Get ready to rumble for the Second Battle of the Songs. Since the holiday season is coming up, I thought it would be neat to have a battle with holiday songs. And, what wouldn’t be a perfect battle than a battle of the hearts of teenage girls in the 90s: The battle of boy bands!
Now, I can’t do one battle between all the boy bands of the 90s. That would be impossible. But, for this holiday battle, I picked two famous bands that were the talk of the town when I was in middle school.
That’s right; Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC.
*NSYNC – Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays
First off the bat is *NSYNC with their holiday song “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays”. *NSYNC finished 1998 with a bang with the release of their holiday album. That is right, today is the 20th anniversary of the release of “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays”. Don’t you feel old?
The collective vocal sound of *NSYNC has a charming quality. It’s smooth, soulful, and ear-pleasing. Although many have associated this group’s success to Justin Timberlake’s vocals, the truth is, the group’s success wasn’t solely because of him. As you can hear in this song, the reason why *NSYNC had a wonderful sound was that the talent of all the members. I do like Justin’s vocals but I thought Chris Kirkpatrick had the best vocals within the group. Lance, Joey, and JC had wonderful vocal skills too. Each member’s different vocal talent made *NSYNC a unique group with a wholesome blend of soulful, talented, and smooth vocals.
“Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” is a typical late 90s’ boy band song. Some people might like it, some might not. Whether or not you are a fan of boy bands, “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” is a mid-tempo, catchy tune that will make your holidays brighter. You might hum this upbeat tune and dance to it throughout your day or even when you put up the Christmas decorations.
Backstreet Boys – “Christmas Time”
If *NSYNC’s “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” is an upbeat tune that will have you dancing a little bit, Backstreet’s Christmas song will have you do something completely different. “Christmas Time” is a meaningful mid-tempo ballad that will have you think about the true meaning of the Christmas season. Although written about spending Christmas time with your romantic partner, you could replace that thought with spending time with loved ones.
Though the lyrics are a pretty basic, there are good reminders within the different sections of what is the true meaning of Christmas. It never hurts to be reminded of such precious things in our lives with something basic and common. Especially with these lyrics featured in the chorus section:
“Christmas time
Time to share our love
Come and joy
The tidings to the world
Christmas time
The best time of the year
Yes, it’s Christmas time”
“Christmas Time” is a rare track that was featured on the winter pressing of the “Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)” single as well as two compilation albums in the early 2000s released by Jive Records. And like *NSYNC’s “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays”, “Christmas Time” was released early in Backstreet Boy’s professional careers. So, “Christmas Time” does have that 90s’ boy band sound to it. Yet, what makes this song ear-pleasing is the vocal talent among all the members as well as the soothing and meaningful melodies. “Christmas Time” is a relaxing holiday song that can be played anywhere at any time. But, it will make you think deeply about the Christmas season and have you reminisce about any holiday memories with loved ones.
What Will It Be?
Now it is your turn to vote! Who will be the victor of the first-ever “Battle of the Songs”? Tell me in the comments below! Also, tell me why you choose a particular version! I can’t wait to hear what you guys think!
I am also part of The “Battle of the Bands” blog collection. Please check out the leader’s blog site here. Thanks, Stephen for welcoming me to the team!
