See & Hear the Music:
Christmas Cheer: Volume 5
The following ten songs are included in Christmas Cheer: Volume 5. These are all available as separate singles, but you get the most value by purchasing the whole collection. All of these arrangements are appropriate for intermediates and up!
- Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town
- Baby, It’s Cold Outside
- Christmas Canon
- Someday at Christmas
- Step Into Christmas
- White Christmas
- Winter Wonderland/Don’t Worry, Be Happy
- Wizards in Winter
- You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch
- Christmas Wrapping
🎹 Watch a performance of the entire collection:
🎹 Featured Favorite: “Christmas Wrapping” (The Waitresses)
One of the best holiday songs EVER! They know what you like… 😉
“Christmas Wrapping” is a holiday song by the American band The Waitresses. Originally released as a single in 1981, it gained popularity over the years and has become a staple of Christmas playlists. The song features a unique blend of new wave, punk, and pop influences, with a catchy melody and relatable lyrics that tell the story of a woman reflecting on a year of ups and downs, ultimately finding love during the holiday season. The song’s upbeat tempo, distinctive spoken-sung vocals, and memorable chorus contribute to its enduring appeal.
The Waitresses’ “Christmas Wrapping” stands out for its witty and conversational lyrics that touch on themes of love, missed opportunities, and the spirit of the holiday season. The song’s narrative style and relatable sentiments make it stand apart from more traditional Christmas songs. The infectious energy of the music, combined with the story of finding unexpected romance during the holidays, resonates with listeners, making “Christmas Wrapping” a favorite for both fans of the band and those seeking a unique and modern addition to their holiday music playlists.
🎹 Featured Favorite: “Winter Wonderland/Don’t Worry, Be Happy” (Pentatonix)
A favorite from the Pentatonix album “That’s Christmas to Me.”
“That’s Christmas to Me” is a holiday album by the a cappella group Pentatonix. Released in 2014, the album achieved significant commercial success and critical acclaim. It became Pentatonix’s first certified release in the US, receiving a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). By the end of 2014, the album had sold over 1.14 million copies, making it one of the top-selling albums of the year and the top-selling holiday album. It also marked a historic achievement by topping both the Holiday Albums and Holiday Songs charts simultaneously, a feat not accomplished since the launch of the Holiday 100 chart in 2011.
The album features a mix of traditional holiday songs, religious ballads, and original compositions, showcasing Pentatonix’s signature vocal precision and creative arrangements. The album’s single, a cover of “Mary, Did You Know?”, debuted and peaked at number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100, while the title track “That’s Christmas to Me” reached number 8 on the Adult Contemporary chart. Several songs from the album, including “Mary, Did You Know?”, “White Winter Hymnal,” and “Silent Night,” charted on the Billboard Holiday Digital Songs chart during the holiday season. The album’s overall critical reception was favorable, with reviewers praising its unique arrangements, vocal performances, and mix of traditional and original holiday songs.
🎹 Featured Favorite: “Step Into Christmas” (Elton John)
“Step into Christmas” is a Christmas song co-written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, performed by Elton John himself. Released in November 1973 as a standalone single, the song has become a festive favorite. With its upbeat and cheerful melody, the song invites listeners to embrace the holiday season and enjoy its festive spirit.
The song achieved commercial success upon its original release, peaking at No. 24 on the UK Singles Chart. In the United States, it reached No. 56 on the Cash Box Top 100 Singles chart and became a Christmas chart-topper, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Christmas Singles chart. The song’s popularity has endured over the years, making it a regular feature on holiday playlists and radio stations during the Christmas season.
Be the first to comment.