ALICIA KEYS - IF I AIN’T GOT YOU

Llançament: 17 de febrer de 2004

Llistes d’èxits: EUA: #4 | Regne Unit: #18

“If I Ain’t Got You” és una cançó d’Alicia Keys inclosa al seu àlbum de 2003 “The Diary of Alicia Keys”. Inspirada per tragèdies personals i globals, incloent-hi la tràgica mort d’Aaliyah en un accident d’avió el 2001 i els atemptats de l’11 de setembre, la cançó transmet el missatge que les possessions materials no poden omplir l’ànima. Es va llançar com el segon single de l’àlbum el 17 de febrer de 2004 sota el segell J Records. El 2023, Alicia Keys va reimaginar “If I Ain’t Got You” en una versió clàssica amb el compositor Kris Bowers per a la banda sonora de “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story”. Aquesta interpretació va comptar amb una orquestra de 70 músics formada íntegrament per dones de color.

La cançó va començar a prendre forma poc després de la mort d’Aaliyah, que va fer que Keys reflexionés sobre el que realment importa a la vida: valorar les persones estimades per sobre de les possessions materials. Keys va escriure la lletra i la melodia mentre era en un avió, sentint la solemnitat del moment a causa de l’accident d’Aaliyah. Tot i que la inspiració inicial va arribar ràpidament, la producció de la versió final va ser molt més llarga, ja que Keys va tenir dificultats per trobar l’arranjament adequat, descrivint el procés com un desafiant treball d’amor.

Alicia Keys la va interpretar com a convidada sorpresa durant l’espectacle del descans de la Super Bowl de 2024, que enfrontava els 49ers i els Chiefs, amb la victòria dels Chiefs a la pròrroga. Va obrir l’actuació interpretant-ne unes frases en solitari abans de ser acompanyada per Usher, el cap de cartell, i junts van enllaçar amb el seu duet de 2004, “My Boo”.

El videoclip, dirigit per Diane Martel, es va rodar a Harlem, Nova York, i compta amb l’aparició especial del raper i actor Method Man, que interpreta el paper de xicot d’Alicia Keys.

ALICIA KEYS - IF I AIN’T GOT YOU

Released: February 17, 2004

Charts:  US: #4  UK: #18 

“If I Ain’t Got You” is a song by Alicia Keys from her 2003 album The Diary of Alicia Keys. Inspired by personal and global tragedies, including Aaliyah’s tragic death in a 2001 plane crash and the September 11 attacks, the song conveys the message that material possessions cannot fulfill the soul. It was released as the album’s second single on February 17, 2004, by J Records. In 2023, Alicia Keys reimagined “If I Ain’t Got You” in a classical version with composer Kris Bowers for the “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story “soundtrack. The performance featured a 70-piece orchestra composed entirely of women of color.

The song took shape soon after Aaliyah’s passing, which made Keys reflect on what truly mattered in life—cherishing loved ones over material possessions. Keys actually wrote the song’s lyrics and melody while on a plane, feeling the poignancy of the moment given Aaliyah’s accident. Although the initial inspiration came quickly, producing the final version took much longer, as Keys struggled to find an arrangement that felt right, describing it as a challenging “labor of love.”

Alicia Keys performed “If I Ain’t Got You” as a surprise guest during the halftime show of the 2024 Super Bowl between the 49ers and Chiefs, with the Chiefs winning in overtime. She opened with a few lines solo before being joined by headliner Usher, and together they transitioned into their 2004 duet, “My Boo.”

The music video directed by Diane Martel, was shot in Harlem, New York City. It includes a cameo by rapper and actor Method Man, who appears as Keys’ on-screen boyfriend.

LEONA LEWIS - ONE MORE SLEEP

Released: November 5, 2013

Charts:  UK: #3 

“One More Sleep” is a Christmas song by British singer Leona Lewis, featured on her first holiday album, “Christmas, with Love”. Co-written by Lewis with Richard “Biff” Stannard, Iain James, Jez Ashurst, and Bradford Ellis, the track was produced by Stannard.

