OnTheFlipsideMusic's 25 Days of Christmas Playlist

By Jessica Klausing

Merry Christmas!

It’s time to deck the halls again, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than with music! Whether you prefer the good old fashioned classics or the modern hits, we’ve curated a holiday playlist that offers a little something for everyone. 

In no particular order here are our 25 Days of Christmas playlist:

1. “A Marshmallow World” - Dean Martin

Even though the song about the winter landscape, it’s still considered one of the Christmas classics. The lyrics compare the snowfall to marshmallows covering the ground along with other dessert-like metaphors making this a holiday comfort song.

2. “All I Want for Christmas is You” - Mariah Carey

Holiday retail workers either love this song or loathe it with a passion! It’s a cheerful melody, but Mariah’s pitch perfect high notes are the real stand out on this track.

3. “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” - *NSYNC

This is the quintessential feel-good modern day Christmas song. With catchy bubblegum pop lyrics like “It’s a wonderful feeling/feel the love in the room/from the floor to the ceiling,” it’s guaranteed to put any Scrooge in the Christmas spirit.

4. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” - Brenda Lee

This classic is a must for any Christmas party playlist! The lyrics and melody are catchy, but the best part is when the beat stops on “Voices singing, let’s be jolly/Deck the halls with boughs of holly.”

5. “A Holly Jolly Christmas” - Alan Jackson

This is another popular Christmas classic. Alan Jackson’s honky tonk rendition gives it a small town country feel.

6. “This Christmas” - Joe

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Joe delivers with this sultry, R&B melodic Christmas hit. It’s another highly recommended one to liven up the holiday party.

7. “Sleigh Ride” - TLC

TLC took a classic and re-worked it into a fun-filled festive R&B ditty with new lyrical hooks, playful banter, and of course, an epic rap from Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes.

8. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” - Michael Bublé

Michael Bublé’s warm vocals give all the cozy vibes. This is one to listen to snuggled up by the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa.

9. “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” - Bing Crosby

It’s not a true Christmas playlist without Bing Crosby. While this is another popular classic covered by many artists, there’s just something special and nostalgic about listening to Bing regale about a town getting ready for Christmas.

10.  “O Holy Night” - Carrie Underwood

A beautiful Christmas hymn performed by one of the most iconic voices in Country music.

11. “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” - Bruce Springsteen

The Boss captures the rock ‘n roll spirit with this energetic rollicking rendition.

12. “Blue Christmas” - Elvis Presley

Christmas music and The King of Rock ‘N Roll go together like peanut butter and bananas. Elvis will tug on your heartstrings with this sentimental ballad. However, if you’re looking for a good laugh, the Porky Pig version is definitely worth a listen!

13. “My Only Wish (This Year)” - Britney Spears

Britney charms her way into our hearts with this sweet song that’s filled with catchy wholesome lyrics and a bouncy pop melody.

14. “Christmas Time” - Backstreet Boys

Perhaps the most gorgeous harmonies featured on a modern pop Christmas song.

15. “Wonderful Christmastime” - Paul McCartney

Paul’s cheery spirit is quite infectious on this one! It’s hard to resist singing and bouncing along to the beat.

16. “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” - John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and The Plastic Ono Band

Recorded as a protest against the Vietnam War, “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” has become a Christmas song standard. 

17. “Winter Wonderland” - Alexander O’Neal

Reaching #54 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums, Alexander O’ Neal dazzles with his soulful rendition of this timeless classic.

18. “Christmas Time is Here” - Vince Guaraldi Trio

Famously known as the opening theme in A Charlie Brown Christmas, this comforting classic brings a smile to all ages.

19. “Zat You, Santa Claus?” - Louis Armstrong

 An underrated swingin’ holiday tune with all the Creole Jazz goodness. 

20. “Mary, Did You Know?” - CeeLo Green

This one is a real tearjerker! CeeLo delivers a beautiful, heartfelt performance that embodies the true meaning of Christmas.

21. “Run Rudolph Run” - Chuck Berry

A fun, high energy performance by the Father of Rock ‘N Roll.

22. “Please Come Home for Christmas” - The Eagles

Only The Eagles can take a bittersweet song about spending Christmas alone and turn it into a beautiful rockin’ masterpiece with a wailing guitar.

