[2026] A Special Feature on Classic Western Songs to Listen to in December!

Alone in DecemberUnderoath

UnderOath-“Alone In December”

Underøath is a Christian metalcore to post-hardcore band formed in 1998 and one of the defining acts of the 2000s screamo boom.

Many musicians in Japan’s metalcore scene openly cite them as an influence.

Although they once disbanded, they reunited and have continued to release new music.

Before their major breakthrough—back when their early vocalist was still in the lineup—they released the 2002 album The Changing of Times, from which I’d like to highlight “Alone in December,” a track that captivates with a grand, distinctive sound that steps beyond purely emotive new-school hardcore.

On the surface, it can be read as a heartbreak song set in winter, but the lyrics, steeped in their faith, evoke a certain sacred atmosphere.

If you’re a younger listener curious about early-2000s emotive new-school hardcore, be sure to check it out!

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KOH-1

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Last ChristmasWham!

Wham! – Last Christmas (Official Video)

Last Christmas, the hit song by the British idol vocal group Wham!, was a smash not only worldwide but especially in Japan.

If you live in Japan, you’ve probably heard it at least once.

It sold one million copies in Japan and topped the country’s international music chart for 30 weeks.

It has also won major awards, including Best British Video at the BRIT Awards, one of the UK’s most prestigious music honors.

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Ryo

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I Wish It Could Be Christmas EverydayWizzard

Wizzard – I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday

Wizzard was a band formed by Roy Wood at the height of the glam rock era.

This song straightforwardly expresses the feeling of “I wish it could be Christmas every day.” In the music video, the members dress up as glitzy, flashy Santas and put on a fun performance together with children.

Merry Christmas EverybodySlade

Slade – Merry Xmas Everybody (Official Top Of The Pops Video)

Slade, a band that thrived during the heyday of glam rock.

They’re a British band.

Their Christmas song even made appearances on the charts at the time.

The sight of the members, dressed in flashy outfits befitting glam rockers, joining the audience and singing “It’s Christmas!” is absolutely charming.

Father ChristmasThe Kinks

The Kinks – Father Christmas (Official HD Video)

It’s a wonderful Christmas song by The Kinks, a great band from the ’60s.

While many Christmas songs focus on children or lovers, this one spotlights a father, making it a very fresh pop song that truly embodies The Kinks’ style.