A Celebration of Holiday Cheer with New Classics
The festive season is upon us, and there’s nothing quite like the sweet sound of holiday music to elevate our spirits and warm our hearts. Each year, music listeners eagerly await the top tracks that encapsulate the joy and warmth of the holidays. The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is excited to unveil the Top 10 ASCAP New Classic Holiday Songs for the current year, recognizing talents that keep the holiday spirit alive.
Unwrapping the Top Holiday Songs
Leading the charge for the second consecutive year is the beloved singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson with her hit "Underneath the Tree," co-written with the talented Greg Kurstin. This captivating song, released in 2013, has resonated with audiences around the world, offering a blend of nostalgia and contemporary charm that makes it perfect for holiday gatherings.
New Additions to the Holiday Playlist
Joining the ranks of these classics is Laufey, a genre-defying artist who introduces us to the latest holiday favorite: "Christmas Magic." This charming tune brings fresh energy to the season as listeners embrace its delightful melodies. In addition to Laufey, other artists like Katy Perry and Justin Bieber continue to light up the holiday charts with fan favorites such as "Cozy Little Christmas" and "Mistletoe."
Embracing the Christmas Spirit
Fans have a special place in their hearts for timeless classics, and ASCAP's Top 25 Holiday Songs chart reflects this sentiment. Topping this list is the iconic "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" by the talented Meredith Willson. No holiday celebration would feel complete without the dulcet tones of Mariah Carey's legendary "All I Want for Christmas Is You," a song that never fails to bring joy season after season.
Johnny Marks: The Holiday Hitmaker
Among the winners in holiday music, one name shines: Johnny Marks. His unforgettable tunes, including "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "A Holly Jolly Christmas," and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," have secured multiple spots on the ASCAP charts, showcasing the timeless appeal of these melodies that continue to resonate with audiences today.
Top 10 ASCAP New Classic Holiday Songs of 2024
Highlighting the essence of the festive season, ASCAP reveals the top 10 most-played New Classic Holiday Songs. Here's what made the list this year:
- "Underneath the Tree" by Kelly Clarkson and Greg Kurstin
- "Santa Tell Me" by Savan Kotecha and Ilya Salmanzadeh
- "Snowman" by Greg Kurstin and Sia
- "Mistletoe" by Justin Bieber and Adam Messinger
- "Like It's Christmas" by Gian Stone
- "Cozy Little Christmas" by Ferras Alqaisi, Katy Perry, and Greg Wells
- "Santa, Can't You Hear Me" by Kelly Clarkson
- "Believe" by Glen Ballard
- "Christmas Magic" by Laufey
- "Oh Santa!" by Mariah Carey and Jermaine Dupri
ASCAP's Timeless Holiday Classics
Equally celebrated are the top 25 most-played classic holiday songs that define this season:
- "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" by Meredith Willson
- "Sleigh Ride" by Leroy Anderson and Mitchell Parish
- "Jingle Bell Rock" by Joseph Carleton Beal and James Ross Boothe
- "A Holly Jolly Christmas" by Johnny Marks
- "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" by Johnny Marks
- "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow" by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne
- "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" by Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie
- "All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Walter Afanasieff and Mariah Carey
- "Winter Wonderland" by Felix Bernard and Richard B. Smith
- "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" by Edward Pola and George Wyle
The rest of the chart continues to include cherished favorites, reminding us all of the melodies that light up our lives during the festive months.
About ASCAP
ASCAP is a vital organization within the music industry, representing over one million songwriters, composers, and music publishers. Operating as a not-for-profit entity, it ensures that creators are justly compensated for their work. The organization works tirelessly to advocate for the rights of musicians and to enhance the value of music through various programs and initiatives. As we enjoy this holiday season, let us also recognize and celebrate the brilliance of those who create the soundtrack to our cherished moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ASCAP New Classic Holiday Songs chart?
The ASCAP New Classic Holiday Songs chart features songs that have been released in the last 20 years, celebrating the contemporary artists who contribute to our holiday music landscape.
Which song topped the ASCAP Holiday Songs chart in 2024?
The top position on the ASCAP Holiday Songs chart for 2024 is held by "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" by Meredith Willson.
Who are some of the featured artists in the top 10 New Classic Holiday Songs?
Featured artists include Kelly Clarkson, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, and Laufey among others, showcasing a mix of established stars and new talents.
How does ASCAP support music creators?
ASCAP supports music creators by collecting licensing fees, processing performances, and distributing royalties back to members, advocating for their rights on various platforms.
What is the significance of holiday music?
Holiday music holds great significance as it evokes nostalgia, creates joyful memories, and brings people together during festive celebrations across the globe.