23. “Christmas in Dixie” - Alabama

This country song is a celebration of Christmas in the southern American states.

24. “Step Into Christmas” - Elton John

Elton brings the Christmas spirit with ringing bells, angelic choirs, and lots of high energy!

25. “Christmas Vacation” - Mavis Staples

As featured on National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, it’s a holiday banger that will easily get stuck in your head.

Follow and listen to the OnTheFlipsideMusic’s 25 Days of Christmas Playlist on Amazon Music!

SONG REVIEW: Padon Suber - "Kinda Love"

By Jessica Klausing

Neo Soul artist Padon Suber releases his new single, “Kinda Love.” This is the second single off his highly anticipated album, Love Daze, which is set to release later this month.

Suber says, “Kinda Love is love in the form of infatuation of being so crazed about someone, for no specific reason other than the happiness you feel when you think about the way you function around that person. It’s that blissful feeling that makes you want to be with them all the time.”

“Kinda Love” begins with a funky guitar riff and breezy background harmonies, as Suber reminisces about the joy of just being with his love. As the chorus starts, we learn that he’s not interested in something superficial, but just, the ‘kinda love’ when you and your love just can’t get enough of each other. It’s an upbeat and feel good love song 

Suber’s silky smooth voice croons, “Give me that 24/7 kinda love. You seen me 78 times but it aint enough.” The Neo Soul sonic ambiance and catchy lyrical professions is a perfect listen for long drives or just lounging poolside for the summer.

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SONG REVIEW: Padon Suber - "Thursday"

By: Jessica Klausing

As featured on the On the Marq Radio Show with DJ Marq - Episode: The Antidote: Interview w/ Singer Padon Suber

R&B artist Padon Suber releases his new single “Thursday” from the upcoming album, Love Daze. This soulful track is a celebration of love that is bursting with warm tones and blissful rhythmic grooves that will have you falling in love with Suber’s sultry smooth voice.

At the start we’re treated to heavenly harmonies telling us that “It’s Thursday.” Suber coos on counting down the days until he can finally see his love with, “I can’t wait to see your face. Monday. Tuesday. Wednesday. I can’t wait til this Thursday. I hope you’re on your way.”

When asked about his new song, Suber recalls, “I wrote this song as an ode to one of my band member’s relationship with his girlfriend. Before they moved in together they shared a long distance relationship, he was in Houston and she was in Louisiana. They had a system where she would come stay with him at least once a month for a full week starting on a Thursday. I was so moved by the consistency of his response toward those symbolic Thursdays that I wanted to capture that moment in a song. I think everyone can relate to that feeling of bliss when thinking about seeing the person who makes them smile.”

Filled with the soft strum of an acoustic guitar, gentle percussion, a spirited organ, and a powerful falsetto, this song is a beautiful addition to any romantic playlist or just to share with that special someone.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Desmond Parson - Like a November

By Jessica Klausing

Desmond Parson’s Like a November is a smooth nod to classic R&B with a delightful modern twist. The gorgeous album art (created by Artist Seam L Ess) catches the eye with a sharp contrast of fiery reds and cool blue tones which serves as the perfect visual representation of what to expect from Parson’s newest release. This charming album flows beautifully with mellow melodies and warm harmonies to create a wonderful easy listening experience to indulge in.

The opener “Come Through November” is a sultry spoken word jazzy concoction that will warm your soul like sipping a hot cup of coffee on a cool autumn morning. Erika Floyd waxes the poetic of the seasonal changes while Lee Flowers drops a smooth lofi beat in the background. The overall theme of the entire album is summed up with this verse:

“As the leaves of trees change, we change

Concealing ourselves, less transparency

Since more layers are necessary, but in contrast there’s opportunity

To get in closer proximity of one another.”

Next Parson sensually leads us into “Blue Nile,” a groovy R&B track that exudes a sexy persona while maintaining a cool tone that is as hypnotic and alluring as the fragrance itself. When asked about the inspiration behind this song, Parson recalls smelling the cologne in his youth while listening to music. His song is an ode to the fragrance and its cool vibes which he still proudly wears today.