“One More Sleep” captures the excitement and anticipation of special occasions, particularly Christmas, from a child’s perspective. Inspired by the common phrase “one more sleep” used to count down to big events, the song expresses the joy of looking forward to reuniting with loved ones. Lewis described it as embodying the childlike excitement she feels before Christmas, a day she treasures for its rare opportunity to take a break and spend time with family and friends.

“Christmas, With Love” marks Leona Lewis’ first venture into Motown music. She explained to Billboard that Motown had always influenced her musical background, but she hadn’t previously recorded in the style. The album features live instrumentation, including a brass section, capturing the signature Motown sound. Recorded during the summer, the process came together quickly, with Lewis describing the experience as an amazing and enjoyable time in the studio.

Leona Lewis recorded Christmas, With Love during the summer, a time she initially found challenging to get into the Christmas spirit. Speaking to Elle, she shared how recording in the unusually sunny UK summer turned out to be a blessing. Playing classic Christmas songs helped her immerse herself in the festive mood and discover new recordings she otherwise might not have explored. 

The music video premiered on her VEVO account on November 30, 2013, featuring her boyfriend, Dennis Jauch. The video was inspired by a casual studio shoot capturing Lewis and her friends having fun. While The Guardian’s Michael Cragg remarked that no Christmas single ever has a great video, he criticized this one for allegedly copying Wham!’s “Last Christmas.”

GREG LAKE - I BELIEVE IN FATHER CHRISTMAS

Released: November 1975

Charts:  UK: #2   US: #95 

“I Believe in Father Christmas”, with lyrics by Peter Sinfield, is often viewed as a Christmas song, though Lake intended it as a protest against the commercialization of the holiday. Sinfield, however, described the lyrics as reflecting a loss of innocence and childhood belief. Released as Lake’s debut solo single in 1975, it achieved commercial success, reaching number 2 on the UK Singles Chart, number 17 in Ireland, number 95 in the US and number 98 in Australia.

Greg Lake and Pete Sinfield collaborated on “I Believe in Father Christmas” with distinct inspirations. Lake developed the cascading guitar riff and initially experimented with “Jingle Bells” over it, sparking the idea for a Christmas song. Sinfield drew on a childhood memory of seeing a beautifully decorated tree but expanded the lyrics to reflect deeper themes of disillusionment, consumerism, and the brainwashing of society. To balance the tone, he added a hopeful final verse before ending with the line, “The Christmas you get, you deserve,” a subtle play on the political phrase, “The government you get, you deserve.” Sinfield clarified that the song isn’t anti-religious or atheist but rather a humanist commentary on the holiday season.

The ending of “I Believe in Father Christmas” incorporates a segment from Sergei Prokofiev’s Lieutenant Kijé Suite, an idea suggested by Keith Emerson. While Greg Lake composed the song’s original melody and collaborated with lyricist Pete Sinfield on the lyrics, Emerson arranged the track by integrating the Prokofiev piece. Lake, who produced the record, added the orchestra and choir to create its grand, festive sound.

The video for was filmed in the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, and the Dead Sea Scroll caves in the West Bank—locations connected to the song’s religious undertones. Although conceptual music videos were rare at the time, this one helped boost the song’s popularity in the UK. Greg Lake later revealed the shoot was treacherous and challenging, admitting in hindsight that it was a risky endeavor. The choice of location aligned with the song’s deeper themes and origins.

ELTON JOHN - STEP INTO CHRISTMAS

Publicació: 23 de novembre de 1973 

Llistes: Regne Unit: #8 

“Step Into Christmas” és una cançó nadalenca publicada el 23 de novembre de 1973 com a single independent, amb “Ho, Ho, Ho (Who’d Be a Turkey at Christmas)” com a cara B. Escrita per Elton John i el seu lletrista habitual Bernie Taupin, es va concebre com un agraïment als fans després d’un any d’èxit que incloïa dos àlbums destacats: “Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player” i “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”.

La cançó es va escriure i gravar en un sol dia als Trident Studios de Londres el 1973, inspirada en un riff del guitarrista Davey Johnstone. Tot i obtenir molta difusió radiofònica inicialment, només va arribar al lloc número 24 al Regne Unit i no va entrar a les llistes nord-americanes. Amb el temps, però, “Step Into Christmas” es va consolidar com un clàssic nadalenc i, gràcies a les dades d’streaming, va reaparèixer anualment a les llistes britàniques, aconseguint el Top 10 per primera vegada el desembre de 2018.

