Nine Christmas rock songs even holiday-music haters will love


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Photo courtesy of Sean Webster, Flickr

Photo courtesy of Sean Webster, Flickr

  1. “The Rebel Jesus” – Jackson Browne

Jackson Browne pairs up with the Chieftains and puts his formidable songwriting and lyrical prowess on display in this meaningful Christmas tune. As cliché as it sounds, Browne reminds us — quite poetically — that Christmas is not about “[guarding] our fine possessions,” but about helping those less fortunate.

  1. “Wonderful Christmas Time” – Paul McCartney and Wings

No holiday party is completely without this joyful Wings melody. It’s simple and fun, containing all the holiday spirit of traditional Christmas song with a little groovy Paul McCartney zest added.

  1. “Jingle Bell Rock” – Bobby Helms

It doesn’t get any more classic than this. It’s impossible not to sing along with and dance to Helms’ rockin’ Christmas hit, even if you have heard it thousands of time at the mall.

  1. “Feliz Navidad” – José Feliciano

Who doesn’t remember singing “I WANNA WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS” over and over again at the elementary school Holiday assembly? A timeless holiday jingle from Puerto Rican guitarist Jose Feliciano.

  1. “White Christmas” – Guns N’ Roses

This is the only type of white Christmas that might actually melt your face off. You may not be filled with Christmas cheer by Axl Rose’s twisted vocals at first, but soon enough you’ll realize that behind those shrieks lies endless holiday warmth. (Listen below; song not found on Spotify.)

  1. “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” – Alice Cooper

Another head-banging hard-rock rendition of a holiday classic, Alice Cooper’s “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” really relishes in the subtle creepiness of the song.

  1. “Little Saint Nick” – The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys bring their signature surfer sound to the holidays in “Little Saint Nick.” This number sounds like every other Beach Boys hit, except it’s about a goggle-wearing Santa going super fast through the snow on his sleigh.

  1. “Please Come Home for Christmas” – The Eagles

In my humble opinion, the Eagles produce the best version of “Please Come Home for Christmas” with this rendition. It stands on its own as a great Eagles song, holiday-themed or not, and it’s a great if you’re looking for a change of pace from the constant joy and cheer surrounding most Christmas songs. One can only take so much Christmas joy, right?

  1. Anything from the album A Twisted Christmas by Twisted Sister

This album is absolutely hilarious. Twisted Sister puts their twisted twist on holiday classics, ancient and modern alike. Even if you’re a holiday-music hater, this one’s bound to make you smile.