“Let’s Pretend” glows with Parson’s warm vocals that are both comforting and uplifting. With an infectious soulful chorus and smooth love swagger this song gives strong Luther Vandross and Boyz II Men vibes. The trickling piano intro adds grace and eloquence to this beautiful track like autumn leaves falling from the tree.

Continuing on with more heartfelt storytelling is “I’ll Be Around,” in which Parson professes that he’ll “be around when you wake up in the morning.” In “Something Kind Of Sweet,” Parson and Anna Surv croon sweet harmonies about the innocence of falling in love with “you’re what sugar is supposed to be.”

Another standout on the album is the remix to “Possibly.” Parson released “Possibly” on his Resoulation EP in April 2022. The track was a success and a streaming favorite among fans, such as UK DJ personality, DJ Silver Hawk, who suggested to Parson to consider remixing the original. It’s such a fun remix bursting with upbeat drumming and a flute that will have you singing along with Parson, Kojo Snowden and Ashley Watkins asking, “Can I be your cup of tea?”

The album closes with a jazz instrumental reprise of “Come Through November,” featuring Lee Flowers strumming a gentle reflective melody on guitar with a cheerful saxophone wailing in the background.

Like a November is a beautiful demonstration of Desmond Parson’s musical prowess as a solo artist. Parson takes the softer moments within the album and builds on the self reflection through the use of his soulful vocals and instrumentals. Each song is a delicate ear worm from start to finish that leaves listeners feeling cozy. 

Recommended Tracks: “Come Through November,” “Let’s Pretend,” “Something Kind of Sweet,” and “Possibly(Remix).”

Desmond Parson:
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SONG REVIEW: Desmond Parson - "I Pledge"

By Jessica Klausing

As featured on the On The Marq Radio Show with DJ Marq - Episode: Soul glo

Encased in lush neo soul, “I Pledge” is an alluring and emotive newly released single from Desmond Parson. Portraying a message of being in love and a “pledge of allegiance” declaration from new couples and longtime couples alike, this track is the perfect choice for weddings and anniversaries. Parson coos sweetly over a mellow melody while trickling piano keys, warm horns and a heavenly choir of background harmonies bring out the retro R&B aspect into this delightful musical soundscape.

Desmond Parson is one artist not to sleep on. You can hear the Stevie Wonder influences in his music, and I for one cannot wait to see what else he brings to the soul table.

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SONG REVIEW: Tony Andreas McQueen - "Summer Anthem"

By Jessica Klausing

Tony Andreas McQueen is half of the duo known as McKQwn. He is a songwriter, producer, arranger, and vocalist based in Los Angeles. McQueen releases his sizzling new single, “Summer Anthem” to kick off those carefree summer days.

“Summer Anthem” oozes R&B elements with a laid back deep soulful smooth earworm melody.

McQueen’s tender vocals cools and sets the perfect scene for a summertime evening chill. This track will make you want to cruise down the Pacific Coast Highway in an open top convertible with your love riding shotgun. Sweeping in its simplicity and eloquent in its lyricism, it’s a romantic charmer without being too sappy.

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CONCERT REVIEW: Leon Bridges @ LA's Greek Theatre

By Jessica Klausing

The Los Angeles stars shined bright for Leon Bridges on his Good Thing tour stop at the Greek Theatre. Bridges brings to life a carefree nostalgic vibe with his 60’s inspired R&B grooves, soothing soulful voice, elegant ‘classic man’ apparel, and romanticized storytelling. The sold out crowd were in for quite a treat.

Check out the CONCERT REVIEW

Leon Bridges offers exclusive Meet n’ Greet packages for his tour stops. They are truly one of a kind. I have had the opportunity to participate in several VIP experiences for different artists and I must say Leon’s is by far my favorite! Here is my review of the VIP experience.

VIP check in. Photo by Jessica Klausing.

My instructions were to arrive for check in at 4:00P on the dot. The VIP tent and check in stations were set up in the employee parking lot behind the Greek Theatre. I had an easy check in even though a staff member almost forgot to give me my meet n’ greet pass. After that I made sure to double check to ensure all items were in my swag bag.

The VIP bag came with a signed Good Thing tour poster, 4 postcards of Leon, and a Good Thing album vinyl record cover. Super cool! They had a special merch booth set up for VIP members. I took a few minutes to browse the various tour t-shirts and posters until the lounge opened.

