Art & Music

30 years after the release of “All I Want For Christmas Is You”

Are we still in love with it or over it?

By: Camilla Moran, Reporter

December 17, 2024

Mariah Carey’s song “All I want For Christmas is You” is back on the billboard Hot 100 at Number 1 for the 2024 holiday season.

As the holiday season comes around and radio stations start playing holiday music, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” once again tops the charts.

Who is Mariah Carey?

Mariah Carey is an American singer, songwriter and actress. She is one of the most talented and successful artists in history. She debuted in 1990 with her self-titled album, “Mariah Carey.” From the album, four songs hit number 1 on Billboard Hot 100. Some of Carey’s most popular songs are “Fantasy,” “Always Be My Baby,” and “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”

Furthermore, Carey has gone on to win a total of 45 awards. These awards include 6 Grammys, 19 World Music Awards, 20 Billboard Music Awards, and 10 American Music Awards. In addition to this, she has also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Review

The melody of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is upbeat and joyous. “I feel like it’s THE Christmas song.” expressed Michael Esquivel, a Junior at Colonia High School.

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The melody showcases the spirit of the holiday season with a feeling of nostalgia, making it the perfect go-to Christmas song. The popularity of the song has set its place in the holiday season, making it the perfect addition to a holiday playlist!

About “All I Want for Christmas Is You”

“All I Want for Christmas Is You” is part of Carey’s fourth studio album and her first-ever Christmas album. Released in 1994, the song has become a staple in the holiday season. In the first week, the song sold 16 billion copies worldwide. The song not only sold millions of copies but also debuted at number 1 on the US Billboard 100.

Other versions of “All I Want For Christmas is You” (from worst to best)

August Burns Red's version

For me, I felt like this version ruined the spirit of the song. Because this song is metalcore, there were no lyrics. This can make people feel sort of lost if they don't already know the lyrics. The instruments used in the song can have a powerful impact, but there's no emotional depth. This version left me with a sour taste in my mouth, wanting to hear the words and the chorus of the song.

She & Him's version

This version honestly ruined the song for me. The emotion I felt when listening to this song was sad, because the original is fast paced, while this one is slowed down. The slower tempo takes away from the holiday spirit making the song sound more depressing, instead of a joyful Christmas classic. Although the vocals in this song were unique, it didn't get me into the spirited mood like the original does. Overall, I feel as though this version missed it's opportunity to unite people in the holiday spirit.

Kidz Bop's version

After hearing the last song, this song is definitely somewhat better. The Kidz Bop version brings a more lively version to the table. This can make it easier for a younger audience to enjoy the song. While this version might not have the same energy as the original, the upbeat melody gives the song a fresh twist to it.

Fifth Harmony's version

Comparing this song to the others, this song is much better. They managed to keep the joy and energy of "All I want For Christmas is You," while also adding a new twist to it. The vocal harmonies and delivery of the song makes the song feel new and youthful, which makes it catchy. Overall, this version is one of the better ones on the list.

Ariana Grande's version

Grande's Version of "All I Want For Christmas is You" adds a ice twist to the song. She added the modern pop feel while also having the melody of Carey's classic. The mix of her voice with the upbeat tempo makes it an amazing cover. This version shows the holiday spirit, making it a great addition to the list of covers.

Cons of the song

The song itself isn’t bad, but don’t we all have some critiques? “All I Want For Christmas is You” definitely has some drawbacks that may stop people from listening to it. “I feel like it’s overplayed now,” said Mariella Spina, a junior at Colonia. The song is undoubtedly overplayed, which can lead to listener fatigue. After a while, it becomes repetitive and even annoying. Additionally, the lyrics are quite straightforward, which may not resonate with listeners who prefer more complex lyrics and deeper themes. Although many enjoy the upbeat style of the song, it might not appeal to fans of older genres. Despite its drawbacks, the song will likely continue to be a holiday favorite.

Unpopular opinion

In my view, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is a crucial song for the holiday season. Despite its flaws, which many songs have, it undoubtedly adds joy and nostalgia to the festivities. While it may become annoying at times, this song powerfully evokes warmth and happiness, making it a staple of the season.

About the Contributor

Camilla Moran, Reporter

Camilla Moran is a 16-year-old Junior who attends Colonia High School. She has many interests such as reading romance novels, writing, baking, and painting. Moran is part of a few clubs and sports outside of school. She is involved in CHS Mini-Thon and CHS Interact Club along with writing for the Declaration. Moran is part of adaptive sports, including Archery and Track & Field. She would describe herself as a kind, caring, and hardworking individual. After finishing High School, she aspires to be a Speech Language Pathologist. She would also like to advocate for people with disabilities to improve their lives and help them achieve their dreams. A quote she lives by is "Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start."

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30 years after the release of “All I Want For Christmas Is You”

Who is Mariah Carey?

Review

About “All I Want for Christmas Is You”

Cons of the song

Unpopular opinion

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