A Holiday Playlist with Heart: Songs for the Season
More Than Just Nostalgia
I love the classic Christmas carols as much as anyone. Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Brenda Lee—their voices are synonymous with the season, and rightly so. But sometimes, especially in today's world, I find myself craving holiday music that speaks a little more directly to the heart, with messages of hope, reflection, and genuine connection.
The holidays are a complex time, full of joy but also moments of reflection and even melancholy. A great modern holiday playlist, for me, embraces all of those feelings. It’s not just about festive cheer; it’s about music with soul. With that in mind, I wanted to share a few contemporary (and a couple of classic-but-not-overplayed) holiday songs that carry a little extra heart.
A Playlist with Heart:
"River" - Joni Mitchell (1971)
Not technically a Christmas song, but its melancholic beauty and wintery setting have made it a holiday staple for reflective moments. It captures the bittersweet side of the season perfectly.
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" - Judy Garland (1944)
The original version is tinged with a beautiful sadness and hope for a better future ("Someday soon we all will be together / If the fates allow"). It’s much deeper than the cheerful versions we often hear today.
"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" - Darlene Love (1963)
Pure, unadulterated yearning and soulful power. Phil Spector's Wall of Sound production makes this classic feel epic, and Darlene Love's voice is simply unmatched.
"Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" - John Lennon & Yoko Ono (1971)
As mentioned in my last post, this is more than a holiday song; it's an anthem for peace. Its message feels as urgent and necessary today as it did decades ago.
"Believe" - Josh Groban (2004)
From the movie The Polar Express, this song beautifully captures the childlike wonder and the importance of holding onto belief, which is a core message of the holiday season.
"Underneath the Tree" - Kelly Clarkson (2013)
A modern classic that perfectly blends festive energy with genuine emotion. It’s joyful, powerful, and has that timeless quality.
My Contribution to the Season:
It's this spirit of heartfelt connection and hopeful optimism that I wanted to capture in my own holiday song this year. My new single, "Christmas In Our Hearts," is about exactly that—finding unity, compassion, and the true spirit of the season within ourselves and sharing it with others.
It features beautiful harmonies from my friends Lance Jyo (who also produced and co-wrote the song) and Rachel Gonzales, and it’s my personal message of hope for this holiday season.
"Christmas In Our Hearts" arrives everywhere on November 4th! You can be among the first to hear it by pre-saving it now on your favorite streaming platform.
I hope this playlist brings a little extra warmth and heart to your holiday season.
What's a modern holiday song that always resonates with you? I'd love to hear your additions in the comments.