The VIP tent lounge. Photo by Jessica Klausing.

About thirty minutes or so after check in, we were allowed to enter our VIP lounge to chill until it was time for soundcheck and meet n’ greet. At first glance the tent does not look that great but it’s much more cooler inside.

Inside the VIP lounge. Photo by Jessica Klausing.

Once inside this place was transformed into a swanky little nightclub. There were two bars on opposite ends, a retro vinyl record listening station, a guitar playing station, and cozy inflatable couches to lounge on. Definitely quite the little set up!

VIP listening booth. Photo by Jessica Klausing.

The listening booth was my favorite lounge perk! I loved how they turned the equipment cases into a book shelf decked out in retro posters, music books, and a generous record collection to sample. Leon’s crew can be my personal interior designers any day! The record collection had everything from Billie Holiday to The Temptations. It was pretty cool getting to listen to many of Leon’s musical inspirations behind his own retro-soul brand.

VIP record collections. Photo by Jessica Klausing.

The next cool lounge perk was the guitar station. We were told this was actually one of Leon’s guitars. Kudos to Leon for allowing a bunch of strangers to pick up and play his guitar. Next to the guitar was a music stand with the sheet music for Leon’s song, “River” if you wanted to learn how to play it.

Around 5PM, we were called to line up at the front gate for Leon’s soundcheck. We were invited in to watch the last two songs of the soundtrack. The crew strictly informed us that we were not allowed to take pictures or videos of the soundtrack. Unfortunately, I have no photos to share but just getting to see and hear Leon perform his songs up close was something so magical that not even a recording could capture.

My rockstar pose on the Greek Theatre stage.

After soundtrack we were lead to line up backstage. I figured that we were going to get to meet Leon and get our photos taken with him onstage. Super cool! However, this was not the case. We were given the opportunity to pose individually onstage. Still cool! The Greek Theatre is one of my favorite outdoor amphitheaters. From the audience’s point of view, it’s quite a breathtaking sight to see the endless sea of green trees behind the stage. Getting to see from the artist’s point of view was a unique experience. I prefer to see the artist and the trees but I’m sure it’s more breathtaking at night.

Meeting Leon Bridges.

After the stage photos, we were told that Leon had his crew set up the meet n’ greets in his dressing room backstage! I thought it was really nice of Leon to invite his fans backstage with him. We got a little mini tour of the backstage area on the way to the dressing rooms. I didn’t get any backstage photos because I was not sure if it was allowed. I will say the backstage is not as glamorous as you think. It was quite barren with white cement walls. It reminded me more of a high school gym locker room to be honest.

Leon awaited us against the Good Thing tour backdrop in the dressing room. As we waited in line, several of us fans chatted excitedly about the first time we heard Leon’s music. The most beautiful thing about these VIP meet n’ greet experiences is being able to share the love of music with other like-minded fans.

Leon is such a gentleman! He was very sweet and gave lots of hugs. I liked how this experience did not feel rushed. It was truly genuine. We knew we were on a limited time frame but not once did an usher try to ‘hurry us’ through our photo with Leon. Thank you CID Entertainment! I wish more VIP experience companies would follow your lead.

I’m not sure if all of Leon’s VIP experiences are set up exactly that this LA one in particular, but if you get the chance, I would highly recommend it.

SONG REVIEW: Yona Marie - "My Soulful Baby"

By Wanda Whitley

Yona Marie.

Okay, folks.  First, I cannot tell you how relaxed and chill I am right now.  Listening to Yona Marie’s new single, "My Soulful Baby" has de-stressed me (can I say to the max)? 

In 2010, R&B artist Rachel Marie Moore AKA Yona Marie first gained mainstream popularity by releasing 'The Luv Exposure' featuring artists, producers, and singers from all over the world. The lead single was featured on a Majormix release which included Chris Brown, Ace Hood, and Tyga.

Marie followed up with the release of "High," a 90's styled instrumental garnering over 100,000 listeners and 20,000 downloads. In 2014, Marie released her full length album, "Reminiscent" which eventually led her to collaborate with EDM producer Eli in 2016 to create the viral track, "Just Wanna Love You" which hit over half a millions plays between Spotify, Youtube, and Soundcloud.

