Top 10 Pop Christmas Songs

Pop music keeps us dancing throughout the year and Christmas time is no exception. Picking the top 10 is a daunting undertaking, as there are hundreds of songs to choose from. Religious standards and ballads come to mind in addition to the great charity driven songs. For example, "Do they know it's Christmas" written by Sir Bob Geldof and sung by a number of music celebrities like Sting and Phil Collins to benefit the hungry of Ethiopia. This list is dedicated to those happy pop songs you can't get out of your head as you compete with hordes of holiday shoppers, dance to at the annual holiday party, family get-together or office Christmas party. These pop songs keep the energy running high and the mood festive.

With your holiday play list in mind, here are the Top 10 Pop Christmas songs:

Honorable mentions:
Lady GaGa featuring Space Cowboy ' "Christmas Tree"
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "All I Want for Christmas"
Madonna - "Santa Baby"
Brenda Lee - "Rockin Around the Christmas Tree"

10. Bruce Springsteen - "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"
Originally written in 1932 by Haven Gillespie and John Frederick Coots, Springsteen enlivened the tune for contemporary audiences. With it's upbeat tempo and gritty rock edge, "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" is a party must.

8. Wham - "Last Christmas"
The smooth voice of George Michael and beautiful melody make this a must for the IPod Christmas play list. It will get one through the hectic days of shopping, partying or the year end work load. Recorded in 1984 it has a classic 80's feel.

9. Eurythmics - "Winter Wonderland"
The original "Winter Wonderland" was written in 1934. The Eurythmics version is from the album A Very Special Christmas (1989) and will bring back childhood Christmas memories. The album proceeds went to the Special Olympics. More traditional versions can be found on the track of every retail store music loop but this contemporary version of Winter Wonderland suits your personal Ipod or MP3 play list. Also a party classic.

7. Jose Feliciano - "Feliz Navidad"
This is pure fun for your parties and Holiday feasts. It's cheerful with a Latin flavor.

6. Paul McCartney - "Wonderful Christmastime"
Wonderful Christmastime is the quintessential sleigh ride, walk through the snow, by the fire Christmas morning song. Paul McCartney recorded this tune and it's perfect for that work party.

5. Jackson 5 - "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"
This sweet song has been done by a few pop artists such as RuPaul and John Mellencamp. The beautiful voices of the kid band The Jackson 5 captures the essence of the song and gives it a Motown vibe. The song was once banned for being too sexual in 1953. By the time the Jackson 5 recorded the song in the 70's, it was back to it's original innocence.

4. Eagles - "Please Come Home For Christmas"
This sentimental favorite is perfect for Christmas Karaoke. Send holiday cheer at Christmas time by sending this in a video link. Just grab the web cam and go. A great gift for a loved one far away.

3. This John Lennon- "Merry X-mas (The War Is Over)"
John Lennon captured the spirit of Christmas beautifully in this tune. Add this sweet and simple melody of love and peace to your play list.

2. U2 - "Please Come Home"
The ultimate longing for a loved one song. Please Come Home placed high on this list because it's a great dance tune for a Christmas party. Written by Ronnie Spector, the first recording was by Darlene Love and featured on her "A Christmas Gift For You" album. "Please Come Home" has been covered by several performers including Mariah Carey. More recently Death Cab for Cutie has covered the popular holiday standard. U2's version is a good mix that will fit any holiday party.

1. Mariah Carey - "All I Want For Christmas Is You"
This infectious tune will brighten any hurried day during the holidays. It's a perfect holiday dance tune and is a play list must. Artists like Shania Twain, John Mayer and others have covered the song but it is Mariah's version that has been the most notable. Carey's version also made it to the Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart. Looking for a more rousing version? Check out the My Chemical Romance cover.

Sources:

www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.inthe80s.com%2Fxmaslst.shtml&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFrqEzccGxRe5IdgY5H8BSoVO6tRczo92A

www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.carols.org.uk%2Fwinter_wonderland.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFrqEzfXHojjDTOu2tx0jqgbLgHv-4_Ucw

http://www.specialolympics.org/very_special_christmas.aspx

www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com%2FHymns_and_Carols%2Fsanta_claus_is_coming_to_town-notes.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFrqEzdIfxj2gSYoWyC8uPLJ_yCX3crMEA

http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=2419

http://www.apple.com/search/ipoditunes/?q=winter+wonderland+

www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.songfacts.com%2Fdetail.php%3Fid%3D10090&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFrqEzdrQ0wwixFZypqkjzs7_k86EXPG4w

http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100#/song/mariah-carey/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you/324187