It’s that time of year when we’re all getting into the festive spirit by preparing for Christmas and New Year. Amongst the food and presents, music also often forms a big part of the holiday period.
Luckily for us, a plethora of Eurovision stars have taken time this year to release some new festive tunes that we can add to our Christmas playlists. So many in fact, that we’ve split the songs up into a trilogy of posts.
As you gather around the tree and finish your final preparations, here’s another selection of the new Christmas songs from Eurovision artists that will help you celebrate the yuletide.
New music from Eurovision artists: Christmas 2022 | Part 2
Måns Zelmerlöw & Carola – “Let’s Sing (It’s Christmas Time)”
Isaiah Firebrace – “First Christmas”
Isaiah Firebrace has released his “First Christmas” single. Australia’s Eurovision 2017 act takes inspiration from the fact he’ll finally be able to spend the holidays with a partner for the first time: “This is gonna be our first Christmas / You’re my reason to dance / Been so long sitting on my wish list / I pray it won’t be the last”. Musically, it’s an R&B track that has some swagger to it.
Il Volo – “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”
Il Volo have put their voices towards a powerful rendition of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”. It starts off softly with piano and strings, and then Italy’s Eurovision 2015 trio build through the first half of the song. After dropping down a bit to add some light and shade, they finally soar into the final chorus.
Alexandra Rotan – “Når Himmelen Faller Ned”
KEiiNO’s Alexandra Rotan has recorded a cover of the classic Norwegian song “Når Himmelen Faller Ned” (“When The Sky Falls Down”). It was originally released by Anne Grete Preus in 1998. The Eurovision 2019 star ditches the guitars of the original and instead transforms the song into a delicate ballad featuring piano and a string quartet. The lyrics are about the ability of snowfall to stop people in their tracks. Whilst it might cause travel chaos, taking the opportunity to slow down and take a breather isn’t necessarily a bad thing: “The Earth is now occupied by a heavenly army / Without bombs and grenades / The whole city to its knees / Everything goes a little slower here on Earth / When the whole sky falls”.
Senhit – “Jesus, Oh What A Wonderful Child”
Senhit is taking us to church for her Christmas cover. The two-time Eurovision star has recorded a rendition of “Jesus, Oh What A Wonderful Child”, first released by Mariah Carey. Joined by the Sunshine Gospel Choir, Senhit serves a soulful performance that hopes to spread a little light, hope and joy.
Andrzej Piaseczny – “Wesołych Świąt (blasku w ciemną noc)”
Sanna Nielsen – “River”
Sanna Nielsen has been touring Sweden with her Christmas concert series once again this year. One of the songs she’s been performing is “River”, a cover of Joni Mitchell’s 1971 hit. The Eurovision 2014 bronze medallist keeps the simplicity of the original, just singing alongside a piano. This allows Sanna’s vocals to highlight the emotion of the song.
Kristína & David Deyl – “Vánoční přání”
David Deyl asked Slovakia’s Eurovision 2010 star Kristína to be part of the new holiday single “Vánoční přání” (“Christmas wish”). The pair have produced a sweet song with a nice charm to it. In the lyrics, they sing about the magical period that Christmas is: “A time for fairy tales / It’s Christmas / Our eyes are alight / Let’s all make a wish now”.
Laura Voutilainen & more – “Kauneimmat Joululaulut soi”
Eurovision 2002 act Laura Voutilainen is part of the festive charity single “Kauneimmat Joululaulut soi” (“The most beautiful Christmas carols are playing”). The song has been put together by Felm, an international charitable organisation set up by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. Laura joins a number of fellow Finnish acts, including alumni of Finland’s Eurovision national finals such as Diandra (UMK 2013) and Jukka Kuoppamäki (Euroviisut 2007).
Ivo Linna & Supernova – “Kuidas Tuisud Tulevad”
Ivo Linna previously teamed up with the band Supernova at Eesti Laul 2021. They’ve now come together for a Christmas collaboration. “Kuidas Tuisud Tulevad” (“How The Storms Come”) is a soft-rock offering about the harsh winter conditions. However, the weather didn’t stop Santa Claus from visiting and spreading some joy: “The weather was a bit dark / Torrential rains lashed the land / Gray grays pinched golden leaves from the trees / When Santa Claus visited”.
Friðrik Ómar – “JÓLA JÓLA JÓLA”
The best Christmas songs stand up to the test of time and never sound a year older. Friðrik Ómar has managed this in a roundabout way. The Icelandic singer started composing “JÓLA JÓLA JÓLA” (“Christmas Christmas Christmas”) all the way back in 1997. Skip forward 25 years, including a trip to Eurovision in 2008, and he’s finally released it out into the world. Opening with a funky guitar riff, it’s a bubbly song with an abundance of Christmas cheer jam-packed into the two minutes and 39 seconds.
Jalisse – “Noi l’unica salvezza”
At Christmas, and indeed throughout the year, a lot of focus can be put on material goods and money. But Jalisse want us to forget all of that and focus on the things that truly matter — love and taking care of those who are less fortunate. Italy’s Eurovision 1997 duo sing about how “Noi l’unica salvezza” (“We are the only salvation”) for this world full of distorted social values. Ultimately, they believe it’s a person’s good character that will provide them with the richness of life: “Beauty is hidden in the heart / That we are now the only certainty / Whoever helps will find his wealth”.
The Flying Bumblebees feat. Jan Johansen – “Saknar dig till jul”
Bzz, bzz, bzz. Spring may be just around the corner, but for now The Flying Bumblebees have to make it through the rest of winter. The Swedish duo have brought Eurovision 1995 star Jan Johansen on board for the song “Saknar dig till jul” (“Missing you for Christmas”). It’s a steady track that swells in the final 30 seconds with orchestral accompaniment.
Vlad Miriță – “E Frumos de Crăciun”
“Flakes fall from the sky / Santa is on his way / Many gifts under the tree”. Vlad Miriță sets an enchanting scene through his festive single and notes the beauty that this time of year creates. Romania’s Eurovision 2008 representative wanders around the Christmas fair in Sibiu for the music video, which highlights further that “E Frumos de Crăciun” (“It’s Beautiful for Christmas”).
Click below for part 1
Click below for part 3
Which of these new Christmas songs is your favourite? Who are you hoping to see featured in our final festive music roundup? Let us know in the comments below.
Christmas greetings to the wiwi team
I’ll throw in a random festive flashback. The Fizz “Don’t start without me” from 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGVB5fv1hnY
Enjoy.
Noa Kirel also have a new song called “????”.
Called “mami”
The chorus of Let’s Sing (It’s Christmas Time) is too like Viva la Vida by Coldplay, but I still like it.
From this second selection of songs for the Christmas mood, my favorite would probably be Ivo Linna & Supernova – “Kuidas Tuisud Tulevad”, although Kristína & David Deyl – “Váno?ní p?ání” is pretty wonderful too. Thank you for these delightful Christmas treats! Now there’s something to listen to during Christmas – other than songs from Eurovision and national finals, that is.
Netta has released a new sobg with Stefane Legar, you can find it on his YouTube channel
It is no Christmas song