Songs to Include on your R&B Holiday Playlist

It’s time for another addition to #musicmonday ! This post is dedicated to R&B Holiday Music because it is that time of the year. When I am putting up my holiday decor or cooking for the season I love to put on some Holiday Music. I am going to share with you some classics, but also some new music to add to your R&B Holiday Playlist.

Let’s get into it!
*All the titles link you to the actual songs on YouTube.

All I want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey This song was released in 1994 on Mariah’s Merry Christmas Album and what is crazy, is that it is one of the most recognized Christmas songs by Millennials and Gen Z. A cool fact is that in 2019 it topped the Billboard charts for the first time, 25 years after it’s first release. It remains the best selling Christmas song by a female artist. She has a total of 3 videos and in the title I have linked the newest one, but you can view the original here.

Let it Snow by Boyz II Men This is one of my favorite Christmas songs. It was written by Wanya Morris and Brian McKnight and was released in 1993. When you listen to it, you can feel the touch Brian McKnight put on it. It is in fact a Christmas love song and I love all 4 minutes of this song. It transports me back to a time where I was young and carefree. It’s soulful and upbeat at the same time.

8 days of Christmas by Destiny’s Child This song was released in 2001 on Destiny child's only Christmas album with the same title. The song was based on the “Twelve Days of Christmas,” but is less traditional because the beat is R&B and pop and is pretty catchy. I like it because it’s like a surprise on your playlist and when it comes on it inspires some dancing in your kitchen. Definitely a more uptempo take on Christmas music.

This Christmas by Chris Brown This song was originally released by Donnie Hathaway in 1970 and has been redone by over 20 artists across music genres. That is when you know a song is a real classic. Chris covered it in the 2007 film titled with the same name. I happen to like this version because it is a good mix of old and new. Chris’s voice just gives it a modern feel.

Sleigh Ride by TLC This song was released in 1993 on the soundtrack of “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.” This song is upbeat and fun. It really captures that 90s feel and definitely does not fit your typical Christmas song. It’s a good mood changer. This straddles both R&B and rap which is signature TLC.

The Best Man Holiday Soundtrack This soundtrack was released in 2013 along side the film and is full of Christmas gems. You can play it all the way through and although there are a few non Christmas songs you will remain in the Holiday spirit. Some songs that stand out are Mario, “Someday at Christmas; Monica, “Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas; Neyo, “ I want to come home for Christmas;” and Fantasia, “What Christmas means to me.” The latter is more lively and she sounds so good. I just feel like dancing when I hear this song, it’s one of those feel good songs and is one of my faves on the soundtrack. There are a host of other artists such as Jordin Sparks, John Legend, Charlie Wilson, and Emeli Sande and several more. This soundtrack doesn’t disappoint.

Silent Night by The Temptations Is a remake of a classic Christmas song and is for the grown grown folks. It was released in 1973 on “A Motown Christmas,” a Christmas compilation album. Typically this song is very slow and can be monotonous but this is really a beautiful rendition and I love that they put their flavor on it.

Mistletoe by Justin Bieber This song was released in 2011. Yes 9 years ago, Justin is out here aging us. Okay so this song is more pop, but my daughter Kynni said that we needed to include it because it is popular amongst the young folk. So here we are, I mean it’s a cute little bop. I’m not mad at it and he does have a good voice.

Every Year, Every Christmas by Luther Vandross This song was released in 1995 and was a staple in my childhood. This song is strictly for my momma. She does not play about her man. I might get disowned if I don’t have at least one of his songs on the playlist. The good news is it’s good. Another song that reminds you of the old school 90s. Luther’s voice is so beautiful, just unmatched.

Do You Hear What I Hear by Whitney Houston Whitney’s remake was released in 1987, while the original was released in 1962. Another classic that has lasted the test of time. I have to state that there is no Christmas Playlist without some Whitney on it. She shuts this song all the way down. For whatever reason it makes me want to cry and it’s not really that type of song. Her voice just puts me in my feelings and I feel like I am hearing the word of God. Her voice was truly anointed.

Santa Tell me by Ariana Grande This is actually the newest song on this list, it was released in 2014. It is another pop addition, but I have no trouble dancing around the kitchen with this one. I know a lot of people compare her to Mariah, but I think hands down Mariah is just more soulful. However, Ariana has her own lane and she can sing. I like the bridge on this song, it feels like church.

We could go all day because there are so many good Christmas songs out there, but I wanted to make sure to give you some new and old songs to add to your Holiday play list.

Bonus: Jordin Sparks released a Christmas album on Nov. 25th called “Cider and Hennessey.” It’s 10 songs mostly original and she is giving us signature Jordin and she sounds amazing. She opens up with “Merry Christmas to your Face,” and it’s a feel good song. I love how you hear the jingle bells in the background and it adds to the song. “It’s You,” is good too, it’s a Christmas song that you sing to your boo professing your love to them. It’s slower, but trust me you will be singing along telling your significant other“ that the real gift is you!” “Trapmas Melody,” is the gift you didn’t know you needed. It meshes a few classics to a trap beat and I mean yes, I’m here for it! The title track “Cider and Hennessey,” is less than 2 minutes but could be a hit song if she extended it. The featured artist isn’t mentioned but he has a distinct voice and puts his stamp on the song. She did a really good job with this album as it is a range of slow and uptempo songs and she offers originals and some new takes on some classics. You can play it while you put up the tree and trust me you will be in good spirits.

What are your favorite Holiday songs?

References:
All I Want for Christmas Is You - Wikipedia
Let It Snow (song) - Wikipedia
8 Days of Christmas (song) - Wikipedia
This Christmas (Donny Hathaway song) - Wikipedia
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York - Wikipedia
The Best Man Holiday - Wikipedia
A Motown Christmas - Wikipedia
Mistletoe (Justin Bieber song) - Wikipedia
Every Year, Every Christmas - Wikipedia
List of songs recorded by Whitney Houston - Wikipedia and Do You Hear What I Hear? - Wikipedia