Top 5 best Christmas songs

Last week I made a post talking about the top 5 worst Christmas songs of all time. This week I am going to talk about the top 5 best Christmas songs of all time. Again, this is no easy feat. There are millions of songs out there and millions of versions of those songs. But, as I did last week, I will concentrate on songs done by contemporary musicians.

So, here we go.

5) Run Rudolph Run- Chuck Berry
It's hard to separate this song from the movie that introduced it to at least one new generation, if not more, Home Alone. And that's not necessarily a bad thing, both the song and the move are great Christmas classics. I think what has helped this song to stand the test of time, other than it's being featured in movies, is that it's fast paced, amazing guitar, silly lyrics all will never go out of style. This song is over 50 years old and I would confidently bet that people today still enjoy it just as much as they did when it first came out. Everything just comes together perfectly on this song, making it an instant classic.

4) Wonderful Christmas Time- Paul McCartney
This is possibly not the best song technically on the list, but how can you hear it and not get in the Christmas mood? It's bouncy, upbeat, happy and by Paul McCartney, all good things. I personally like the simplicity of this song. Not everything has to be an over production to be successful, and McCartney does a great job of proving that.

3) Little Drummer Boy- Bob Seger
This is probably one of my all time favorite Christmas songs, and Bob Seger's version is just great. I love how he mixes classic and contemporary together with this song. What really makes this song, in my opinion is the drums in the background, they are so powerful without being overbearing, and when you're covering a song about a drummer boy the drums are very important. And his singing just sounds so passionate and intense which I think fit with the tone and idea behind the song perfectly. Pa rum pum pum pum.

2) Happy Xmas (War is Over)- John Lennon
I'm a sucker for anything Beatles, but this song really resonates this year, especially after all the violence of the past year. I love how soft and quiet the song is, especially when trying to get the message of peace across. So often today people try to shove their opinions down the throats of others, but Lennon took the opposite approach and just whispered it instead, and I think it makes it a more powerful statement. Also, it's so simple, and not overdone like so many songs are.

1) Santa Clause is Coming to Town- Bruce Springsteen

If you know anything about me, you know how much it pains me to not only include Bruce on a list of best anything, but to have him in the number 1 slot. But, all prejudices aside, I have to admit Bruce rocked the hell out of this song, and it's amazing. Also, does the big man get his new sax or not? I need to know. For some reason, the raspy voice and rock music just fit with this song. No other musician should even bother covering this song, because there's no way they'll come close to this version. Just can't be done.