Marie's soothing, soulful voice is such a balm to the soul.  And what a song!  With hints of Diana Ross’s voice, and such sensuality flowing from her heart-felt words that I am put into the mind of hearing a female version of some of Barry White’s work, Yona Marie is indeed a multi-talented artist. 

The musical arrangement is very cool and smooth - the keyboards and groovy guitars and the beat just carries "My Soulful Baby" onto the dance floor for a romantic slow dance.  The music to this song, along with the lyrics, takes me back to another time – a time when this world cared a little more and loved a little more. Thanks, Yona Marie, for helping bring us back to this time with your beautiful love song.

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SONG REVIEW: Aidan James - "What My Friends Talk About"

Written by Jessica Klausing

Aidan James shakes up the pop scene with his Hawaiian inspired melodies.

At age 9, James uploaded a Youtube video cover of Train’s “Hey, Soul Sister” while playing a ukulele. The video went viral with over 20 million views inspiring the young Hawaii native to venture into a music career.  In the last couple of years he has released an EP, “Live Again,” and a full-length album, “Echoes.” He has toured with many notable acts such as Train, Jack Johnson, Lisa Loeb, and Michael Bolton. Currently, 16 year old, James has been hard at work to release his new full-length album sometime later this year.

In his new single, “What My Friends Talk About,” James uses his ukulele to the bridge the melody gap between contemporary pop and R&B. Think sound wise similar to Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours.” The ukulele fades as the song progresses into an eclectic fusion of finger-snaps, hand claps, and percussion.

James’ warm vocals evoke a sweet innocence as he admits, “And you know I can’t remember anything before I saw your face.” His versatile talent and individuality shines through on this track. I can’t wait to hear what Aidan James has in store on his new album.

Purchase Aidan James’ MUSIC

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Kendrick Lamar's DAMN Collector's Edition

Written by Brody Duggson

When Kendrick Lamar confirmed that DAMN can be played in reverse, I immediately threw “Blood” into Audacity and reversed the soundwave. What came out of my wireless headphones made no sense.

Then I realized Lamar meant “reverse order” not backwards.

In early December of 2017, Lamar released a collector’s edition of his seminal opus, and hopefully soon-to-be winner of the Grammy award for Album of the Year, DAMN.  The edition contains all the songs from DAMN, with no new production, in an order opposite of the original.

Instead of starting with “Blood” and ending with “Duckworth,” the collector’s edition begins with “Duckworth” and concludes with “Blood.”

It may sound like a distinction without a difference, but before it dropped in mid-April, conspiracies swirled that Lamar/DAMN had more to offer.

DAMN was introduced to the world on Good Friday.  One theory said Lamar will release another great album on Easter Sunday.  

A second conspiracy, this one piggybacking on a tweet by TDE producer Soundwav—“But what if I told you... that's not the official version…”—claimed more new material was forthcoming.

A tinfoil-hat-wearing fan theorized that Lamar’s next album would be titled "NATION." This appellation was inspired by acrostics made from some of the last letters of DAMN’s tracks. 

By the way, those phrases were “Earth Led 2 Death” and “Death 4 Leader.”

Many “KenFolk” immediately recognized that the last line of DAMN’s finale, “Duckworth,” is the first line of DAMN’s opener, “Blood.”  Some concluded that those songs were connected, and the tracks in between, are Lamar struggling with a slew of contradictory ideas.

Releasing his masterpiece with a reverse track order may seem a bit underwhelming, but it does satisfy those who believed there was always more to DAMN than originally assumed.

Our cynical side says the collector’s edition is nothing more than a money grab.  After all, the power to listen to DAMN in reverse order is inside of all us.  Well, inside our media players.

There’s reason to applaud Lamar’s efforts.  By releasing his album with a different track order, he forces listeners to accept DAMN as a single work of art and not a collection of interchangeable singles.

There was a time when listening to an album out of its original order meant putting on side B before side A.

Nowadays, it’s a piece of cake to listen to albums out of order.  It’s just as easy to listen to them randomly, as part of a playlist with a bazillion other songs, or piecemeal—just download the songs you like.