Amb una melodia alegre i una lletra plena d’imatges festives com campanes i grèvol, “Step Into Christmas” és un himne pop nadalenc que menciona la paraula “Christmas” fins a 20 vegades. Elton John, al llibre Elton John in His Own Words, la va descriure com un projecte lleuger i divertit, ja que era la primera vegada que componien una cançó específica per ser un senzill.

Kiki Dee, que més tard faria duo amb Elton a “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”, va cantar els cors. Els membres de la seva banda, com el guitarrista Jo Partridge, van participar en les veus de suport al costat de la banda d’Elton—Davey Johnstone, Dee Murray i Nigel Olsson—mentre que el bateria Roger Pope tocava el tamborí. El productor Gus Dudgeon i l’enginyer David Hentschel van afegir un efecte de so de ren després de la frase “the admission’s free”, utilitzant un sintetitzador ARP.

El videoclip mostra la banda interpretant-la en un estudi de gravació, amb Elton John tocant un piano decorat amb una boa de plomes vermelles. El lletrista Bernie Taupin apareix breument tocant campanes tubulars, tot i que aquesta part va ser interpretada per Ray Cooper al tema original. El vídeo també inclou moments humorístics, com Elton sostenint una targeta de suport del Watford F.C. (el club de futbol que més tard en seria propietari) i tocant la guitarra amb Nigel Olsson, a qui abraça afectuosament.

ELTON JOHN - STEP INTO CHRISTMAS

Released: November 23, 1973 

Charts:  UK: #8 

“Step into Christmas” is a Christmas song released in November 1973 as a stand-alone single with “Ho, Ho, Ho (Who’d Be a Turkey at Christmas)” as the B-side. Written by Elton John and lyricist Bernie Taupin, the song served as a thank-you to fans after a successful year marked by two hit albums: “Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player” and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”.

“Step Into Christmas” was written and recorded in a single day at London’s Trident Studios in 1973, inspired by a riff from guitarist Davey Johnstone. Despite heavy airplay, the single initially peaked at #24 in the UK and did not chart in the US. Over time, it gained popularity on holiday playlists and became a seasonal staple. With the inclusion of streaming data, the song began re-entering the UK charts annually, reaching the Top 10 for the first time in December 2018.

In “Step Into Christmas,” Elton John delivers an upbeat holiday anthem, filled with festive imagery like sleigh bells and mistletoe. Written at the height of his creative peak, the song is structured as a classic pop tune and mentions “Christmas” 20 times. Elton described it as a fun, lighthearted project, explaining in Elton John in His Own Words that it was their first song specifically tailored to be a single.

Kiki Dee, who later duetted with Elton John on “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” sang backup on “Step Into Christmas.” Her band members, including guitarist Jo Partridge, joined Elton’s band—Davey Johnstone, Dee Murray, and Nigel Olsson—on background vocals, while drummer Roger Pope played tambourine. Producer Gus Dudgeon and engineer David Hentschel added a “reindeer” sound after the first “the admission’s free” line, with Hentschel playing the ARP synthesizer to create the effect.

The music video shows the band performing in a recording studio, with Elton John playing piano decorated with a red feather boa. Lyricist Bernie Taupin makes a brief cameo playing tubular bells, though the part on the track was performed by percussionist Ray Cooper. The video also features Elton playfully holding a supporter’s card for Watford F.C., the football club he would later own. In other lighthearted moments, Elton is seen playing guitar alongside drummer Nigel Olsson, embracing him, and holding drumsticks comically in his mouth.

 

THE RAMONES - MERRY CHRISTMAS (I DON’T WANT TO FIGHT TONIGHT)

Llançament: Novembre de 1987

Àlbum: Brain Drain

“Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight)” dels Ramones és un himne nadalenc punk-rock on Joey Ramone suplica per un Nadal lliure de conflictes amb la seva parella. Malgrat la seva relació turbulenta, Joey destaca que Nadal no és moment per trencar-se el cor i els insta a deixar de banda les seves diferències. Escrita per Joey Ramone, la cançó va aparèixer primer com a cara B de “I Wanna Live” el 1987 i més tard va ser el tema de tancament del seu àlbum de 1989, “Brain Drain”. Co-produïda per Jean Beauvoir i Daniel Rey, la cançó aporta un gir rebel però sincer a la temporada nadalenca.

