10 of the Greatest Funky Christmas Songs
What’s the best upbeat Christmas song you know? Maybe its on our list of funky Christmas songs to dance to all holiday long.
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and merry, and gay, and all of that. ‘Tis also the season to be relentlessly barraged with the same 30 Christmas songs you’ve heard every year for what feels like an eternity.
If, like me, the thought of hearing Wizzard one more time is enough to drive you loopy – then rejoice in this list of 10 alternative Christmas songs sure to get you in the festive groove.
Gary Walker – Santa’s Got A Brand New Bag
First up is one of my favourites – Gary Walker’s cover of James Brown’s “Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag” with a twist. This is a tune sure to make you forget that you just ate your own weight in turkey and get you up dancing round the Christmas tree.
Binky Griptite – Stone Soul Christmas
If this song doesn’t get your head bobbing then I don’t know what will. If you’re looking for a Christmas song that you can feel like a cool mutha whilst you listen to it then look no further than Binky Griptite’s brilliant venture into a Christmas song.
The Soul Saints Orchestra – Santa’s Got A Bag Of Soul
Okay let’s raise the tempo. This has got to be one of the hottest christmas tunes ever made, just listening to it burns my ears it’s so funky. Don’t take my word for it, get blown away yourself with this brilliant track.
Electric Jungle – Funky Funky Christmas
Here’s a track I don’t know much about… But there’s one thing I do know and that is that this song brings the funk and slings it right down your chimney. Whether you want to or not, Funky Funky Christmas will get your hips swinging.
James Brown – Santa Claus Go Straight To The Ghetto
We’ve already had a James Brown cover, but doesn’t Mr Brown have a few festive numbers of his own? You’re damn right! Santa Claus Go Straight To The Ghetto has got to be my favourite of his Christmas tunes. Beyond James Brown’s signature groove and wonderfully layered horn sections this song also serves as a (very) subtle reminder that there are some less fortunate than us this Christmas, and to appreciate what we have.
Milly & Silly – Getting Down For Xmas
This is the instrumental B-Side to Milly & Silly’s impossible to find ‘I’m A Xmas Tree’ single. You may be wondering how an instrumental funk song can be Christmassy. Wonder no longer as I guarantee the persistent sleigh bells are enough to bring the festivities into this raw, funky tune.
Jimmy Jules & The Nuclear Soul System with Jackie Spencer – Xmas Done Got Funky
Oh what to say about this track… just experience that sexy bass groove for yourself.
Albert King – Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin’
Wait… a legendary blues artist?? Well hold up there enraged funk fanatic, after solidifying himself as a blues master Albert decided to up and inherit the funk, and I’ll be damned if he didn’t do it well. Of course this Christmas themed track wasn’t his only venture into funk, but this is a Christmas song list and it’s nearly Christmas… keep up.
Ike and Tina Turner – Merry Christmas Baby
We all love a duet at Christmas, right? Two lovers crooning at each other about how they only need each other, how love is what Christmas is really about. Well Tina Turner doesn’t care about that, she want’s a diamond ring damn it! and she got it and I suppose we got this song because of that. It’s a fun Christmas song if you look past the expensive basis for Tina’s happiness at this joyous time of year.
Clarence Carter – Back Door Santa
I guess this is Clarence Carter’s answer to “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.” It’s a great bluesy funk track with some fun, Christmas themed vocals from Clarence’s suitably gravelly voice. Listen out for his wonderful “ho ho ho,” that’s what Christmas sounds like to me.
I hope you enjoyed the list and these songs gave you some inspiration to get up and jive this Christmas. Are there any funky or alternative Christmas songs that you love? Let us know in the comments below!