7 Classic Rock Holiday Songs In The 80s’

While the Yuletide season is the time for recollection and relaxation, it has never stopped rock fans from celebrating Christmas their way. Whether it be covers or original wintery wonderland tunes given the grit-baked, overdriven treatment, these songs give justice to the most wonderful time of the year nonetheless. Here are our 7 Christmas takeaways from the rockin’ 80’s.

“Christmas Wrapping” – The Waitresses

Christmas goes new wave with The Waitresses’ “Christmas Wrapping”, with its head-bopping bass progression, brass accents, and a vocal that was monotonous yet interesting at the same time, the track is a novel tune to come back to this season.

“Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)” – U2

U2 delivers a heartwrenching message in a controlled fashion with this track, their own rendition taking that preacher’s pulpit with conviction and compassion working hand in hand.

“Please Come Home For Christmas” – The Eagles

Just before the titanic band broke up, their release of “Please Come Home For Christmas” signaled the group moving onto uncharted territory. The song comes off as a pop-oriented version, giving it more familiarity with the throng in the process.

“Wonderful Christmastime” – Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney goes unapologetically synth-base in “Wonderful Christmastime”, creating one of the most indulgent tunes you can enjoy while getting that Yule log toasty.

“Do They Know It’s Christmas?” – Band Aid

Bob Geldof once again tapped into his collaborative talents to get the biggest stars to sing on “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”. The catchy hook has an infectious sing-along quality to it, and when you see the crowd of talents joining hands to deliver the track, the spirit of giving hits you like a truck on the freeway.

“2000 Miles” – The Pretenders

“2000 Miles” paints the landscape with bittersweet melancholy as the twangy guitar intro eases you into the track’s main progression. Chrissie Hynde extends the hurt by singing about long-distance love and the loneliness of not having him over for Christmas.

“Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight)” – The Ramones

Punks not dead, and even more so in Christmastime with The Ramones’ “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight)”. It seems like Christmas is on the verge of ruin, not just because Santa and his reindeer have gone missing, but the main character’s girlfriend doesn’t seem to get that Christmas is no time for conflict.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Y5GtaTrPHM