Song of the Month:

The title of song of the month for December goes to All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey. The Christmas classic came back to dominate the Billboard Hot 100 during the holiday season, taking the No.1 spot, followed by songs like Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee and Last Christmas by Wham! at No.2 and No.3.

Album of the Month:

The title of album of the month for December goes to GNX by Kendrick Lamar. GNX was surprise-released on November 22, 2024, and quickly gained popularity. The album follows the massive success of Lamar’s hit single “Not Like Us.” Some notable songs from the album include “Squabble Up,” “Luther,” and “TV Off.”

Artist of the Month:

The title of artist of the month for December goes to Ariana Grande. Grande saw success as Glinda in the film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical Wicked, and in December, Grande’s song “Santa Tell Me” reached the No.5 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the newest Christmas song to place in the top ten and the second Christmas song of the 21st century to do so, tied with “Underneath The Tree” by Kelly Clarkson.

Billboard Hot 100:

Here is a list of the top 10 songs and albums on the Billboard Hot 100, Billboard 200, and Billboard Global 200 rounding out the month of December. You can see a full list of all songs on the charts here.

1. All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey.
2. Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee.
3. Last Christmas by Wham!
4. Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms.
5. Santa Tell Me by Ariana Grande.
6. A Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives.
7. It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year by Andy Williams.
8. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! by Dean Martin.
9. Underneath The Tree by Kelly Clarkson.
10. The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) by Nat King Cole.

Billboard 200:

1. Hop by Stray Kids.
2. GNX by Kendrick Lamar.
3. The Tortured Poets Department by Taylor Swift.
4. Short n’ Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter.
5. Christmas by Michael Bublé.
6. Ultimate Christmas by Bing Crosby.
7. Wicked: The Soundtrack by Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Various Artists.
8. Hit Me Hard And Soft by Billie Eilish.
9. The Rise And Fall Of A Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan.
10. Merry Christmas by Mariah Carey.

Billboard Global 200:

1. All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey.
2. Last Christmas by Wham!
3. Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee.
4. Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms.
5. APT. by ROSÉ and Bruno Mars.
6. Santa Tell Me by Ariana Grande.
7. Underneath The Tree by Kelly Clarkson.
8. It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas by Michael Bublé.
9. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! By Dean Martin.
10. Die With A Smile by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.

Christmas Chart Takeover:

Every year during the holiday season, Christmas songs make massive comebacks on the charts, and this year was no exception. Hits like “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey, “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee, and “Last Christmas” by Wham! all rose to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Global 200. All ten of the top ten songs on the Billboard Hot 100 were Christmas songs, as well as eight of the top ten on the Billboard Global 200 as well, with “APT.” by ROSÉ and Bruno Mars and “Die With A Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars being the only two non-Christmas songs on that chart.

Song of the Year:

After multiple rounds of voting over the past few weeks, the Music ‘24 Song Of The Year has been chosen. And the winner is… “Die With A Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars. 

New Year, New Name, New Location:

With 2024 coming to an end and 2025 right around the corner, it is only fitting for Music ‘24 to ring in the new year with a new name: Music ‘25. Music ‘25 will continue with monthly editions as well as other articles throughout the remainder of the school year, however, after the school year concludes, Music ‘25 will move to a publication independent of the West Press that, at the time of this article’s release, has yet to be determined. More information coming soon!

Are there any more topics you would like me to cover in future monthly editions of Music ‘25? Let me know in the comments below!