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When you’ve released nearly 100 holiday songs, as Pentatonix has, it’s no easy task having to narrow down that hefty list to a concise greatest hits album. But that’s just what the vocal group has done on its latest release, the 31-track The Greatest Christmas Hits.
“We put all the bangers” on the album, says the group’s Scott Hoying. And there’s “basically a whole new album [on Hits] as well, with eight new songs” added. In total, the album sports 23 previously released favorites plus eight new tunes. The set has found chart success on Billboard’s tallies, as it marked the act’s 10th top 10-charting effort on the Top Holiday Albums chart and its 12th top 20-charting set on the all-genre Billboard 200.
The vocal group (comprising Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola and Matt Sallee) has supported the new album on the road with The Most Wonderful Tour of the Year, which wraps on Dec. 21 in Austin, Texas. Fans who missed the trek can tune in to The Most Wonderful Tour of the Year: Live From Orlando on Dec. 22, exclusively on Veeps.
With so many holiday albums in its discography, how does Pentatonix select songs when planning a new holiday project?
“Honestly, there’s only so many Christmas songs, and we’ve released 94 of them,” Hoying tells the Billboard Pop Shop Podcast (listen to our interview, below). “So we do the ones that are popular that we haven’t done yet. But then also we like to get creative and do songs that are more wintry and have lyrics that involve the wintertime, like ‘Kiss From a Rose.’ I don’t think anyone’s ever thought of that as a holiday song, but in the pre-chorus it does say ‘when it snows,’ and we were like, ‘That sounds good to us!’ So we get creative like that.
“When curating [the songs on] The Greatest Christmas Hits … from so much touring and releasing so many albums, we’ve [done] subconscious internal research of what moves people and what moves us and what we love to sing, and what we feel would make the best soundtrack for people’s Christmas festivities and opening presents.”
Among the new songs on The Greatest Christmas Hits is the original song “Please Santa Please,” co-written by Karen Kosowski and Emma Lee along with the group’s Olusola and Maldonado. The song, which served as the lead single from the album, recently hit the top 10 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart, landing the group its seventh top 10 hit.
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Classics They’ve Yet to Record: While Pentatonix has recorded nearly 100 holiday songs, there are still familiar favorites they haven’t put their spin on… yet. “I have this new obsession with ‘A Holly Jolly Christmas,’” Hoying says, “because I realized it’s one of the top streaming [and] selling Christmas songs of all time, in the top five or something, and we haven’t done that song yet, weirdly.”
“Or like ‘Silver Bells,’” Olusola adds. “We’ve never done that one either. There’s definitely songs we haven’t done, but you know we also have to pace ourselves, because there are only so many Christmas songs left. [Laughs] And we also want to get creative about how we go about Christmas songs.”
Looking to the future, Olusola says, “We’ve done pop Christmas albums, and so we’re thinking ‘are there different directions we can go that create a theme that allows for us to have a different feel on Christmas than we normally do?’ Which I think will be cool, so, I think we’re thinking about that right now, as we think about the future.”
A Dozen Years of Hits & a New Grammy Nom: 2023 marks the 12th consecutive year Pentatonix has released at least one new album, stretching back to its chart debut with PTX: Volume 1 in 2012. Through those years, the act has topped the Billboard 200 twice (with its self-titled full-length album and A Pentatonix Christmas) and won three Grammy Awards (among four nominations). The act scored its fifth Grammy nomination just last month for best traditional pop vocal album for its 2022 album Holidays Around the World. The set saw Pentatonix collaborate with a bevy of guest artists to highlight sounds and voices from all over the globe.
“We put so much heart and time and effort into this album,” Hoying says, “and we got to collaborate with the most iconic artists from all over the world. It was just such a beast to make … the logistics alone. It was such a creatively fulfilling project — to see it honored in this way [with a Grammy nomination] is really beautiful.”
“You never go into an album project thinking about Grammys,” Olusola adds. “You just want to make the best possible product that you feel speaks to your heart at that time and hopefully reaches people. … So I feel so thankful and honored and blessed that we could even have that opportunity to be recognized by the Recording Academy again.
‘Candy Cane Lane’ & Home for the Holidays: Pentatonix makes an appearance in the new holiday film Candy Cane Lane, starring Eddie Murphy, which premiered Dec. 1 on Prime Video. In the comedy, Pentatonix portray, naturally, carolers. But there’s magic afoot, and the group is seen mostly as enchanted miniature figurines in the film.
“The director [Reginald Hudlin] had been a fan of ours for a while,” Olusola says. “He gave us the premise of what he wanted us to do and we were in. … I don’t think we realized the magnitude of what we were creating. … It was really cool to see the end product. It was cool how they actually created us [as figures].”
