6 of your favourite classic Christmas songs reimagined

You know it’s almost Christmas when your favourite festive tunes start to ring out on the radio and throughout shopping centres. And, with just weeks left until one of the best days of the year, you’re no doubt playing them on repeat as you set up the Christmas tree and diligently wrap presents.

Over the years, many singers have released their own original songs to celebrate Christmas, while others have attempted to put their own spin on the classics. Although nothing will beat the original, the reimagined versions are still a hit!

Baby it’s Cold Outside

Classic Christmas tune ‘Baby it’s Cold Outside’ may have been embroiled in some heated PC debates of late with many claiming that the lyrics can be interpreted as describing sexual assault and drink spiking, but it still remains one of the favourite songs of the festive season.

Made famous by Frank Losser, the song featured in the 1949 film Neptune’s Daughter, and has since been recorded by countless stars, including Tom Jones, Bette Midler, Bing Crosby and Idina Menzel and Michael Bublé.

But while all of their takes on the song have been celebrated, a more recent version of the song recorded by American singers John Legend and Kelly Clarkson has caused outrage. The reimagined song was released this year as part of Legend’s new Christmas album A Legendary Christmas.

Some of the lyrics that have been scrapped include, ‘Say, what’s in this drink? (No cabs to be had out there)’ and replaced with lines such as ‘ … if I have one more drink? (It’s your body and your choice)’. Other updated lines include ‘I’ve gotta go away (I can call you a ride)’ and ‘my mother will start to worry (I’ll call a car and tell ’em to hurry)’.

Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)!

‘Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)’ was originally sung by Darlene Love in 1963 as part of the album A Christmas Gift for you from Philles Records. It quickly became a favourite Christmas tune and was ranked first in Rolling Stone‘s 2010 The Greatest Rock and Roll Christmas Songs list.

Over the years several musicians have recorded modern takes of the song, including U2, Cher and Jon Bon Jovi. However, it’s Mariah Carey’s version of the classic tune which has gained the most attention.

The singer released her reimagined version of the song in 1994 and 14 years later performed it at the Grammy Nominations Concert Live.

Santa Baby

Santa Baby first hit the radio in 1953, delighting music fans across the globe. The original version was sung by Eartha Kitt but since then has been reimagined by the likes of Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Taylor Swift and Michael Bublé.

One of the most recent versions was recorded by Robbie Williams and Helene Fischer.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’ is certainly one of the most loved Christmas songs around. The original version was sung by Eddie Cantor on his radio show in 1934 and within 24 hours 30,000 records were sold.

In the years following other artists recorded their own versions of the song, including Bing Crosby, Mariah Carey, Frank Sinatra, Chris Isaak and The Jackson 5. In 2012 music legend Rod Stewart released an album with his take on the tune and, of course, it was well received.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZLsh5TIwZU

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ still rings through houses across the globe each year as families celebrate the festive season. It was first sung by Judy Garland in the 1944 musical Meet me in St Louis, however, was later recorded by Frank Sinantra with slightly different lyrics.

Everyone from Ella Fitzgerald, The Carpenters and Josh Groban have also released versions of the song over the years. But it’s Sam Smith’s take on the tune which has received the most praise in recent times.

The English singer amazed fans with his beautiful version of the song in 2014 and as the years go by is the pick of the bunch for many.

Do They Know it’s Christmas

Christmas is a time to come together and support each other and what better way to do that than through song. In 1984 Bob Geldof and Midge Ure came together to write the song ‘Do They Know it’s Christmas’ as a way to raise money for those suffering as a result of famine in Ethiopia.

It was performed by group Band Aid, which was made up of the biggest British and Irish acts at the time. Since then the song has been re-recorded three times in 1989, 2004 and 2014 with money raised each time for charity.

The 2014 version of the song was sung by musicians including Ed Sheeran, Rita Ora, Sam Smith, Chris Martin and Seal.