Christmas classics are one of the best ways to get into the Christmas spirit. If you’re bored of listening to the original and want something with a different tone, here are a few covers of classics!

So Much Wine

“So Much Wine” by The Handsome Family is characterized by an intimate, somber, emotionally raw tone that captures both pain and care. One lyric that shows this is, “There’s only so much wine you can drink in one life, and it will never be enough to save you from the bottom of your glass.” The lyrics reflect on the limits of forms of escapism to cope with pain or emptiness.

Phoebe Bridgers maintains the somber tone in her cover, but she adds her own signature subtlety and emotional intimacy. Her version has a delicate, introspective mood with soft vocals and sparse instrumentation, which adds a fresh layer of emotion to the song.

Please Come Home for Christmas

Released in 1978 and remastered in 2013, the song “Please Come Home for Christmas,” sung by The Eagles, has a bittersweet, nostalgic tone as it explores longing and loss.

Covered in 2003, Fiona Apple maintains the same tone as the original while adding her signature emotional intensity and vocal style. In the lyrics, “My baby’s gone, I have no friends to wish me greetings once again,” you can hear how much emotion is truly in the song.

Last Christmas

The ever-popular song “Last Christmas” by Wham! has been a Christmas staple since its release in 1984. The song captures a bittersweet nostalgia, as well as heartbreak and disappointment.

Meanwhile, the cover of “Last Christmas” by Florence + The Machine has a haunting, ethereal, melancholic tone. Florence Welch’s unique singing style brings a sense of vulnerability and depth to the song, emphasizing the bittersweet lyrics.

All I Want for Christmas Is You

The Christmas classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” originally by Vince Vance & The Valiants, was released in 1989. The song was originally a country song about wanting to be loved instead of just receiving presents. The tone of the song is romantic, sentimental, and heartfelt.

The iconic cover of “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” by Mariah Carey, instantly gained popularity for its upbeat tune and connection to the younger generation at the time, due to pop culture.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Sung by the iconic Judy Garland, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” the original lyrics of the song were from the movie “Meet Me in St. Louis.” The song was more somber and bittersweet in the original than in later versions, reflecting uncertainty and sadness.

One of my favorite later covers of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is by the indie artist Mitski. Her cover of the song has a more melancholic, intimate, and wistful tone; Mitski’s delicate vocals, paired with the sparse piano accompaniment, emphasize the song’s longing and vulnerability.

For more covers, view the full playlist here!