[2025] A Special Feature on Classic Western Songs to Listen to in December!

You For ChristmasKelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson – You For Christmas (Official Lyric Video)

With its bouncy rhythm, sparkling bells, and big-band-style arrangement, this song has a mysterious charm that evokes the essence of a Christmas tune.

Kelly Clarkson’s new track feels poised to become a fresh Christmas standard of the 2020s, capturing a poignant longing for connection with a loved one.

Released in September 2024, the song features Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, and showcases Clarkson’s powerful vocals at their best.

The lyrics portray the loneliness that can exist amid the festive season while conveying the precious warmth of spending time with someone special—sure to resonate deeply.

It’s a heartwarming song perfect for a winter night, listened to while snuggled up with the one you love.

Santa, Can’t You Hear MeKelly Clarkson & Ariana Grande

Kelly Clarkson & Ariana Grande – Santa, Can’t You Hear Me (Official Audio)

If you’re looking for a Christmas song with beautiful vocals, “Santa, Can’t You Hear Me” is also a great recommendation.

It’s a collaboration between singer-songwriters Kelly Clarkson and Ariana Grande, and it drew attention for bringing together two world-famous divas.

The song features harmonies that surpass many listeners’ expectations, with soaring high notes blending to create a truly ethereal atmosphere.

Christmas TreeLady Gaga

Lady GaGa – Christmas Tree

Lady Gaga’s track brilliantly fuses a catchy beat with a festive Christmas vibe.

It features a distinctive, innovative sound that blends elements of dance-pop and synth-pop.

Released in December 2008 as a digital-download-only single, the song received mixed reviews from many critics.

Its synth-driven beats and bold lyrics make a striking impression, setting it apart from traditional Christmas songs.

It also achieved a measure of commercial success, peaking at No.

79 on Canada’s Hot 100 chart.

It’s a perfect pick for those seeking a fresh atmosphere for Christmas parties or as background music for winter drives.

HallelujahLeonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen – Hallelujah (Official Live in London 2008)

With a stirring melody and a resonant chorus, this quietly powerful song is known as one of Leonard Cohen’s signature works.

Included on the album Various Positions, released in December 1984, it did not initially achieve major success, but later became an iconic presence in popular culture through numerous cover versions and appearances in films and television.

Weaving in biblical narratives, the lyrics explore many facets of life—love, faith, and despair.

It’s a piece to savor on a long winter night by the fireplace.

Be sure to check out this moving classic, perfect for brightening the Christmas season.

My DecemberLinkin Park

My December – Linkin Park (Hybrid Theory)

In the early 2000s, Linkin Park completely reshaped the loud rock scene with overwhelming musicality and unprecedented commercial success.

Released in 2000, their masterpiece debut album Hybrid Theory sold a record-breaking 30 million copies worldwide.

Included as a bonus track on the Japanese edition, My December is a hidden gem I can’t recommend to those who like cheerful winter tunes or Christmas songs; rather, it’s a track I especially want people to hear if they feel like sinking into the deepest darkness of sorrow.

Composed solely by the band’s brain, Mike Shinoda, it’s an unconventional number built around solemn piano tones, programmed drums, and ambient electronic sounds.

The lyrics are essentially the monologue of a man who seems to have parted ways with someone important—seemingly a common theme—but the late Chester Bennington’s restrained vocal delivery conveys such raw pain and urgency that it reaches the depths of the listener’s heart.

Ave MariaLuciano Pavarotti

Luciano Pavarotti – Ave Maria (Schubert)

There are many different versions of Ave Maria.

This time, I chose the one sung by Luciano Pavarotti.

He possessed outstanding talent even among modern opera singers, and when it came to the high C—a showcase for tenors—no one could surpass him.

His sun-warm timbre pairs beautifully with the blissful melody of Ave Maria.

If you’re spending Christmas with a loved one, be sure to give it a listen!

FrozenMadonna

Madonna*Frozen

Madonna’s global hit “Frozen.” As the title suggests, it has a cold, icy feel.

The lyrics carry a nuance like, “If I could have melted your heart, we would have worked out,” reflecting on a past relationship that didn’t go well.