It’s time to finally let Mariah take a break and add these tracks to your holiday playlist
Bubblegum pop is a subgenre of music that’s sweet, catchy, and refreshing—like an addicting piece of gum we can’t stop chewing. Nothing beats counting down the days to Christmas with some good old quintessential holiday songs blasting in our living rooms. But, it’s time to finally let Mariah take a break and add these tracks to your holiday playlist.
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“Knock Knock” by Twice
This Twice song knocks everyone’s hearts with its adorable dance routines and distinctive Twice sound. Its music video reflects the holidays, featuring scenes of slumber parties and snowball fights—a cozy, breezy track that makes Filipinos wish for a white Christmas in this tropical country.
“Say So” by Doja Cat
Need a dance inspo for your family’s Christmas dance battle? Doja Cat’s 2019 hit brings you back to that TikTok era when everyone danced to this addictive bop. It’s been five years since its release yet it never fails to make you wave your hips and ride its rhythm.
“Gee” by Girls’ Generation
Everyone, even non-K-pop fans, grew up dancing to Girls’ Generation’s “Gee.” Many definitely took inspiration from the girls’ popular, colorful skinny jeans for their Christmas party look. The holiday season is the best time to revive this iconic bubblegum track so kids of this time know their roots.
“Santa Baby” by Madonna
Madonna’s version of Santa Baby is essentially the song’s pop rendition, which was originally sung by Eartha Kitt in 1953. With Madonna’s candy-like voice, it becomes a pot of caramel—quirky and cheesy while retaining the song’s sultry burlesque sound that makes you sway gracefully.
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“Dancing Queen” by Abba
Abba’s “Dancing Queen” is a pop classic that makes one dance, jive, and have the time of their lives. This Europop version of American disco is meshed with its timeless piano run-down and string synth, going for that upbeat song everyone can unapologetically dance to without any judgment.
“Paligoy-ligoy” by Nadine Lustre
For those who don’t know, Nadine Lustre is deemed the pinnacle of bubblegum pop in the Philippine scene. Her “Diary ng Panget” OST, “Paligoy-ligoy,” is the cutesy-dancey backdrop to play as you whip your family’s noche buena.
“Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)” by Lady Gaga
Far from Lady Gaga’s usual electropop and dance pop songs, “Eh, Eh” still has her original sound because of the ’80s synthpop feel in it. It is the kind of song you play on full blast as you wait for Christmas Eve to come.
“Pop!” By Nayeon
It’s not a bubblegum song list if it doesn’t have Nayeon’s hit solo debut. While the song emanates summer vibes, “Pop!” stirs our minds bewitchingly even during the ‘Ber’ months with its catchy beat that always has everyone dancing throughout the entire chorus.
“Super Bass” by Nicki Minaj
“Super Bass” is a refreshing blast from the past that conjures the shared Filipino experience of proudly showing off their thick baller bands, Domo-kun pouches, and iconic Hello Kitty glasses to adorn their Christmas party attire. It’s a cultural asset that shall not be forgotten on the holiday playlist.
“Dun Dun Dance” by Oh My Girl
Oh My Girl’s “Dun Dun Dance” deserves more recognition. This breezy summer bop warrants a spot on the holiday playlist—it’s so addicting that you cannot just stop this song.
“Lagi” by Bini
P-pop girl group BINI surely revives the bubblegum pop genre with their song “Lagi.” Christmas preparation will never be boring if this plays, making one sing and dance even in the kitchen and living room.
“Cherry On Top” by Bini
Bini’s “Cherry On Top” is indeed the cherry on top of this list. It’s the sticky-sweet song that tells you that your presence is a present. And that is what Christmas is supposed to be.