivery made people take notice of the song. "Blue Christmas" has since been remade by everyone from Johnny Cash to Porky Pig.

4 Happy Xmas (War is Over), John Lennon & Yoko Ono, 1971

Only John Lennon could write a Vietnam protest song that turned into a Christmas pop standard. "Happy Xmas" is an undeniable classic, though its somber tone keeps it from topping the list of best Christmas songs. "So this is Christmas, and what have you done," Lennon pointedly inquired. Yoko joined in on the chorus, along with the Harlem Community Choir.

3 Christmas in Hollis, Run D.M.C., 1987

The first popular Christmas rap song, this Run D.M.C. has become a classic. The rappers put their own spin on the Christmas theme, rapping about life in Hollis, Queens during the holidays. "Christmas in Hollis" was fun enough to appeal even to those who don't normally like rap music. And it's one of the few Christmas songs ever written that is capable of starting a dance party.

2 All I Want for Christmas is You, Mariah Carey, 1994

Most Christmas classics were recorded decades ago. The best and only truly great modern Christmas pop song came courtesy of Mariah Carey, when "All I Want for Christmas is You" appeared on her holiday album. Thankfully, Mariah didn't go overboard with her vocals, which were restrained enough to allow the candy-sweet melody to control the song.

1 Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy, Bing Crosby & David Bowie, 1977

This was a fascinating song, and not just because of the unusual pairing of artists. Despite their 43-year age difference, Crosby and Bowie seemed to hit it off and their voices meshed well on the duet. This version contains an extra verse, written just hours before it was recorded, which Bowie requested because he initially didn't want to sing "Little Drummer Boy." He gave in after hearing the new version. Crosby died just a month after the recording, which became his last noteworthy musical moment and perhaps the best Christmas song ever.

The best Christmas pop songs of all-time: Sources

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/19/AR2006121901260.html

http://www.josefeliciano.com/?x=entry:entry091127-092846

http://goldderby.latimes.com/awards_goldderby/2009/05/today-in-1959-first-grammy-awards-handed-out-.html