Released 13 years ago this October
Christmas Songs
Bad Religion · 2013
19 min · 9 tracks · punk rock
A spirited punk rock reinterpretation of classic holiday tunes infused with Bad Religion's signature intensity and lyrical wit.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Start here — The opening track captures the essence of the album by merging familiar melodies with fast-paced instrumentation and sharp vocal delivery, setting a lively tone.
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Little Drummer Boy — This rendition stands out as it transforms a slow, contemplative classic into an energetic anthem, reflecting Bad Religion's ability to inject urgency into traditional themes.
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American Jesus (Andy Wallace mix) — Inclusion of this track provides a juxtaposition between holiday spirit and social commentary, linking themes of commercialism in both Christmas and American culture.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
This EP blends holiday classics with punk energy, showcasing Bad Religion's style but with limited depth for repeated listens.
What we noticed
- The first six tracks are traditional Christmas songs reinterpreted with fast tempos and punk instrumentation, while the last three tracks shift to a more reflective tone.
- The arrangement often features driving guitar riffs and rhythmic drumming that maintain a consistent intensity throughout the EP.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- short, energetic listening bursts
- festive background ambiance
- playful holiday spirit
- quick, cheerful sing-alongs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — A unique reinterpretation of holiday music that diverges from their typical punk sound.
- Themes
- holiday commercialism· punk rock reinterpretation· subversive Christmas spirit
- Career context
- By the time 'Christmas Songs' was released in 2013, Bad Religion had already established themselves as a prominent force in punk rock since their formation in 1980. This album came nearly three decades after their influential debut, 'How Could Hell Be Any Worse?', showcasing their willingness to experiment with genre while still maintaining their core punk ethos.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Descendents· NOFX· Pennywise
Tracklist
- 1 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Start here 1:59
- 2 O Come All Ye Faithful 2:04
- 3 O Come, O Come Emmanuel 2:07
- 4 White Christmas 1:49
- 5 Little Drummer Boy 2:04
- 6 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 1:39
- 7 What Child Is This? 1:53
- 8 Angels We Have Heard on High 2:07
- 9 American Jesus (Andy Wallace mix) 3:19
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Oi to the World!
The Vandals
Similar spirited punk reinterpretation of holiday themes with a satirical twist.
Punk in Drublic
NOFX
Shares the same irreverent punk ethos and lyrical wit, addressing social issues with humor.
Milo Goes to College
Descendents
Captures a blend of melodic punk energy and introspective lyrics, echoing holiday subversion.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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