[Western music] Christmas songs that make you want to sing at karaoke

This ChristmasDonny Hathaway

Donny Hathaway – This Christmas (Official Music Video)

Released as a single in 1970, this song differs a bit from traditional Christmas tunes, packing in “soul” and “R&B” elements.

It’s still popular today and is often sung at karaoke.

When you sing This Christmas, be mindful of the pauses and the groove.

In addition to bass and drums, there’s also a brass section, so those instruments are very important.

If you rely only on listening, your vocal entries may come in slightly late, so try moving your body back and forth and bring your voice in just a touch earlier.

That way, you should come in cleanly without lagging behind the band.

When singing at karaoke, getting everyone to clap along will help you lock into the feel and make it more fun.

Just be careful not to drift off the beat.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

We Wish You A Merry ChristmasEnya

Enya – We Wish You a Merry Christmas (Lyric Video)

Since it’s a traditional piece well known as a choral work, many of you have probably heard it before.

This time, because Enya has covered it and shaped it with a sense of “transparency, healing, and fantasy,” the key points of how to sing it are completely different from a standard choral version.

Enya’s charm lies in her breathy whisper voice.

Unlike the sparkling style of typical choral pieces, her understated delivery and the way she handles word endings are especially distinctive.

The tempo is relaxed, so you can take a breath for each phrase, and it may be good to sing carefully while keeping a consistent head resonance.

For the phrase endings, rather than adding vibrato, letting the sound fade away smoothly will give it that whisper-voice quality—I highly recommend it.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

Christmas Time Is HereSURFACE

Christmas Time Is Here (Album Version)

Surface is an R&B band that was active in the 1980s, during the dawn of R&B.

They excelled particularly at R&B ballads, and they left behind a classic in the Christmas category as well.

That song is “Christmas Time Is Here.” While R&B can sometimes feel intimidating, this track has a very relaxed tempo, and unlike contemporary R&B, it doesn’t feature runs that require intricate pitch changes.

So if you’re familiar with Black music, it’s easy to sing.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Christmas TimeBackstreet Boys

Backstreet Boys – Christmas Time (Official Audio)

This is a hidden Christmas song from the Backstreet Boys, one of the most iconic vocal groups of the ’90s.

Showcasing their hallmark five-part harmonies, it gently paints scenes of a quiet night with softly falling snow and the joy of spending Christmas close to someone you love.

Just listening to it may wrap you in a calm, cozy feeling, as if you’re sipping warm cocoa by the fireplace.

Released in December 1996 as the B-side to their hit single “Quit Playing Games (With My Heart),” the song was also performed at the Disney Parks Christmas Parade in December 1997.

It’s highly recommended if you love songs with smooth melodies that are sung with heartfelt tenderness.

All I Want For Christmas Is YouMariah Carey

Mariah Carey – All I Want For Christmas Is You (Official Video)

This masterpiece is a song that has continued to be loved as a Christmas classic.

It carries a simple, universal message: the time spent with a loved one is the greatest gift of all.

Mariah Carey’s stunning vocals combined with its catchy melody captivate listeners and never let go.

Since its release in November 1994, it has lit up charts around the world every Christmas season.

It’s also known for being easy to sing at karaoke, and its pop feel and singability make it a great choice for those looking to liven up Christmas parties or year-end gatherings.