Christmas Vacation Soundtrack Song List Revealed

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than with a Christmas movie classic? National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, released in 1989, is a staple of holiday viewing, and its soundtrack is an integral part of its enduring appeal. The film's score, composed by Angelo Badalamenti, perfectly captures the mood and atmosphere of the Griswold family's disastrous holiday season. In this article, we'll delve into the Christmas Vacation soundtrack song list, exploring the various tunes that make this holiday classic so unforgettable.

The Importance of Music in Christmas Vacation

Music plays a vital role in setting the tone and atmosphere of any film, and Christmas Vacation is no exception. The soundtrack expertly weaves together a mix of original compositions, classic holiday tunes, and catchy pop songs to create a sense of nostalgia and festive cheer. From the opening notes of "Christmas Vacation Theme" to the final strains of "Here Comes Santa Claus," the soundtrack is an integral part of the movie's magic.

The Christmas Vacation Soundtrack Song List

Here's a comprehensive list of the songs featured in the Christmas Vacation soundtrack:

• "Christmas Vacation Theme" (Angelo Badalamenti)
• "Deck the Halls" ( Traditional)
• "Jingle Bells" (Traditional)
• "Here Comes Santa Claus" (Gene Autry)
• "That Spirit of Christmas" (Mavis Staples)
• "Holiday Road" (Lindsey Buckingham)
• "Winter Wonderland" (Dean Martin)
• "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" (Judy Garland)
• "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" (Andy Williams)
• "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" (Brenda Lee)
• "Jingle Bell Rock" (Bobby Helms)
• "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" (Darlene Love)

The Making of the Soundtrack

The Christmas Vacation soundtrack was composed by Angelo Badalamenti, a renowned film composer known for his work on Twin Peaks and Blue Velvet. Badalamenti's score perfectly captures the mood and atmosphere of the film, blending humor, sentimentality, and festive cheer. The soundtrack features a mix of original compositions, classic holiday tunes, and catchy pop songs, all carefully selected to enhance the movie's emotional impact.

The Impact of the Soundtrack

The Christmas Vacation soundtrack has had a lasting impact on popular culture, with many of its songs becoming synonymous with the holiday season. The film's score has been widely praised for its clever use of music to enhance the comedic and emotional moments of the movie. The soundtrack has also been released on CD and digital platforms, allowing fans to enjoy the music outside of the film.

Fun Facts and Trivia

• The song "Holiday Road" was written specifically for the film by Lindsey Buckingham, the lead vocalist of Fleetwood Mac.
• The soundtrack features a mix of classic holiday tunes, including "Jingle Bells" and "Deck the Halls," which were arranged by Angelo Badalamenti.
• The song "That Spirit of Christmas" was performed by Mavis Staples, a legendary gospel singer.
• The soundtrack has been certified gold by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) for sales of over 500,000 copies.

Conclusion

The Christmas Vacation soundtrack is an integral part of the film's enduring appeal, perfectly capturing the mood and atmosphere of the Griswold family's disastrous holiday season. With its mix of original compositions, classic holiday tunes, and catchy pop songs, the soundtrack is a must-listen for fans of the movie. Whether you're a nostalgic fan of the film or just looking for some festive cheer, the Christmas Vacation soundtrack is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.