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12 Christmas Songs That Rock

By adam12

My Christmas gift to you: 12 Christmas songs that rock. Well, they rock me at Christmastime. I hope they’ll rock you, too.

 

I’m using “rock” a bit loosely here. If you’ve been keeping tabs on my holiday-themed playlists, you know I’m all about diversity. For instance, my 8 Hanukkah Songs That Rock featured a bit of folk and some funny fare. And my 12 Boston Christmas Songs That Rock even had a bit of hip-hop in the mix.

 

Speaking of that last list, you’ll find one of those on this list, too. I’m not trying to kill the vibe with repeats or anything like that. It’s just that this particular song makes sense on both lists. And they’re my lists, for crying out loud. I do what I want! Even when it’s the holiday season. Heh. It’s musical equivalent of giving you a gift that I want instead of one you want.

 

Oh, and I gotta get the plug in there. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, from 10-12 on both, it’s me, Adam 12, with two hours of Christmas songs that rock. Will some of the songs on this very playlist end up in the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day playlist? You bet your red satin Santa pants they will. All the ways to listen are right here, so  you can tune in wherever you’re celebrating the holiday.

 

12 Christmas Songs That Rock

Before we move on, my usual disclaimer. Some of these songs you will know and love. A few you will not. It’s my hope with all of these playlists that you come away with that feeling of familiarity you get from a song you enjoy, but also that feeling of excitement you get when you discover something new. Happy Holidays to you. And a Merry Christmas, too. Now, let’s rock some Christmas tunes.

  • Bad Religion “Joy To The World”

    Greg Graffin doesn’t let the fact that he doesn’t know the words get in the way of delivering a spirited take on Christmas morning classic.

  • Far “Feed The World (Do They Know It’s Christmas?)”

    The Sacramento emo rockers enlist Deftones frontman Chino Moreno and proceed to turn out some pretty decent impersonations of the stars in the original Band Aid version of the song.

  • The Kinks “Father Christmas”

    “…but remember the kids who got nothin’…while you’re drinkin’ down your wine…”

  • The Murder City Devils “364 Days”

    What the hell does Santa do during the rest of the year? These Seattle garage punks attempt to answer the question.

  • My Morning Jacket “Santa Claus Is Back In Town”

    If this is what having the blues for Christmas sounds like, pour me another.

  • Nerf Herder “Santa Has A Mullet”

    I mean, have you seen Santa without his hat on? Sure, his hair is long. But don’t be fooled: it’s absolutely a mullet.

  • Passengers “Miss Sarajevo”

    If this quasi-holiday song featuring U2, Brian Eno, and Luciano Pavarotti doesn’t move you, you have a lump of coal for a heart.

  • The Pogues “Fairytale Of New York”

    A holiday tradition. Timeless. Bless you, Kirsty MacColl.

  • The Ramones “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight)”

    You’ve probably figured out by now I’m a big fan of the punk rock holiday fare.

  • Robby Roadsteamer “X-mas In Allston”

    Boston’s beloved bard pens a holiday love letter to the city’s crustiest Christmas destination.

  • Run DMC “Christmas In Hollis”

    It’s just not the holiday season until I’ve cranked this one as loud as my kids can stand it.

  • Akim & Teddy Vann “Santa Claus Is A Black Man”

    One of the most inspiring and empowering Christmas songs I’ve ever heard; a true forgotten classic. Enjoy it and happy holidays.

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