5 Original Country Songs That Should Be Future Christmas Classics
When it comes to the holiday season, there are the tried and true Christmas classics that get played time and time again. Yet, in recent years, some of our favorite country stars have released holiday albums with original songs that should become future Christmas classics. From Brett Eldredge, Chris Young, and Darius Rucker to Kacey Musgraves and Sugarland, here are five of our favorite original country Christmas songs.
Chris Young: “It Must Be Christmas”
There are certain voices that just feel like Christmas and Chris Young is one of those such voices. With his deep and smooth tone, his distinct country voice was made for Christmas tunes, wrapping soothingly around the listener like a warm blanket beside a fireplace. This was never more apparent than on his 2016 holiday album, It Must Be Christmas, which features Young’s take on a slew of holiday classics, including “Silent Night,” “The Christmas Song,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” However, it’s the album’s title track that’s truly the standout. The ballad celebrates everything that’s good and magical about the Christmas season and is sure to get you in the holiday spirit with one listen.
Kacey Musgraves: “A Willie Nice Christmas”
When Kacey Musgraves announced her 2016 album, A Very Kacey Christmas, fans wondered what the country chanteuse would do differently than her country peers. Always one to stand out from the pack, Musgraves released a diverse and varied take on the holidays, putting her own spin on Christmas classics, taking on some lesser known tracks, and of course, penning some originals. While the likes of “Christmas Makes Me Cry” and “Present Without a Bow” are two unique tracks, it’s “A Willie Nice Christmas” that is sure to make you smile. The laid-back tune features guest vocals by Willie Nelson and celebrates the lighter things in life, like “finding your own little peace on Earth.” The song features a line that is sure to be a highlight of the album, reminding listeners, “May we all get higher than the angel at the top of the tree.”
Brett Eldredge: “Glow”
While Brett Eldredge has become a household name as a country singer, the superstar is actually quite the crooner, as evidenced on his 2016 holiday album, Glow. On the album, Eldredge proves that he could give Michael Buble a run for his money as the reigning King of Christmas. While Eldredge puts his swinging, jazzy edge on the classics including “White Christmas” and “Winter Wonderland,” it’s the album’s title track that you’ll have on repeat. “You look good in the light of my Christmas tree,” Eldredge sings. “And I love to watch you glow.” On this track, Eldredge croons, and listeners are sure to swoon.
Sugarland: “Little Wood Guitar”
When it comes to Christmas albums, there are few as underappreciated as Sugarland’s 2009 release, Gold and Green. Unlike many other holiday albums, Sugarland veered toward less typical tracks here, recording songs like “Nuttin’ for Christmas” and “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” in addition to classics like “Silent Night” and “Winter Wonderland.” However, Sugarland shines on the original songs here, including “Coming Home,” “City of Silver Dreams,” and the album’s title track. However, no song is more special than “Little Wood Guitar,” telling the tale of a guitar received on Christmas, which ends up being a life-changing gift. Stay tuned for the full-circle moment in the last verse.
Darius Rucker: “Candy Cane Christmas”
On 2014’s Home for the Holidays, the golden-voiced Darius Rucker has assembled a perfect blend of Christmas classics and new originals. Standout moments of the album include the heartfelt “What God Wants for Christmas,” in addition to Rucker’s fun take on “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” Yet, it’s “Candy Cane Christmas,” that is truly a delightfully sweet highlight. Over a soothing orchestration, Rucker’s voice feels like home, as he warmly sings “It’s a candy cane Christmas, sweet as it can be.”
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