If you want to add some spice and tension into their Christmas, play this Weird Al tune about an inebriated Santa. The catchy tune was created as an antidote for saccharine pop songs dominating charts at that time.
Darlene Love reigns as queen of Christmas music, as demonstrated by this festive track from her legendary discography. No modern singer can compare to Darlene in terms of Christmas-related talent.
Queen’s ’84 Christmas’
Freddie Mercury and Brian May’s charming Christmas anthem from their 1984 album is an inspiring example of rock music capturing the holiday spirit. With its infectious melody and playful charm, “All The Animals Locked In Zoo Will Be Free this Christmas” serves as a comforting promise that animals caged away will soon be released – perfect music to add cheerful holiday cheer.
Though it might seem daring, teaming an American folk singer with an English prog rock band for a holiday song proves successful on all counts. The result is an emotive yet upbeat tribute to an ex-lover.
Darlene Love proved herself the perfect backup vocalist for Phil Spector on this timeless classic croon, singing to Phil over an emotive wall of sound that would make any Sixties power pop fan melt with longing. Although only reaching number 21 on the charts, this tune remains timeless and essential on any rock music Christmas playlist. Bob Geldof assembled some of music world’s elite for one-off supergroup recording Ethiopian Famine Relief Aid Anthem which became an overnight success and later led to Live Aid charity concert the following year.
Brian Wilson’s ’64 Little Deuce Coupe’
All too often, rock fans assume Christmas music to be terrible and they usually are correct in that assumption. But every now and then a masterpiece like Phil Spector’s 1963 Christmas Album comes along that proves otherwise; its release on John F Kennedy’s death date did not dampen its brilliance one bit!
This version of “Merry Christmas Everybody” showcases one of Brian Wilson’s finest vocal performances from their peak period, conveying powerfully poignant themes about family joy and hope through hard times.
This holiday classic stands out as something unique – and that is precisely why its charm lies within its uniqueness. Dylan’s melancholic lyrics pair beautifully with its dark tone, making for an engaging duet between generations that leaves everyone singing along together!
Alice Cooper’s ’Claws Of Christmas’
Alice Cooper is one of rock’s premier shock rockers and his version of ‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town’ is an unsettling delight. Heavy riffs and an expressive vocal performance from him give lines like ‘He knows when you’re sleeping, he knows when you’re awake’ an unexpected sinister edge.
The Black Crowes took to covering this Mariah Carey classic as part of their iTunes RED campaign in 2005 to raise money for HIV/AIDS prevention projects around the globe. Perfect for rock parties, this fun tune also boasts an outstanding guitar solo by Chris Robinson!
Shinedown and Dream Theater both released versions of this classic holiday song, but August Burns Red stands out with their electrifying rendition. Lull you in with its festive bells before slowly building into an intoxicating instrumental blitzkrieg to form one unforgettable tune – adding even more power with former Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider providing his unforgettable vocals!
Twenty One Pilots’ ’Christmas Saves The Year’
Rolling Stone’s criticism of an emo-rock band’s Christmas single has left some fans fighting back, while others feel this song deserves all its criticism due to its cheesy lyrics and lack of Christmas themes.
Classic rockers were known for creating memorable holiday tunes. One such classic rock hit was written by Freddie Mercury and Kirsty MacColl in 1984: this emotional song tells the tale of two people falling on hard times together yet eventually finding solace with one another again. It remains popular to this day.
Darlene Love’s rendition of this Beatles classic makes for an irresistibly festive tune, thanks to her wall of sound vocals – impossible for anyone else to sing it with equal passion! Unfortunately, Love doesn’t receive recognition in the Rock Hall as much for this track alone.
The Everly Brothers’ ’Christmas Eve Can Kill You’
It’s hard to believe that such an outstanding song could go unnoticed each December. With its sensual lyrics and melancholic pedal steel music capturing hitchhiker melancholy on an Arctic winter night, this track reminds us to always show kindness instead of ignore others — especially on Christmas Eve!
It was released during an unusually un-rock n’ roll era, yet this song’s scathing critique of Anglo-American Christian-Pagan ideals still works today – it even adds some fun! A perfect song to include on an anti-Christmas playlist.
Otis Redding may not seem like an obvious choice to perform Christmas songs, but this song shows just how adept he was at doing so. His powerful vocals carry this sexy soul ballad effortlessly while his signature guitar licks stand out against Phil Spector’s wall-of-sound production – truly an exceptional classic!
Christopher Lee’s ’The Little Drummer Boy’
As part of Queen’s comeback in 1984, they gave us this stunningly dark festive number. Although it only reached number 41 on the charts at that time, its timeless songwriting and the memory of Freddie Mercury remain unforgettable.
Christopher Lee has long proven his musical capabilities, both as a rock star and actor; more recently he decided to use both metal albums he released with musicians to expand upon them musically. First released was a symphonic metal album about Charlemagne called ‘2010: Charlemagne And His Invaders,” followed by A Heavy Metal Christmas: My Interpretations Of ‘The Little Drummer Boy” And ‘Silent Night.”
Though it might seem unusual that a heavy metal band covered such an innocent Christmas classic, this version from Metallica is actually very impressive! Beginning with delicate orchestrals and sleigh bells, the song quickly becomes an energetic rager as Cristina Scabbia’s guttural growls contrast Andrea Ferro’s chugging guitar riffs. Make sure this track gets played at your next Christmas party!
Alice Cooper’s ’A Brutal Christmas’
Bob Geldof rallied together a supergroup of Ireland and Britain’s rock elite for one-off charity recording of this song for Ethiopian famine relief in 1984. This remarkable event raised PS8 million ($11.5 million US), leading directly to Live Aid being staged a year later.
Though its title might indicate otherwise, this song from one of metal’s beloved bands is actually quite cheerful Christmas song that also works well as an alternative metal anthem. With delicate xylophone plonks and festive sleigh bells accompanying this festive track – an unexpected treat from one of metal’s greatest festive tracks!
Lemmy’s mocking contempt for Christmas spirit fits perfectly with this distorted guitar-driven version of this timeless Christmas tune, making for an equally enjoyable listening experience first time or one hundredth time around.
Lucifer’s ’Christmastime’
Most rock fans likely assume all Christmas music is awful, but every now and then a true masterpiece emerges – like this rock-tinged rendition of a holiday classic from Steven Tyler’s 70s band that featured singer/guitarist Steven Tyler himself!
Bobby Darin proved that rock and roll’s original crooners could croon Christmas songs with ease; one such example is his breathtaking version of “Auld Lang Syne.” However, Tina Turner had an even more captivating voice to make her songs come to life and sing beautifully during Christmastime.
The Darkness’ raucous Christmas anthem is an absolute classic, thanks to their powerful guitar sound and touching sentimental message about gathering with family and friends again during this holiday season. Additionally, featuring vocalist Darren Day who doesn’t hesitate to voice his opinions (even on Christmas) it reached number two on the UK chart and outshone Mariah Carey’s version by actually rocking out instead – an important distinction indeed!