Mood Ring Radio
Winter Blues & Holiday Hues
December 2024
Every month, Mood Ring Radio curates a playlist that reflects the mood of the moment—whether it’s the shifting seasons, cultural waves, or the energy of major events.
Co-curated by Tricia Chérie and Reilly Marie, this column bridges generations, mixing the new, the nostalgic, and the unexpected. Unlike algorithm-driven lists, we go beyond trends, pulling from any era to fit the vibe.
Because when it comes to music, feeling is everything.
Blue Christmas: Holiday Heartache & Seasonal Stillness
By: Reilly Marie
The holiday season is notorious for shimmering excitement and appreciation for our loved ones. Yet, sometimes, the snowy atmosphere weighs us down, and the twinkling lights seem farther than usual. These tracks are here to wrap you up in gentle comfort and soothe the ache with soft melodies and familiar lyrics.
1. So Much Wine – Phoebe Bridgers
Celebrations are often marred by uneasy solitude and complicated familial issues. “So Much Wine” immerses listeners in a silhouette of raw, finger-picked chords and muted vocals. Lyrics reflect the coexistence of joy and melancholy as holiday events are sent into full swing.
2. ‘tis the damn season – Taylor Swift
Swift seemingly persuades listeners to use the “just for old times sake” min
With a hauntingly beautiful melody, Bon Iver lyricises a sense of melancholy and the fragility of human connection to listeners. Its sparse and intimate nature enhances the silence that gatherings can bring, even in a room full of conversation and laughter.
3. Merry Christmas, Please Don’t Call – Bleachers
Antonoff’s signature blend of nostalgic and upbeat synths paired with a twisted knife that reopens old wounds is the perfect recipe for the tense holiday season. The track ultimately desires space as he pleads, “Please don’t call.” A forced embrace of joy cages us in as we say, “Merry Christmas,” like an obligational sentiment.
4. Both Sides Now – Joni Mitchell
Mitchell’s devastating lyrics reflect upon continuous change and growth. The track features in the festively complex film Love Actually, in which the character Karen discovers her husband’s affair and breaks down in tears. She then quickly returns to her children as they fawn over their gifts. The song’s rousing depiction of heartbreak and inevitable change serves as an embrace to those who simply need a break from the facade of cheer expected for the holidays.
5. Blood Bank – Bon Iver
With a hauntingly beautiful melody, Bon Iver lyricises a sense of melancholy and the fragility of human connection to listeners. Its sparse and intimate nature enhances the silence that gatherings can bring, even in a room full of conversation and laughter.
Sparkle & Cheer: A Holiday Soundtrack for the Unapologetically Festive
By: Tricia Cherie
Christmas embodies a whimsical optimism, where quiet magic lingers just beyond the mistletoe. In this spirit lie Christmas music specials. The tracks in this playlist celebrate the warmth and timeless charm that define the holiday season.
Kacey Musgraves and Troye Sivan shine like stars in their 2019 Christmas special, evoking the charm of a snow globe. Their harmonies melt away the frost of winter, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere that feels like a cozy fireside moment. The chorus of their duet, Glittery, feels tailor-made for a Hallmark movie soundtrack: “Glittery / You light up like starlight… Every single kiss is like a gift to me.” The song encapsulates the magic of the season, shimmering with joy and romantic nostalgia. It’s the perfect backdrop for the heartwarming moment when the leading lady inevitably ends up with the dashing Christmas tree farmer, a scene brimming with festive charm and cinematic flair.
2. Kacey Musgraves & Lana Del Rey – Home For Christmas
Musgraves takes the stage in a striking green bodysuit, graciously thanking Lana Del Rey for joining her before the two launch into a delicate rendition of the holiday classic, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” Their harmonies intertwine with an elegant, almost hypnotic grace, reminiscent of the soft plume of smoke when a match is blown out—delicate yet evocative. Their breathy tones, though distinct, blend seamlessly, creating a deeply complementary soundscape that feels both intimate and timeless.
3. Sabrina Carpenter & Chappell Roan – Last Christmas
This Wham! Christmas classic gets a fresh twist from two of 2024’s most celebrated opening acts, in fluffy white coats, no less. Chappell Roan, who has toured with Olivia Rodrigo, and Sabrina Carpenter, fresh off her stint opening for Taylor Swift, each bring their distinct stylistic flair to the track. Their contrasting interpretations breathe new life into the original, offering fans a captivating reimagining that highlights their unique artistry while honoring the song’s timeless appeal.
4. Dolly Parton: Hard Candy Christmas
This Carol Hall song may have first graced the stage in the 1982 film The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, but it became a standout hit for Dolly Parton, whose signature twang pours over the lyrics like warm syrup. With its bittersweet optimism, “Hard Candy Christmas” is a poignant reflection on finding moments of joy and resilience amid personal hardship. Parton’s interpretation peaked at 8 on the U.S. Country Singles chart that same year.
5. Kelly CLarkson & Ariana Grande – Santa, Can’t You Hear Me
NBC’s When Christmas Comes Around special delivered a standout moment with an unforgettable duet by Kelly Clarkson and Ariana Grande. The pairing of these two pop powerhouses felt inevitable, especially after showcasing their electric chemistry on Jimmy Fallon’s That’s My Jam. Together, they brought star power and vocal brilliance to the holiday stage, making their performance a highlight of the season.
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