In this music column series, we ask Leila Okuhama, a music and film personality active as an MC at festivals and music shows around the world, about artists to watch this month.
With the proliferation of streaming services, we now live in an age where we can keep up with music trends both domestically and internationally in real time. Which artists are currently trending on Spotify's top charts (most played songs) and viral charts (songs currently trending on social media)? This time, just before Christmas, we asked her for her recommendations for the best Christmas songs!
The end of 2019 is fast approaching, and Christmas is just around the corner.
With street illuminations, Christmas trees, and Christmas songs playing in the background, the city is filled with a festive atmosphere. We all dream of having a big tree in our living room with presents underneath it, like we see in foreign movies, but it's difficult in Japanese homes where space is limited. Getting ready now is already a lot of work, so why not decorate your room for Christmas with music?
So, this time we'll introduce some updated Christmas songs.
As the Christmas season approaches, international artists rush to release new songs and albums for the holiday season. Although the number has decreased slightly compared to previous years, original and cover songs are still being released, like "season's greetings," adding even more excitement to the holiday season.
Ariana Grande's 2014 EP "Christmas Kisses" is one such example. The original track "Santa Tell Me" from the EP is a sweet and innocent song in which a boy she has a crush on asks Santa about his feelings. "Tell me if Santa really exists. If he's not here next year, don't make me fall in love again," the song sings, as if confiding in Santa about her rekindled love as Christmas approaches and her worries about her fickle partner.
With her overwhelming vocal ability, which earned her the accolade of "the next Mariah" from her debut, she delivers romantic Christmas songs that are a successor to Mariah Carey's beloved "All I Want for Christmas Is You." The EP also includes a cover of Wham!'s "Last Christmas" and "Santa Baby," sung by Eartha Kitt, the actress who originally played Catwoman. The catchy original songs are also appealing, and the sound of bells really gets you in the Christmas mood.
This classic hit song was born from the movie, and even now, 75 years after its release, it's still covered and new versions are released almost every year. It's no wonder everyone is familiar with it. It's been sung by countless artists, including Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston, and Sam Smith, too numerous to list here.
The album features contributions from artists like Stevie Wonder, heartwarming covers of classics like "Christmas Time Is Here," and original compositions. The overall feel is laid-back and mature, creating a truly captivating atmosphere. This is truly a masterpiece, truly worthy of the legendary artist John Legend!
Finally, here's her latest Christmas album. We also recommend "The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show," a Christmas special hosted by singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves, winner of Album of the Year at the 61st Grammy Awards in February of this year, featuring collaborations with popular artists. Kacey, who released her own Christmas album in 2016 and has become an essential voice this season, welcomes stellar guests including Camila Cabello, Lana Del Rey, actress and singer Zooey Deschanel, and Leon Bridges, who also collaborated with her on her 2016 album, to collaborate on classics and her own original songs. She also performs a new song with Troye Sivan.
In addition to musicians, comedian James Corden and model Kendall Jenner also appear, creating a festive and joyful Christmas mood. This lively Christmas album respects traditional songs while incorporating modern and fashionable arrangements.
This year's Christmas falls on a weekday, so even if you can't get everyone together for a party, Christmas songs will surely lift your spirits!
Whether you spend a peaceful Christmas or a lively one, everyone has their own way of celebrating, but why not brighten up this precious time with some heartwarming numbers? Have a Merry Christmas!
With the proliferation of streaming services, we now live in an age where we can keep up with music trends both domestically and internationally in real time. Which artists are currently trending on Spotify's top charts (most played songs) and viral charts (songs currently trending on social media)? This time, just before Christmas, we asked her for her recommendations for the best Christmas songs!
Leila Okuhama's Music Recommendations Vol. 7
__________________________________
The end of 2019 is fast approaching, and Christmas is just around the corner.
With street illuminations, Christmas trees, and Christmas songs playing in the background, the city is filled with a festive atmosphere. We all dream of having a big tree in our living room with presents underneath it, like we see in foreign movies, but it's difficult in Japanese homes where space is limited. Getting ready now is already a lot of work, so why not decorate your room for Christmas with music?
So, this time we'll introduce some updated Christmas songs.
As the Christmas season approaches, international artists rush to release new songs and albums for the holiday season. Although the number has decreased slightly compared to previous years, original and cover songs are still being released, like "season's greetings," adding even more excitement to the holiday season.
Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande's 2014 EP "Christmas Kisses" is one such example. The original track "Santa Tell Me" from the EP is a sweet and innocent song in which a boy she has a crush on asks Santa about his feelings. "Tell me if Santa really exists. If he's not here next year, don't make me fall in love again," the song sings, as if confiding in Santa about her rekindled love as Christmas approaches and her worries about her fickle partner.
With her overwhelming vocal ability, which earned her the accolade of "the next Mariah" from her debut, she delivers romantic Christmas songs that are a successor to Mariah Carey's beloved "All I Want for Christmas Is You." The EP also includes a cover of Wham!'s "Last Christmas" and "Santa Baby," sung by Eartha Kitt, the actress who originally played Catwoman. The catchy original songs are also appealing, and the sound of bells really gets you in the Christmas mood.
John Legend
This classic hit song was born from the movie, and even now, 75 years after its release, it's still covered and new versions are released almost every year. It's no wonder everyone is familiar with it. It's been sung by countless artists, including Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston, and Sam Smith, too numerous to list here.
The album features contributions from artists like Stevie Wonder, heartwarming covers of classics like "Christmas Time Is Here," and original compositions. The overall feel is laid-back and mature, creating a truly captivating atmosphere. This is truly a masterpiece, truly worthy of the legendary artist John Legend!
Kacey Musgraves
Finally, here's her latest Christmas album. We also recommend "The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show," a Christmas special hosted by singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves, winner of Album of the Year at the 61st Grammy Awards in February of this year, featuring collaborations with popular artists. Kacey, who released her own Christmas album in 2016 and has become an essential voice this season, welcomes stellar guests including Camila Cabello, Lana Del Rey, actress and singer Zooey Deschanel, and Leon Bridges, who also collaborated with her on her 2016 album, to collaborate on classics and her own original songs. She also performs a new song with Troye Sivan.
In addition to musicians, comedian James Corden and model Kendall Jenner also appear, creating a festive and joyful Christmas mood. This lively Christmas album respects traditional songs while incorporating modern and fashionable arrangements.
This year's Christmas falls on a weekday, so even if you can't get everyone together for a party, Christmas songs will surely lift your spirits!
Whether you spend a peaceful Christmas or a lively one, everyone has their own way of celebrating, but why not brighten up this precious time with some heartwarming numbers? Have a Merry Christmas!
The Viral Chart, which lets you know the hottest songs on social media around the world, is updated daily! Be sure to check it out.
【Profile】
Leila Okuhama
Music and movie personality. Active as a stage greeter for movies and MC for music programs. Currently writing the new releases column for the women's magazine "GINZA." Her hobby is attending overseas music festivals.
【Inquiries】
Spotify
www.spotify.com
Leila Okuhama
Music and movie personality. Active as a stage greeter for movies and MC for music programs. Currently writing the new releases column for the women's magazine "GINZA." Her hobby is attending overseas music festivals.
【Inquiries】
Spotify
www.spotify.com
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