Tired of Mariah? 5 Underrated Christmas Songs to Refresh Your Playlist
Look, I have nothing but respect for Mariah Carey. As a songwriter, I can tell you that "All I Want For Christmas Is You" is a masterpiece of structure. The production is Wall-of-Sound perfection, the vocal is legendary, and it deserves to be a hit.
But...
By the second week of December, even the biggest fan needs a break. If you walk into a grocery store, turn on the radio, or scroll through social media, you are going to hear that song. It’s unavoidable.
As a musician who grew up in the era of vinyl albums and AOR radio, I believe the holidays should have a soundtrack that varies. Sometimes you need something smoother, deeper, or just different. You need music that lowers your heart rate instead of spiking it.
If you are looking to refresh your rotation this week, here are 5 underrated gems that capture the holiday spirit with a little more soul and a little less sugar.
1. The Jackson 5 - "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (1970)
Most versions of "Rudolph" are stiff nursery rhymes. The Jackson 5 version? It’s a funk masterpiece. Why it works: Listen to that bassline. It’s pure Motown. They took a simple children's song and injected it with undeniable groove and soul. Young Michael’s vocals are electric, but it’s the rhythm section that makes this track timeless. It reminds us that Christmas music doesn't have to be cheesy; it can be funky.
2. The Carpenters - "Merry Christmas Darling" (1970)
In an era of auto-tune and perfect quantization, listening to Karen Carpenter is a masterclass in vocal control.
The Lesson: Her voice is arguably the greatest "warm" vocal in pop history. She doesn't have to scream to get your attention; she draws you in with pure tone. This song is melancholic, beautiful, and cuts through the noise of loud holiday commercials. It reminds us that Christmas can be a time of reflection, too.
3. Vince Guaraldi Trio - "Christmas Time Is Here" (Instrumental)
You know this from the Charlie Brown special, but have you really listened to the production lately?
The Musician's Take: It is flawless jazz. The brush drumming, the upright bass, the gentle piano—it is the definition of "cozy." When I’m in the studio, we often talk about "room sound"—letting the instruments breathe. This track has so much air in it. It’s the perfect background music for wrapping gifts when you want to relax.
4. Hall & Oates - "Jingle Bell Rock" (1983)
Leave it to Daryl Hall and John Oates to take a cheesy standard and turn it into a cool, synth-pop jam. The Vibe: It’s undeniably 80s. They added that signature Philly soul groove and a rockabilly guitar solo that somehow works perfectly. It highlights how a great arrangement can completely change a song. It’s fun without being annoying—a hard balance to strike.
5. Kevin I. feat. Lance Jyo & Rachel Gonzales - "Christmas In Our Hearts" (2025)
I’m going to take a moment to add my own new track to this list. Why? Because we wrote it specifically for people who are looking for that classic, warm sound in a modern song.
We didn't want to make a loud pop track. We wanted to make something that fits right in between The Carpenters and the soulful grooves of the past. It features a three-part vocal harmony that calls back to the days when groups actually sang together in the studio to create a blend you can feel.
If you are looking for a new song for 2025 that feels like an old friend, I’d be honored if you gave it a listen.
Why We Get "Ear Fatigue" (The Science)
Why do you feel tired after listening to the radio for an hour in December? It’s not just the repetition; it’s the Dynamic Range.
Modern pop hits (and many modern Christmas covers) are mastered to be incredibly loud. The quiet parts are loud, and the loud parts are louder. In the studio, we call this the "Loudness War."
The songs I listed above—specifically The Carpenters and Vince Guaraldi—have dynamics. They get quiet. They breathe. They allow your ears to rest. When you are building a playlist for a dinner party or a quiet night in, try to pick songs that aren't constantly fighting for your attention. Your guests will thank you, even if they don't know why.
How to Sequence Your Holiday Playlist
As a producer, I spend a lot of time thinking about "sequencing" (the order of songs on an album). You can apply the same logic to your Spotify playlist:
The "Energy Starter": Start with the Motown groove to wake everyone up (The Jackson 5).
The "Vibe Maintenance": Move to your cool, synth-pop tracks (Hall & Oates).
The "Cool Down": End your playlist with the slower, acoustic tracks (Vince Guaraldi or my track, "Christmas In Our Hearts").
This creates a journey rather than a random shuffle. It makes the listening experience feel like a complete event.
Your New Holiday Rotation I hope these tracks give your ears a much-needed break from the radio hits. Whether you are driving home, wrapping gifts, or just staring at the tree, these songs are meant to help you enjoy the moment.
And if you enjoyed my track, "Christmas In Our Hearts" (up at #5), it would mean the world to me if you added it to your personal holiday playlist. As an independent artist, that simple click helps more than you know.
Happy listening, and here’s to a season with a little more soul.
Click here to save "Christmas In Our Hearts" to your Spotify Library