It’s that time of year once again. Mariah Carey is back at the top of the Billboard charts, gatherings and parties have been penned in, and all around, the air of joyous festivity can be felt. The presents under the Christmas tree might already be unwrapped, but the holiday spirit is still alive as ever. And if there’s one thing that evokes the magic of the festive season like no other, it’s music. From timeless classics to contemporary hits, music holds an unparalleled ability to transport us into a world of wonder and celebration. That said, it’s not just festive music that is on our holiday party playlists this season.
From bold anthems to dreamy ballads, there are plenty of unconventional tracks that also remind us of the holidays in all its various facets. Bittersweet songs like ‘Manhattan’ by Cat Power, for instance, that call to mind both the love and the loss of the season, or powerful numbers like ‘If You want Blood (You’ve Got It)’ by AC/DC that will absolutely get a wild night started. As we find ourselves in the midst of party season, the Vogue Singapore team each shares one song on their personal festive party playlist—putting together an eclectic mix of tracks that will no doubt win over a crowd this holiday season.
Emily Heng, associate beauty editor:
‘If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)’ by AC/DC
“Nothing gets the adrenaline going quite like a powerful guitar solo. This song is also pretty apt because it reminds your relatives—in a passive-aggressive manner!—to stay in their lane should they want a peaceful Christmas dinner.”
Azrin Tan, senior digital writer:
‘Jam Jam’ by IU
“Lights, camera, action. This breathy-sweet number threw a spanner into IU’s discography when it was first released in Palette—and it’s been a delicious treat ever since. Tasting like silver, sparkles and candy, it’s a knockout jam to sway my hips to every time I get ready for a night out.”
Dominique Yohanes, contributing beauty writer:
‘Valerie (feat. Amy Winehouse)’ by Mark Ronson
“Like any worthy 2000s pop hit, this upbeat classic still unites a crowd—but remarkably, without any of the ‘cheesy’ factor. Pop on your playlist and win over Gen Alpha to your grandparents.”
Nicholas See, fashion stylist:
‘Angels’ by Diamanda Galás
“Diamanda Galás’s harrowing and operatic vocals that resemble wailing angels are a yearly go-to bop for my Christmas playlist! Play with caution, I’ve scared some guests with this before unfortunately.”
Renée Chong, lifestyle intern:
‘Cheers’ by Seventeen
“With an upbeat tempo of 160 bpm coupled with its catchy lyrics and fun choreography, there is no other song that exhilarates me further than this hip-shaker.”
Bryan Ho, fashion features writer:
‘Strangers In The Night’ by Frank Sinatra
“Anything from Sinatra is honestly a go-to during the holiday season, and nothing beats cranking this classic on Vinyl over a glass of wine and the company of loved ones.”
Jesslyn Lye, lifestyle writer:
‘Show’ by (G)I-DLE
“Every time this track comes onto my playlist, it’s a struggle to keep myself from dancing along. Upbeat and jazzy, it’s a musical theatre-themed remake of a ‘90s Korean classic—perfect for the joys of the holiday season, and never fails to put a smile on my face.”
Janice Sim, digital editor:
‘Manhattan’ by Cat Power
“I love it when happy melodies accompany sad and conflicting lyrics. The opening chimes to ‘Manhattan’ might brim with cheer and plenty of promise but the singer’s bittersweet love letter to New York City also carries an all-too-familiar sentiment nearing the end of the year: “All the friends we used to know ain’t coming back.” What are the holidays without a little love and loss?”
Gordon Ng, watches and jewellery editor:
‘That Old Feeling’ by Chet Baker
“I love this little old tune for after the plates are cleared and when we’re seated with a drink in hand. Fed and festive, happy on wine, feeling blessed to have and be with each other.”
Chandreyee Ray, associate lifestyle editor:
‘Orinoco Flow’ by Enya
“Need I explain? Enya is a mood for any occasion, and this cinematic tune swelling with emotion is sure to have you settling into a deep, meditative introspection at the end of the night.”
The December ‘Gratification’ issue of Vogue Singapore is available online and on newsstands now.
