There's a secret to what makes Christmas music sound "Christmassy" (VIDEO) -- Aleteia

There’s a secret to what makes Christmas music sound “Christmassy” (VIDEO)

Sophia Swinford - published on 12/18/17

Have you ever wondered why some songs just sound like the holiday season?

There are some Christmas classics that have defined the season for what feels like forever: “White Christmas,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Christmas Song,” “Let It Snow.” But there’s one much more contemporary song that has quickly earned itself the same pedigree.

Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” was released in 1994 and has quickly become a Christmastime classic. But what is it about the song that makes it sound so festive?

In the video above, Adam Ragusea, a professor at Mercer University with a background in music, explains the secret chord in this song that harkens back to those jazzy Christmas classics and, as though by magic, seems to evoke hot cocoa on snowy December night.

Enjoying your time on Aleteia?

Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you.

Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more.

Donate now!