The top sounds of the Christmas season

From the decorations to the smells of trees and eggnog to the overall wholesomeness of the holiday, Christmas time is among the most enjoyable times of the year, especially for college students who can finally feel reprieved about being finished with the stress of finals. One of the top aspects of the season, however, is the musical one. Christmas music has helped set the holiday spirit for centuries and continues to do so to this day. Here are some of the best sounds of the Christmas season:

“All I Want For Christmas is You”- Mariah Carey

This classic from the great Mariah Carey has been a staple of the holiday season since its release in 1994. A mix of holiday spirit and put-you-in-your-feels and carried by Carey’s powerful vocals, this song sets the holiday mood anytime it comes on, whether it be during the actual Christmas season or on a balmy Louisiana summer day.

“This Christmas”- Chris Brown

A Chris Brown remix to a classic Christmas joint? Couldn’t be anything but an instant hit. Brown took the age-old classic and kicked it up a notch, adding his flowing vocals and taking the sound to R&B Christmas. There’s even a chopped and screwed version of this song if anyone’s looking to slow it down this holiday season.

“I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause”- The Jackson 5

This classic Christmas song from the Jackson 5 is a staple each and every Christmas season. A young Michael Jackson belts out the story of how mama was getting familiar with flirtatious Santa as he came to deliver presents. Having the Jackson family’s unique vocals on this track sets it apart from other renditions of this classic Christmas song.

Merry Christmas Lil’ Mama & Merry Christmas Lil’ Mama (Re-Wrapped)- Chance the Rapper and Jeremih

The quintessential Christmas mixtapes, Chance the Rapper and Jeremih link for a series of fire holiday tapes with Merry Christmas Lil’ Mama and its sequel. From a Christmas remix to Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” on “Stranger at the Table” to a holiday juke track, this couplet of mixtapes has it all. Themes of charity, buying gifts for those you love and the real reason for the season are prevalent throughout. Chance also takes the opportunity to touch on poverty and violence in his hometown of Chicago on “Tragedy.” If you prefer a different approach to Christmas music, these tapes are for you.

Under the Mistletoe- Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber’s Under the Mistletoe, released at an early point in his established career, showed Bieber flexing his vocal range on a new twist to Christmas music. Aided by features from the likes of Usher, Mariah Carey and Busta Rhymes, Bieber put his stamp on classics such as “Silent Night” and “The Christmas Song,” as well as an assortment of original holiday tracks. Blast back to 2011 and throw this sneaky great album on your Christmas playlist this season.

While these are some of the best holiday tracks, there is still a multitude of Christmas music to get you in the holiday spirit this season. Find whatever you’re feeling, whether it be chill Christmas music or turning up to trap Christmas songs. Whatever you choose, just make sure to make this Christmas the trillest one yet.