Starship | Jane

“Jane” (1979) is “a track that represents big changes in the history of a band renowned for them,” (UltimateClassicRock). “Formerly Jefferson Airplane, the group had lost vocalists Grace Slick and Marty Balin in the run-up to their fifth album, Freedom at Point Zero. They hired former Journey drummer Aynsley Dunbar and, up front, gambled on singer Mickey Thomas – who wasn’t even sure he wanted to be in a rock band.

… ‘Jane’ proved to be the perfect showcase for Thomas’ talents, pointing the band towards the stadium rock sound that would see them through the ‘80s as Starship … ” The track peaked at No. 14. It later appeared in the films Cocaine Bear and Wet Hot American Summer, and in the gaming world as part of Grand Theft Auto IV and Rock Band 4.

Built in E minor overall, the bridge (1:47 – 2:15) shifts to F# minor and also shifts from a hard-driving rock texture to a gentler reggae-inflected feel.

Tower of Power | Hark the Herald Angels Sing

The California-based R&B/funk band Tower of Power released their first holiday album, It’s Christmas, earlier this year. The record features covers of classic songs and two original tunes as well. “Hark The Herald Angels Sing,” the fourth track, begins in G and modulates up to A at 2:05

for King & Country (feat. Gabby Barrett) | Go Tell It On the Mountain

The Christian pop duo for King & Country, comprised of brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, released their first holiday album, A Drummer Boy Christmas, in 2021. “Go Tell it On The Mountain” features guest vocalist Gabby Barrett. The track begins in Eb and modulates up to F at 2:18.

Clay Aiken | Do You Hear What I Hear

“I always just feel more at home in the music and the sounds of the ’60s and the ’70s, and there’s so much great Christmas music that was made in those times. That’s what this album especially is about, ” singer Clay Aiken said in an interview with NPR about his latest holiday album, Christmas Bells Are Ringing, which as released this year.

“Do You Hear What I Hear” begins in D and modulates up to E at 2:58. There is another abrupt shift to B at 3:25.

Kelly Clarkson | You For Christmas

“You For Christmas” is the featured single and lead track on the reissue/deluxe edition of Kelly Clarkson’s 2021 holiday album When Christmas Comes Around…. The song, written by Clarkson, Andrew Wyatt and Mark Ronson, hit the #5 spot on the Adult Contemporary chart, and Clarkson performed it on the season finale of The Voice earlier this month.

The song begins in A and modulates up to B at 2:09.

Lea Salonga | Love Is Our Christmas Star

Filipino singer and actress Lea Salonga released Sounding Joy last month, her first holiday album in over twenty years. The album includes originals and covers of Christmas classics. “Love Is Our Christmas Star,” written by Trina Belamide, is the eighth track. It begins in C and modulates up to D at 3:13.

Jennifer Hudson | Little Drummer Boy

Former American Idol contestant and youngest-ever EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson released her first holiday record this year, her first studio album since 2014. The Gift of Love features four original tunes and ten covers.  “What better way to come back than a Christmas album?” Hudson said an interview. “It’s been a dream of mine my whole career. I’m a holiday fanatic … so it just makes sense.”

“Little Drummer Boy” begins in D and shifts up to Eb at 1:40.

Pentatonix feat. Hiba Tawaji | Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

MotD holiday standby Pentatonix released their seventh holiday album, Holidays Around The World, in 2022. The record, which won a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, songs from many different cultures. Hiba Tawaji, a Lebanese singer, is featured on this track. It begins in D, shifts up to Eb at 1:20, and up another step to F at 2:07.