Christmas music might not seem like a natural fit for dance music, but Kaskade’s facility for sharp hooks and sleek grooves is so keen that you may not think twice about the novelty of hearing classic songs in such a contemporary style. Covering a wide range of tunes, both traditional and modern, he finds ways to express their sleigh bell-tinkling essence over easygoing house and downtempo production—in part by knowing when to take liberties. Over a slinky hip-hop beat, he wisely flips the perky melody of “Jingle Bells” into something mysterious and minor-key, and he discards the melody of “Deck the Halls” altogether in favor of a low-lit R&B/future-house fusion. Even a chestnut like “Winter Wonderland” feels remarkably fresh, its built-in nostalgia the perfect fuel for an emo-soaked, indie-tronic refix.
Other Versions
- 13 Songs
- Jessie James Decker
- Jon McLaughlin
- United Ibiza DJs
- Various Artists
- She & Him