About the Song
For many, the holiday season doesn’t truly begin until the familiar sounds of Christmas classics fill the airwaves. And while Bing Crosby crooning “White Christmas” or Nat King Cole’s velvety voice singing “The Christmas Song” might be the traditional soundtrack for some, there’s a certain generation that can’t help but feel a surge of festive cheer when they hear The Partridge Family’s rendition of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”
Released in 1971 as part of their Christmas album, A Partridge Family Christmas Card, this version of the holiday staple brought a distinctly 70s pop sensibility to a song already beloved by millions. Originally recorded by Brenda Lee in 1958 (when she was just 13 years old!), “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” quickly became a seasonal favorite. The Partridge Family, however, with their signature blend of wholesome family entertainment and catchy pop arrangements, gave the song a fresh, contemporary feel that resonated with a new generation.
David Cassidy, the teen heartthrob of the era, takes the lead vocal, his youthful energy and undeniable charm shining through. The backing vocals provided by the rest of the Partridge Family, including Shirley Jones (David’s real-life stepmother), add a layer of warmth and familial harmony. The instrumentation, featuring jangly guitars, a driving bass line, and festive sleigh bells, creates an irresistible pop-rock groove that’s impossible not to tap your feet to.
But what truly sets The Partridge Family’s version apart is its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era. The 70s were a time of bell bottoms, platform shoes, and a burgeoning pop culture that embraced both innocence and rebellion. The Partridge Family, with their squeaky-clean image and catchy tunes, perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the time. Listening to their rendition of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” transports us back to that era, conjuring up images of families gathered around the television, tinsel shimmering on the Christmas tree, and the anticipation of presents on Christmas morning.
While some may criticize The Partridge Family’s music for being overly saccharine or commercially driven, there’s no denying the joyful, infectious energy they brought to their performances. Their version of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” is a testament to their ability to take a classic song and make it their own, infusing it with a youthful exuberance that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages. So, this holiday season, let The Partridge Family be your guide as you rock around the Christmas tree and celebrate the magic of the season.