Ever since it launched in 2002 with an array of takes on pop classics, the Punk Goes… series has always had a stranglehold on a scene that absolutely loves a fun little compilation. From taking on the ‘80s and ‘90s to specializing in the likes of crunk and classic rock, the full spectrum of sounds has been covered by the stars of pop-punk, emo, metalcore, and more.
However, in 2013, the focus turned to Christmas. Christmas songs have always been a vital part of seeing the year out in style, which allowed some of the most exciting bands of the time to become a part of that tradition. That’s how we ended up with this collection of original compositions and covers of classics. It’s a record that covers every emotion this season can produce and represents them in a way only an alternative mindset can craft.
So, to kick off this year’s festivities, we decided to rank the songs from top to bottom and see who comes out on top as having the most heartwarming take on the holidays. So sit by the fire, grab a cup of cocoa, and dive into the warmth of Punk Goes Christmas…
12. “Do You Hear What I Hear?” — William Beckett
When The Academy Is… wasn’t active, William Beckett put his musical talents to some solo material. Following the release of his album Genuine & Counterfeit, he saw 2013 out with a cover of a Harry Simeone Chorale staple. Delivering it in his quintessentially poetic tone, it’s a reminder of what Christmas was initially born from. It was all about the birth of a baby that changed the whole world and continues to do so to this day. Though here it feels a bit too traditional for the cause, in between all of the other festivities, it’s nice to get a reminder of why we get to celebrate at all.
11. “Father Christmas” — Man Overboard
Yeah, this is a lot of fun. Man Overboard really nailed it with this cover of The Kinks’ “Father Christmas.” The original was released in 1977, and they never considered it would be reinvented nearly 40 years later by pop-punk royalty. Going from a childhood memory of still believing in the big man to facing the fact that times have changed and the youth of today just don’t see things the same, it’s as nostalgic as it is a smack in the face. Channeling the Descendents within their musicality, it’s a suburban anthem for everyone who still likes to believe. It may not be a classic, but it’s sure to raise a smile.
10. “This Christmas” — The Summer Set
How do you make an iconic Christmas song sound like it was made in the heat of the California sun? You give it to The Summer Set at the height of their pop-rock powers. Initially sung by Donny Hathaway, it has soundtracked plenty of drives back home for so many over the years. However, when pressed through a mesh of throbbing synths and soulful croons, it becomes a whole different beast. It’s one that would fit better blasting out of a stereo on a road trip across the country. That fits perfectly with what The Summer Set has always been about. The good times, and making the most of them whilst they are here. Though it would have been nice to hear an original take from the band, there’s still plenty of joy to be found here.
9. “There Will Be No Christmas” — Crown The Empire
The Punk Goes Christmas compilation was released back at a time when Crown The Empire was knee-deep in a world of their own building. Between their debut album, The Fallout, and its follow-up, The Resistance, the band found time to pen a festive track that feels like it slots perfectly into the same universe whilst still being instantly relatable. It’s a soft and sullen ballad, pointing towards a world where Christmas just isn’t possible, and its description of such a desolate place is enough to make you appreciate what we have even more. So don’t let anybody tell you that you’re celebrating too early because that’s better than not getting to celebrate at all.
8. “Fool’s Holiday” — All Time Low
Always harnessing the knack of pushing their sound into whatever niche that they wanted, All Time Low made adding yuletide heartache to their repertoire look like second nature. “Fool’s Holiday” is very much a song for the third act of the Hallmark movie, when owning up to your mistakes is the name of the game and lessons that last a lifetime are learned. As Alex Gaskarth pours his soul out into the snow in front of him, with church bells ringing all around, it feels like mistletoe will magically appear above the characters at the center of this story. And musically, it slots wonderfully into what the band produced on 2012’s Don’t Panic, which still holds up today.