El germà de Joey, Mickey Leigh, va recordar que van gravar “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight)” en dues versions: la ràpida utilitzada pels Ramones i una de més lenta i romàntica. Joey va oferir una interpretació vocal més sentimental en aquesta versió més pausada, que s’allunyava del so típic de la banda però encaixava perfectament per a una cançó de Nadal. Aquesta versió més lenta es va incloure posteriorment en l’àlbum pòstum de Joey, “Ya Know?”, on Leigh va afegir guitarra i baix, Steve Jordan va tocar la bateria i Tommy Mandel es va encarregar dels teclats, creant un arranjament més complet.

El videoclip de “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight)”, dirigit per George Seminara, mostra de manera humorística i caòtica els conflictes d’una parella durant les festes nadalenques. Filmada al Cine-Studio de Nova York, la peça comença amb la parella discutint sobre els plans de Nadal i continuant la baralla en una festa nadalenca. Tot i que breument acorden una treva, el conflicte es reobre quan ell li regala un jersei vermell poc afavoridor, provocant més discussions. Amb un to irreverent, el vídeo mostra fins i tot el Pare Noel vomitant al lavabo, satiritzant el costat més caòtic i menys idíl·lic de les celebracions nadalenques.

Tot i que “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight)” mai va ser un èxit comercial massiu, s’ha convertit en una de les preferides dels fans i una addició refrescant a les llistes de reproducció nadalenques. Marky Ramone atribueix la seva perdurabilitat a la combinació de l’estil característic dels Ramones amb un esperit nadalenc inspirat en el doo-wop, evitant qualsevol sensació de comercialització forçada. A la seva biografia de 2015, Punk Rock Blitzkrieg: My Life As A Ramone, Marky també va assenyalar l’èxit de compositors jueus com Irving Berlin a l’hora de crear icòniques cançons de Nadal.

THE RAMONES - MERRY CHRISTMAS (I DON’T WANT TO FIGHT TONIGHT)

Released: November 1987

Album: Brain Drain

The Ramones’ “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight)” is a punk-rock holiday anthem where Joey Ramone pleads for a drama-free Christmas with his girlfriend. Regardless their turbulent relationship, he emphasizes that Christmas is not the time for heartbreak and urges them to set aside their differences. Written by Ramone, the song first appeared as the B-side to “I Wanna Live” in 1987 and later became the closing track on their 1989 album “Brain Drain”. Co-produced by Jean Beauvoir and Daniel Rey, the track adds a rebellious yet heartfelt twist to the holiday season.

Joey Ramone’s brother, Mickey Leigh, recalled how they recorded “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight)” in two versions: the fast one used by the Ramones and a slower, more romantic variation. Joey delivered a sentimental vocal performance on the slower version, which stood apart from typical Ramones songs but felt fitting for a Christmas track. This slower rendition was later included on Joey’s posthumous 2012 demo album, Ya Know?, with Leigh adding guitar and bass, Steve Jordan on drums, and Tommy Mandel on keyboards, creating a fuller arrangement.

The Ramones’ music video for “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight)”, directed by George Seminara, features a humorous and chaotic depiction of a couple’s holiday woes. Shot at Cine-Studio in New York, the video opens with the couple arguing about their holiday plans and continuing their fight during a Christmas party. Despite briefly calling a truce, the conflict reignites when the boyfriend gifts an unflattering red sweater, leading to more bickering. Adding to the irreverent tone, Santa is seen vomiting in the bathroom, satirizing the darker, less idyllic side of holiday celebrations.

While “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight)” was never a major commercial hit, it remains a fan favorite and a refreshing addition to holiday playlists. Marky Ramone attributes its lasting appeal to its blend of the Ramones’ signature style and a doo-wop-inspired holiday spirit, avoiding a campy sellout feel. In his 2015 biography, Punk Rock Blitzkrieg: My Life As A Ramone, he also noted the success of Jewish songwriters like Irving Berlin in crafting iconic Christmas tunes.