“Because we’re figurines,” Hoying says, “it was a really easy process. We just went into the studio and sang these 10-second clips, knocked it out in a couple hours. But then we get to be in so much of the movie because we’re animated. It was a perfect scenario too, because we obviously would want to be on set and have our real likeness in the movie, and we got to do that at the end. So it was so special all around, and I’m just so happy it’s doing so well and people are loving it. The whole cast and crew and director and everyone were so kind and such good vibes. You just want good things to happen to good people, so it’s awesome to see it thriving.”
As families watch Candy Cane Lane during get-togethers this season, certainly many will also be playing holiday songs by Pentatonix around the house too. With so many households soundtracking their holidays with Pentatonix’s tunes, what does Pentatonix itself play around the house during the season?
“When I go home,” Hoying says, “my parents always put on Pentatonix, because they just are so excited that I’m home. I honestly listen to a lot of Pentatonix too during the holidays. But my go-to is a playlist of classic old songs from old Christmas movies, [like] Bing Crosby’s White Christmas. Anything that’s orchestral and one-track, mono. It really puts me in the Christmas spirit. If I’m looking at Christmas lights with [my husband] Mark or we’re driving around or something, we’ll put on the oldies.”
Olusola, too, has Pentatonix playing around the house at home, but for a different reason. “I have a 2-and-a-half-year-old and she’s obsessed with our band. Truly obsessed. She loves watching [the videos for] ‘You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,’ ‘Please Santa Please,’ ‘12 Days of Christmas.’ She asks for it all the time during this time of the year. So in our house, it really is mainly Pentatonix during this time of the year. … I think also its kind of subliminally a way for her to stay in contact with dad, especially while he’s gone on tour. So I really love that. My wife has texted me so many times, where she goes, ‘She said, ‘I miss daddy, play Pentatonix.”‘ I love that. That really means something to me that I have such a close bond with her that she actually yearns for me, and so I’m very very thankful to be playing Pentatonix in our household because that keeps the connection.”
Also on the new edition of the Pop Shop Podcast, we’ve got chart news on how Nicki Minaj lands her third No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart, becoming the female rapper with the most chart-toppers in history, and how Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” jingles its way back to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Billboard Pop Shop Podcast is your one-stop shop for all things pop on Billboard‘s weekly charts. You can always count on a lively discussion about the latest pop news, fun chart stats and stories, new music, and guest interviews with music stars and folks from the world of pop. Casual pop fans and chart junkies can hear Billboard‘s executive digital director, West Coast, Katie Atkinson and Billboard’s managing director, charts and data operations, Keith Caulfield every week on the podcast, which can be streamed on Billboard.com or downloaded in Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast provider. (Click here to listen to the previous edition of the show on Billboard.com.)
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It is time for the Hanukkah spirit, and everyone knows the world needs a little bit more light in this time of darkness and war. Those at the Nova Music Festival (who have spun shows for the people lost) are still managing to play music while everything is happening to help heal. I hope this diverse array of Hanukkah bangers can help people heal. Here are 18 songs: Eight candles on each menorah plus two shamash to light them. Eighteen means chai, and that means life.
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Artikal Sound System, “Eight Days of Hannukah”
This is a holiday album that crushes a reggae Hanukkah vibe. If the whole world had a reggae twist, we’d probably get along better. Kudos to the group for singing about the “Eight Days of Hannukah” on an album of mostly Christmas songs. It usually is the eight nights that get all the shine — but don’t forget the daytime.
Matisyahu, “Happy Hanukkah”
There’s nothing like Matisyahu – a man who has been rocking sold-out Hanukkah shows for years – doing a show during Hanukkah. He recently played his song “One Day” for 300,000 people in Washington, D.C. at the March for Israel, and will be at Chelsea Music Hall on Dec. 12.
Nissim Black and Kosha Dillz, “The Hanukkah Song 2.0”
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Remixing an old Adam Sandler song to make a new bop. The best part of this video is that it was recorded in Times Square on Thanksgiving and Hanukkah — Thanksgivukkah, which happened in 2013, occurs about once every gazillion years. The bop went so well that we remixed it last year with “The Hanukkah Song 3.0.”
The Maccabeats, “We’re Still Here”
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Nothing fights the evils of antisemitism like a solid men’s a cappella group — and the Maccabeats have returned with another Hanukkah banger. Here is their anthem, “We’re Still Here.”
Six13, “Era-Lution of Taylor Swift (Chanukah’s Version)”
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Taylor Swift has had a big year. I went to perform outside one of her concerts and nearly had to pay $100 for parking but was gifted entry thanks to my Wild ‘N Out fame. What would happen if she was covered by a Jewish a cappella group for Hanukkah? This. It features so many great rewrites — “they defiled the temple when they walked in” and “we don’t never ever ever use proper letters.” It’s so bad it’s good. I can’t stop watching it, and the outfit changes are just lovely.
