Listen to new holiday music from Phoebe Bridgers, Amanda Shires, The Lumineers, Bad Bad Hats, Beach Bunny and Leon Bridges
by Jade
December 16, 2021
This week’s offering of new songs is a playlist of brand-new holiday songs from artists you love.
Phoebe Bridgers, “Day After Tomorrow”
Phoebe Bridgers has had a busy year — running her own record label, jumping in to sing backing vocals with everyone from The Killers to Lorde — but that didn't stop her annual tradition of releasing a holiday song. This year, the offering is a cover of Tom Waits "Day After Tomorrow." The somber song features Marcus Mumford, Blake Mills and Rob Moose, with proceeds benefiting the Local Integration and Family Empowerment Division of the International Institute of Los Angeles.
Amanda Shires, “Blame It on the Mistletoe”
Do you need a country holiday album full of originals that are depressing, uplifting, and fun? Amanda Shires packs a punch with her first holiday album, For Christmas. The delightful, "Blame It on the Mistletoe" is a sweet ode to a first kiss. And with lines like, "I Wrapped around you like a bow-/Who says this isn't Christmas-sy" and "I admit I was feeling a little ho-ho-hopeless," the song is not taking itself too seriously or adding an unhealthy dose of sugar.
The Lumineers, “This is Life (Merry Christmas)” feat. Daniel Rodriguez
A dinner conversation between friends inspired this holiday song from The Lumineers and Daniel Rodriguez. Lumineers frontman Wesley Schultz had Rodriguez over for dinner, and Schultz’s wife told Rodriguez that Rodriguez had already written a great Christmas song, "This is Life"; she simply suggested that he add "Merry Christmas” to the chorus. Now the song is official, and the proceeds are going towards a good musical cause, MusiCares.
Bad Bad Hats, “Sally Sweet Tooth”
If you want to check out a full playlist of Minnesota songs, we've compiled a fairly large one for you, but a great new original came out this holiday season from Bad Bad Hats that we think could become a new standard: "Sally Sweet Tooth" is a sweet little rocker about a girl who doesn't care about presents, all she wants is some cookies.
Beach Bunny, “Christmas Caller”
‘Tis the season of checking in on people you haven't seen in a while. Beach Bunny wrap up the year with "Christmas Caller," a song about reaching out with some candor this holiday season.
Leon Bridges, “Purple Snowflakes”
Marvin Gaye's "Purple Snowflakes" has long been on my holiday playlist. It's as smooth and snappy as any of his classic hits, with the right amount of joy for the time of year. Leon Bridges felt the same about the song, telling Complex magazine, “It’s a full circle moment. I remember hearing that track for the first time, and it definitely resonated with me. To say I’m honored to do a rendition of it is an understatement.”