Top Ten Christmas Rock Songs

What's that on the radio? A Christmas song already? I guess it is just about that time of year. If you're looking to round out your MP3 player with some seasonal selections take a look at my list of the Top Ten Best Rock Christmas Songs.

"Jingle Bell Rock" was written by Joe Beal and first recorded by Bobby Helms in 1957. It is nearly impossible to go without hearing this song in one of its many renditions during Christmas. Brenda Lee 's version hit the Billboard Christmas singles charts twice in the Sixties. This song has been covered by all walks of musical life from Hillary Duff to Billy Idol making it a definite Christmas classic.

"Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You"-Billy Squier recorded this song during the Don't Say No sessions in the early Eighties (did I play the heck out of that cassette tape in my mom's car!) It was originally released as the B side to My Kinda Lover.

"Do They Know It's Christmas" was recorded by Band Aid, a charity supergroup founded by Bob Geldof in 1984. The producer's hopes were far surpassed when the single went straight to number one on the UK chart.

"Wonderful Christmas Time" is one of Paul McCartney's best known solo singles, released in 1979.

"Last Christmas"by George Michael/Wham was released in 1984 on Epic Records.

"Father Christmas"-The Kinks recorded this song about a bunch of poverty-stricken kids beating up a department store Santa in November of 1977. Even though it has never appeared on the charts it is still popular on the airwaves at Christmas time.

"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" was recorded by Brenda Lee in 1958. It did not become popular until Lee became a star in 1960. That year it hit number 14 on the Billboard charts. There are at least half a dozen versions that receive radio play every year but Brenda Lee's is by far the most popular.

"Please come home for Christmas"-This song was first released in 1960 by Charles Brown. It is better known for its cover version released by the Eagles in 1978.

"Same Old Lang Syne"-Dan Folgleberg released this narrative ballad in 1981. It is one of his most played hits to date. It never fails to remind me of junior high school and the winter dance and the snow and the bittersweet memories of young love.

"Christmas Wrapping"-The Waitresses recorded this gem in 1981. This song is supposedly sung by a busy single lady who is determined to ignore Christmas. But during cooking her Christmas dinner she realizes she forgot cranberries at exactly the same time as the love interest in the song making way for an audio meet-cute.

So now you have everything you need to ensure your Christmas listening pleasure. Enjoy!