Christmas songs from 80s Western music: from hit tracks to hidden gems

Do They Know It’s Christmas?Band Aid

Band Aid – Do They Know It’s Christmas? (Official Video) [4K]

It was recorded in November 1984 as a charity single for famine relief in Ethiopia and released the following month on December 3.

It spent five weeks at number one on the UK charts, selling over one million copies in its first week alone—an astonishing achievement.

Because the song carries a strong message, it’s worth taking the time to understand the lyrics rather than just singing it for the vibe.

It’s great fun to sing in harmony with a few people, of course, but it’s also satisfying to sing solo since there are parts you can really belt out.

Each singer in the original has their own distinctive style, but don’t worry too much about that—singing in your own voice is best! Place a hand on your chest and try singing while resonating your voice.

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Kubota Mami

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All I Want For Christmas Is My GirlNew Edition

All I Want For Christmas Is My Girl

Since their debut with “Candy Girl” in 1983, New Edition have stood as one of the quintessential boy groups of the ’80s with their catchy pop sound and polished vocal harmonies.

Featured on their 1985 holiday EP “Christmas All Over the World,” this song is a love ballad that declares spending time with a sweetheart—not presents or dazzling decorations—as the true wish of Christmas.

Its era-defining, synth-driven arrangement and sweet, interwoven harmonies create a soothing resonance.

It’s the perfect track to set a romantic mood on Christmas Eve with someone special.

Gabriel’s MessageSting

Sting – Gabriel’s Message

The Police were a legendary rock band active from the 1970s to the mid-1980s.

Gabriel’s Message was released in 1985 by Sting, the band’s vocalist.

While it’s not very familiar in Japan, the original is known as a classic Christmas carol.

Connected to Basque tradition, the song’s interpretation varies widely depending on the artist covering it.

Because it has strong cultural elements, knowledge of the history of Christmas carols and of religion helps convey the song’s depth more fully.

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Ryo

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Christmas Is The Time To Say “I Love You”Billy Squier

Billy Squier – Christmas Is The Time To Say “I Love You”

A 1986 song by Billy Squier.

Inspired by meeting Eric Clapton during his Cream era, which is said to have set him on the rock path, this Christmas song features both lyrics and a melody that make it an exuberantly bright piece of American rock.

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa ClausJohn Mellencamp

John Mellencamp – I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus – Video

In 1987, “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” was released from the Christmas special album “A Very Special.” Incidentally, this footage was shot during a soundcheck on the 1987 tour.

Remarkably, it is a rare recording featuring John’s daughter, Teddy, on vocals.

Christmas Rappin’Kurtis Blow

Kurtis Blow – Christmas Rappin’ (Mercury Records 1979)

This is a Christmas rap performed by Kurtis Blow, who is said to have popularized rap.

Its selling point is its old-school simplicity—simple is best.

By the way, doesn’t that bassline sound familiar? It’s used in Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust.” Interestingly, Kurtis Blow’s release came out a year earlier.

Usually, it’s the other way around.

For the record, the original source of that bassline is Chic’s song “Good Times.”

Mistletoe and WineCliff Richard

Cliff Richard – Mistletoe and Wine (Official Music Video) [HD]

If you’re looking for a soothing, sleep-friendly Christmas song, we recommend Mistletoe and Wine.

This piece is renowned as a classic by Cliff Richard, who was hugely active from the 1960s through the 1980s, and its lyrics—said to be inspired by The Little Match Girl—won widespread popularity.

The melody is relaxed yet carries a grand atmosphere, enveloping you as you listen.

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Ryo

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