Are you tired of listening to Mariah Carey, Cliff Richard, and Elton John fill every shop tannoy, TV show, and pub jukebox around Christmas time? Check out some rock music christmas songs to reawaken the festive spirit in you.
Ronnie James Dio led this heavy metal rendition of an all-time holiday classic and it is an absolute knockout!
Queen’s Thank God It’s Christmas
Queen released an exclusive holiday single in 1984 titled Thank God It’s Christmas that wasn’t included on any studio albums but later made appearances on Greatest Hits III and 1995 album Made in Heaven as B-side to A Winter’s Tale single. They paired this track with an emotionally compelling animated video showing a snowy evening scene in an apartment building before slowly zooming around warm rooms until ending with people gathering on roof to view arctic Northern Lights; director Justin Moon wrote and directed this animation video which also includes lyrics written by Brian May and Roger Taylor respectively.
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Eric Clapton’s Happy Xmas
At Christmas music concerts and albums, we’ve become used to seeing classic tracks given rock makeovers over time. The result has been great and some of these tracks have become fan favorites themselves. Instead of turning to familiar carols for inspiration, Clapton used his signature blues sound and arrangement style to craft original Christmas tracks on his 2018 release Happy Xmas; making for some truly original holiday tunes!
There are certain punk Christmas songs that cannot be overlooked, particularly those made famous by Run DMC in rap form. Their rendition of Jingle Bells and Frosty The Snowman for their We Wish You a Merry Christmas track makes for an outstanding start to your festive playlist.
Oi to the World by The Vandals is another fantastic punk Christmas track with plenty of energy, plus an uplifting message wishing everyone an enjoyable holiday season.
Joey Ramone with The Ramones offers one of the finest covers of this tune. Though its melancholic tone may seem subdued, its guitar riffs and upbeat vibe help lighten its weighty heartache.
This timeless rock song originally recorded by Chuck Berry rose to stardom after Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers covered it as part of an album released to raise money for charity in 1992. Perfect as Christmas music!
Megadeth’s rendition of Jingle Bells deserves to be featured, making this an essential rock song in the holiday spirit. While you won’t hear any actual bells ringing through your speakers or drumbeats – just enjoy its festive guitar solo and drum beats for maximum impact.
Are you tired of hearing Cliff Richard and Mariah Carey every time the shop tannoy, TV show, or pub jukebox plays music for Christmas? Try listening to these amazing alternative rock Christmas songs instead – you won’t regret it! And be sure to check out Kerrang’s Ultimate Rock Christmas Playlist for even more amazing tunes!
Coldplay’s Christmas Lights
Christmas may be one of the coldest times of year, yet we also recognize its warmth. Coldplay’s 2010 Christmas track captures this sentiment perfectly and helps us recall some of our fondest holiday memories.
Recorded during the sessions that would result in Mylo Xyloto, Christmas Lights is a melancholic song that captures the true meaning of the season – not just Christmas itself. Martin’s lyrics follow his relationship deterioration while simultaneously underlining their belief that holidays bring hope during even difficult times.
Mat Whitecross directed the video for Martin’s single, creating an opulent theater-inspired set with red curtains. When his friends arrive – including comedian Simon Pegg, singer Phil Harvey and Tim Crompton (frontman of Coldplay support act The High Wire – Martin lies down before opening up to reveal them performing onstage near the Thames.
The Darkness’ Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End)
The holidays are a time for giving thanks and spreading joy, but also rock music! Many of its best artists have recorded festive Christmas tunes for this holiday season – from Blink-182 to AC/DC, there’s sure to be something on this list of rock Christmas songs to fit anyone’s holiday celebrations!
Released by The Darkness in 2003, this Christmas rock song by them serves both as a tribute and parody of traditional carols. High notes and heavy guitars give this unique holiday tune its distinctive sound; making this an essential addition to your holiday party playlist. Meanwhile, its lyrics poke fun at Christmas traditions, encouraging listeners not to let joy fade with time.
The Darkness’ 2003 single, featuring guest appearance by former Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider, includes an enchanting duet in which both musicians sing about spending Christmas together while recalling old memories. Since its original release in 2003, several bands have covered this song, such as Halestorm singer Lzzy Hale and Enter Shikari; but for us at least, nothing beats August Burns Red’s explosive rendition which starts out soft before progressing to full rock epic proportions.
This festive rock song by The Pogues from 1984 serves as an antidote to saccharine sentimentality found in holiday pop. Narrated through Kirsty MacColl’s exquisite vocals and guitar riffs, it tells the tale of two lovers who find themselves struggling at Christmastime. A perfect festive rock tune that celebrates its true meaning this holiday season!
Are you tired of hearing Cliff Richard and Mariah Carey fill every shop tannoy, TV show and pub jukebox during the holiday season? Look no further – this playlist provides the solution with classics and modern tracks from blink-182, Korn, Alice Cooper, Fall Out Boy and Sabaton that will get any holiday party started in style.