1. "Water Fountain" by Tune Yards
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I am addicted to this song. It's just so catchy. Play this at your Christmas party and watch to see who doesn't get up and dance – don't trust those people.
2. "I'm A Wonderful Thing Baby" by Kid Creole And The Coconuts
"I'm a wonderful thing baby, sorry I can't stay, I've got a dozen or more babes to see before I fly"... say hello to your single anthem for the holiday season.
3. "Why So Lonely" by Wonder Girls
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And if you want to be reminded just how trashy your exes were, and why you left those rubbish relationships, Wonder Girls are here with a strong Ace of Base sound and a killer aesthetic.
4. "Last Christmas" by Carly Rae Jepsen
They say you can't ever beat the classic version of a song, but my girl Carly Rae is here to prove otherwise.
5. "I'd Rather Dance With You" by Kings Of Convenience
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The ultimate Christmas party tune, you will never convince me otherwise.
6. "Fade Away" by Hannah Diamond
Icy vocals and even icier synths for winter.
7. "Redbone" by Childish Gambino
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It's about time Childish Gambino released new music. This slow but groovy track is just the thing for chilly days spent indoors.
8. "White Winter Hymnal" by Fleet Foxes
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I mean come on. This is THE winter song. Still petitioning the local church to let us sing this at Christmas mass instead of "All Things Bright And Beautiful". So far it's a no, but I can sense they're close to weakening.
9. "Current Location" by Lany
The soundtrack to all prodigal children returning home and long distance lovers meeting up for the holidays.
10. "I Want You" Savage Garden
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December is a time for nostalgia, and by nostalgia I mean Savage Garden.
11. "Blue Notes" by Meek Mill
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This new track from Meek Mills is everything I want in a December song. Bluesy, smooth and cool as fuck.
12. "Gogol" by Chilly Gonzales
Let Chilly Gonzales change everything you thought you knew about classical piano. Let his delicious notes fall over you like the soft snowfall they are. Give into it. Give into "Gogol".
13. "Sleep On The Floor" by The Lumineers
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If you must listen to love songs at Christmas at least make them pop-folk love songs that might actually be a song about heartbreak, who knows, it's all very ambiguous.
14. "Underneath The Stars" by Kate Rusby
A choir of angels themselves couldn't best the angelic vocals of Kate.
15. "Another Chance" by Roger Sanchez
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If you can't listen to house songs from the early 2000s you'd forgotten about in December, when you can you?
16. "Honey" by Orchards
Those chords. Those tempo changes. I am here for it.
17. "Pacify Her" by Melanie Martinez
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This song is so good I can forgive the slightly mean lyrics. What that says about me, I don't know, but lets not delve too deep into that, mm'kay?
18. "Casanova" by Allie X
This stunning song from Allie X is almost hymn-like.
19. "Gemini Feed" by Banks
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Angsty post-love themes meet visceral beats. Welcome to my December aesthetic.
20. "Playing With Fire" Black Pink
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I cannot get over the "on and on and on" transition into the chorus, it's just so addictive. Also, should I revisit pink fluffy jumpers for winter? I feel like maybe I should.
21. "Fairytale" by Lianne La Havas
My favourite fairytale this Christmas.
22. "Holocene" by Bon Iver
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I honestly don't know what other time you'd listen to Bon Iver than autumn-winter. Also, the jumper goals in this video are very strong.
23. "Show Me" by Alina Baraz & Galimatias
If, like me, you prefer to hibernate in winter, may I suggest this excellent hibernation tune from Aline Baraz? Her whole Urban Flora album makes for great *wrapped in blankets and never coming out* listening tbh.
24. "Beach House" by Hoax
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It's a tale as old as time: hip hop meets indie, falls in love, they get married, and nine months later this beautiful baby of a song emerges. Classic.
25. "Look The Other Way" by Family Friends
The catchy pop from this Melbourne duo is guaranteed to warm you up on cold winter days.
26. "Tell Me What To Do" by Shinee
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All I want in life is to be dressed by whichever stylist is working Shinee's latest music videos.
27. "Billie Jean" by The Civil Wars
Fight off the cheese of friends and family's Christmas playlists by slipping in this painfully cool cover. The harmonies will blow your mind.
28. "All I Want For Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey
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A.K.A the only Christmas song you need, and continuous proof that there is hope for my icy, cynical heart. Please enjoy my favourite dance version above. Currently in the market for a partner willing to learn the full routine with me. Applications in the comments section.
Merry Christmas folks, see you in the new year!