Gal De Paz, “Bring Them Home”
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This powerful artist is like the Amy Winehouse of Israel. Gal, lead singer of the Paz Band, has an angelic voice and cries out for women’s rights. The video places tape on her mouth while a chorus sings a powerful and anthemic “bring them home” chant. It is a solemn one. It is moving.
A$AP Rocky ft. Fat Tony, “Get Lit”
I know this isn’t the typical Hanukkah song, but maybe a Rihanukkah song? How can you not include this 2011 bop where A$AP Rocky gets lit alongside Houston’s best friend and positive rap creator, Fat Tony? “Get Lit” is how we do the candles.
Stephane Legar, “סטפן לגר – אתם בלב”
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The French-Israel artist – who raps in French and Hebrew – shares his message over irresistible Afrobeats. You might be amazed by his mere existence, but you can tell by the video he is a star who deserves a spot on the menorah.
Remedy, “Never Again”
The original Jewish rapper of Wu-Tang Clan affiliation has recorded and produced many songs over the years, but the one that most resonates throughout the Jewish world is “Never Again.” One person wrote on his Instagram page, “This is the first song I listened to after October 7.” That reason deserves the shamash (lamplighter spot).
Ness & Stilla, “Harbu Darbu”
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Echad shtime! Fifty years ago, Leonard Cohen came to Israel to sing on the front lines. Hanukkah is a story of Jews fighting back in a war. This is almost like a version of that in trap and drill form — a paralyzed country reacting to what life is like when everyone you know is at war. The reason? Trauma. Anger. Fear. Strength. Depression. The result? A No. 1 song in Israel and a reshare from Mia Khalifa.
Blippi and Meekah, “Snow Globe Surprise” / The Kiboomers, “I Have a Little Dreidel”
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My friend Adam Swig of Value Culture showed me a children’s Hanukkah video I can’t get out of my psyche. These kids celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah in school – and this 60-minute video shows it all. The kids are having so much fun with “I Have a Little Dreidel.” Watch it above and smile.
Leonard Cohen, “Hallelujah”
This legend heard about the Yom Kippur War and managed to get to Israel to sing in 1973. It inspired me on my current trip where I recently went to perform for soldiers. There wasn’t much organization when he came to sing songs in Israel, but he felt in his heart that he should come and sing. In a time of chaos, this certainly hits the holiday spirit.
Adam Sandler, “The Chanukah Song”
In celebration of Adam’s film You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, where his character’s 13-year-old daughter has a bat mitzvah, I figure he can take the 13th spot for this playlist. Adam Sandler’s song will find its way onto every Hanukkah playlist, just as socks are given as presents during gift-giving holidays. Enjoy it with your gin and tonica.
Too Short, “The Hanukkah Song”
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We don’t need Kanye West when it comes to a Hanukkah rap song — we have Too Short. I met Too Short at a show and later on Wild ‘N Out. If anyone can pull off a hip-hop Hanukkah song, it’s him. “I’m frying latkes making a mess, time to make some gelt / I ate mom’s brisket, time to loosen my belt.” These are lyrics that make you feel empowered…to eat.
Haim, “Little of Your Love” / A-Wa, “Hana Mash Hu Al Yaman”
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Not every song has to be an ode to the menorah on this playlist. Here we have two sets of three sisters, all with the surname Haim. One sings in English, the other in old Yemenite. They both wear great outfits and I don’t think many have discovered the Hanukkah miracle that there are now six singing Haim sisters. Watch the American ones, then travel over to the other side of the globe and watch A-WA. Shout out to my Yemenite Jewish homies celebrating Hanukkah.
Lola Marsh & RedBand, “Feel It Still”
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I randomly saw Lola Marsh and tried to chase her down but then I went down a rabbit hole of her songs. I played a show with Portugal. The Man (one of my favorite bands) once and now that band is covered by Lola Marsh and RedBand. The worlds collide. “I’m a rebel just for kicks” certainly describes the Maccabees during Hanukkah.
Kosha Dillz, “Bring the Family Home”
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I usually do a Hanukkah song every year but this one has been different. A war. A world of problems and sadness and anger. Instead of making my Hanukkah song for Dec. 7, I made this song on Oct. 7, so I will throw it here to light to the menorah.
Gabriella Cohen, “Dream Woman”
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In times of conflict and war, they say women hold it down — and are certainly the most outspoken against hatred. Although that isn’t the topic here, this indie rock ballad has some important words.
I hope this is enough music to illuminate the darkness. If you didn’t find everything above, check out my long playlist of Jewish artists, rappers and bands. There are a “latke” songs to choose from.
Kosha Dillz is a Brooklyn-based rapper on MTV’s Wild ‘N Out and a touring performer who is also a standup comedian and filmmaker. He recently started a viral street interview series called “Bring the Family Home” on his Instagram and dropped a song called “Ceasefire.” He is currently in Israel looking for his father’s shoes that he left there and plans to bring them home. His holiday show is at TimeOut Market on Dec. 19 in Brooklyn.