HOLIDAY MUSIC CREATES TIES TO PAST AND PRESENT
As the holidays approach, the season of Christmas music descends on America bringing cheer to radio stations, shopping malls and homes across the country.
Whether you count down the days until Thanksgiving to listen to Christmas Pandora stations or dread the period when virtually every radio station plays holiday songs on repeat, the popularity of the tunes associated with Christmas cannot be denied.
And to add to the craze, popular artists in the music industry continually release holiday singles, albums, or covers of some sort. From Coldplay’s “Christmas Lights” to Adam Sandler’s “Chanukah Song,” celebrities have dominated the realm of holiday music, adding a twist reflective of the times.
According to Billboard.com, the top Christmas song from 2013 was Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” edging-out classics such as Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas.” The idea that newer songs are more appealing than the so-called classics attests to the major shift that the music industry has gone through in the recent decades
Granted, the original songs may be outdated for some, but the fact that they were produced half a century ago does not diminish the lyrics and nostalgic memories that the golden oldies bring to the table. By modernizing these classics, the intrinsic qualities of the songs is often lost.
That said, some songs have withstood the test of time. In 1818, Joseph Mohr and Franz Gruber of Austria sung the poem “Stille Nacht” for the first time on Christmas Eve. Their simple melody quickly spread throughout the world and is currently the worldwide top holiday song, according to a study conducted by Business Insider. Interestingly, not many modern pop artists of our era have attempted to add their rendition on this classic. Why?
Maybe because a sense of respect goes hand-in-hand with many of the older holiday classics. When you come across a song that has been sung by millions of people for generations, an adherence to tradition is inevitable.
And for many, holiday songs are more than just songs; they are memories. By listening to the songs of the season, thoughts of celebrations with family and a childlike sense of wonder remain an integral part of the holidays.
This holiday season, look past the catchy melodies and jazzy instrumentals that blanket the music scene leading up to Christmas. Think back on the fact that the music of the season can still connect traditions, both past and present.
Whether you count down the days until Thanksgiving to listen to Christmas Pandora stations or dread the period when virtually every radio station plays holiday songs on repeat, the popularity of the tunes associated with Christmas cannot be denied.
And to add to the craze, popular artists in the music industry continually release holiday singles, albums, or covers of some sort. From Coldplay’s “Christmas Lights” to Adam Sandler’s “Chanukah Song,” celebrities have dominated the realm of holiday music, adding a twist reflective of the times.
According to Billboard.com, the top Christmas song from 2013 was Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” edging-out classics such as Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas.” The idea that newer songs are more appealing than the so-called classics attests to the major shift that the music industry has gone through in the recent decades
Granted, the original songs may be outdated for some, but the fact that they were produced half a century ago does not diminish the lyrics and nostalgic memories that the golden oldies bring to the table. By modernizing these classics, the intrinsic qualities of the songs is often lost.
That said, some songs have withstood the test of time. In 1818, Joseph Mohr and Franz Gruber of Austria sung the poem “Stille Nacht” for the first time on Christmas Eve. Their simple melody quickly spread throughout the world and is currently the worldwide top holiday song, according to a study conducted by Business Insider. Interestingly, not many modern pop artists of our era have attempted to add their rendition on this classic. Why?
Maybe because a sense of respect goes hand-in-hand with many of the older holiday classics. When you come across a song that has been sung by millions of people for generations, an adherence to tradition is inevitable.
And for many, holiday songs are more than just songs; they are memories. By listening to the songs of the season, thoughts of celebrations with family and a childlike sense of wonder remain an integral part of the holidays.
This holiday season, look past the catchy melodies and jazzy instrumentals that blanket the music scene leading up to Christmas. Think back on the fact that the music of the season can still connect traditions, both past and present.