7. “I Don’t Wanna Spend Another Christmas Without You” — The Ready Set
Now, this is what Christmas on Myspace would have sounded like. Nobody creates music quite as cutesy as The Ready Set, and when the whizzes and bangs of their sound is focused on the winter months, it becomes even cuter. This is the song you send to your crush when you’re feeling courageous and ready to see the year out with a bang. It then becomes the song that you listen to together every year from then on because the risk paid off. It’s all those feelings of falling head over heels for someone laced with candy canes and apple cider. Sickly sweet but oh so warming. Exactly what you would want from a record called Punk Goes Christmas.
6. “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” — Issues
It’s incredible to think that Issues were asked to be featured on Punk Goes Christmas before their now iconic debut album was even released. But that shows just how high they were flying at the time, and they used their opportunity to great effect. Taking *NSYNC‘s “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” and throwing it through their punishingly technical sound, the result is infectiously fun. The track feels like a moment captured in time, constantly reminding us of when Issues was the most exciting band in the scene. And hearing breakdowns over something that Justin Timberlake is involved in will never get old.
5. “I Had A Heart” — Real Friends
Though Real Friends have always managed to conjure vigorous emotion when they play things loud and proud, a different beat has always been hit when they strip things back. That’s what we have with “I Had A Heart,” with all its intense and intricate feelings bubbling alongside tender plucked strings. With eyes facing the way things used to be and thoughts on the people who allowed you to get there, pain is hiding in the cracks. But much like how New Year’s Eve bleeds into New Year’s Day, time doesn’t stop, and things will always change. So, this is a reminder to accept that change and move on from the things holding you back. A vital lesson.
4. “Nothing For Christmas” — New Found Glory
New Found Glory has always loved a cozy and comforting acoustic ballad. So, when they chose to make their contribution to Punk Goes Christmas the sort of fireplace anthem that you play to the love of your life after a day of ice skating, you know they are already onto a winner. “Nothing For Christmas” is a soft summation of how it has felt to watch the year fly by with someone special by your side. And with that time being so unique that there’s no need for a present at Christmas, it’s impossible not to feel all gooey-eyed. Combining the romantic sentiment that has always surrounded NFG and mixing it with some fresh eggnog, it’s a seasonal staple.
3. “This Christmas (I’ll Burn It To The Ground)” — Set It Off
Now, not everybody loves Christmas. You have to remember that. But based on this showing, Set It Off hates it more than anyone else. Released during their most savage and sassy period, this anti-xmas banger would even make the Grinch think they were taking things too far. Though it’s impossible not to get wrapped up in the drama and decadence of it all. You can’t deny the grin planted across Cody Carson’s lips as he sets fire to every tree in his path. It’s enough to make you want to pick up a petrol can of your own and incite some personal mayhem. So yeah, this is a suitable change of pace from all the goodwill that holds Punk Goes Christmas together.
2. “Christmas Lights” — Yellowcard
Now, this is how you cover a modern classic. Coldplay originally released “Christmas Lights” in 2010, a song all about fighting at such a particular time of year and its effect on the whole occasion. Initially, it’s a tender and tear-stained piece that slowly seeps its way into your heart and soul. However, what Yellowcard adds here is what has allowed them to be one of the scene’s most beloved bands. Adding waves of beautiful guitar, stirring strings, and William Ryan Key’s distinctly touching tones, they make it their own in the most beautiful ways. It’s as good as, or even better than, the source material, which is high praise.
1. “All I Can Give You” — Jason Lancaster
There are few bigger pleasures in this life than Jason Lancaster sitting at a piano and singing. Aside from his work with Mayday Parade and Go Radio, something about his solo material hits all that deeper. Every word of “All I Can Give You” is delivered with more love and gratitude than the last, a song about how the material side of the holiday has nothing on the words that you utter to the ones you love. Those things stick around forever and mean the most, especially when spoken with this much heart and soul. This is the glistening star on the top of the tree that is Punk Goes Christmas, and Jason Lancaster must be protected at all costs.
