Christmas Carols
Since 1994, this Mariah Carey hit has dominated holiday playlists, climbed the charts decades after its release, and become so catchy some call it the ultimate “holiday curse.”
All I Want for Christmas is You
This traditional folk song was made famous by The Animals in 1964 and tells the story of a life gone wrong in New Orleans.
House of the Rising Sun
This Queen epic from 1975 is famous for its operatic sections, shifting styles, and Freddie Mercury’s dramatic vocals.
Bohemian Rhapsody
This 1963 Beatles hit was their first song to reach number one in the U.S., sparking Beatlemania across America.
I Want to Hold Your Hand
From the 2003 Broadway phenomenon Wicked, this song marks a turning point when the main character fully embraces her power, soaring both literally and metaphorically.
Defying Gravity
First recorded in 1957, this tune tells you to “jingle along” and “mix and mingle” on a snowy, rockin’ night.
Jingle Bell Rock
Written by Paul Simon in the mid-60s, this haunting song captured the mood of social unrest and became an iconic folk-rock anthem and was featured in the movie The Graduate.
The Sound of Silence
Released by Bill Withers in 1972, this song has become an enduring anthem of friendship and support.
Lean on Me
This 1969 Beatles track, known for its funky bass line, opens Abbey Road and was originally written as a campaign theme for a friend, later evolving into one of the band’s most groove-driven songs.
Come Together
This ensemble number from Rent (1996) measures a year in the lives of a group of friends, famously using 525,600 as its time unit.
Seasons of Love
Written in 1945 during a heatwave in Hollywood, this song ironically encourages us to embrace the cold with a famous repeated phrase.
Let it Snow! Let it Snow!
This 1966 Beach Boys hit, produced by Brian Wilson, is known for its groundbreaking use of the theremin, layered harmonies, and status as one of the most innovative pop songs of the 1960s.
Good Vibrations
This 1977 Fleetwood Mac track about far-off aspirations features Stevie Nicks’ ethereal vocals and remains one of the band's biggest hits.
Dreams
Released in 1968, this Rolling Stones song was inspired by a gardener nicknamed “Jack” and became one of the band’s signature hits, noted for its fiery guitar riff and rebellious energy.
Jumpin’ Jack Flash
A 1978 hit from Grease, this duet captures a playful summer romance and the tension between two high school social circles.
Summer Nights
This 1941 song tells the story of a young boy who offers the best gift he has—his drumming—to honor a special birth.
The Little Drummer Boy
This 1967 Motown hit by Marvin Gaye tells a story of heartbreak and betrayal, becoming one of the label’s most famous singles.
I Heard it Through the Grapevine
This 1977 Talking Heads song is sung from the perspective of a disturbed and elusive character, capturing paranoia, inner conflict, and a dark sense of menace. Qu'est-ce que c'est?
Psycho Killer
Released in 1968 by the Rolling Stones, the impish narrator of this song is "pleased to meet you." Hope you guess his name!
Sympathy for the Devil
From Les Misérables, this climactic number unites all the main characters on the eve of a revolution, building tension with overlapping solos and ensemble voices.
One Day More
This playful 1944 duet features a couple debating whether to brave the cold outside, with one singer coaxing the other to stay inside.
Baby it’s Cold Outside
Originally written by Bob Dylan, this 1967 song was electrified into rock legend by Jimi Hendrix, becoming a staple of psychedelic and classic rock.
All Along the Watchtower
Dire Straits’ 1978 hit tells a story of a pub band, featuring Mark Knopfler’s clean, finger-picked guitar tone.
Sultans of Swing
This 1966 Spencer Davis Group hit centers around a desperate narrator, who is looking for some affection.
Gimme Some Lovin’
In Little Shop of Horrors, this song is sung by Audrey and her love interest after a harrowing moment, highlighting his unwavering support as she resolves to embrace courage and love.
Suddenly, Seymour