10. Karmin
Karmin is a husband and wife pop duo consisting of singers Nick and Amy Noonan. They are best known for their covers of songs including “Look at Me Now” and “Super Bass” as well as their original hit “Brokenhearted.” Their cover of “Baby It’s Cold Outside” elevates this Christmas standard to a song that could easily be played on the radio come February or even July.
Listening to Karmin’s version of “Baby It’s Cold Outside” it is easy to forget it is a Christmas song. It sounds like it could easily be included on the next Florence and the Machine album. Karmin excels at taking familiar songs taking and creating completely new sounds. This one is no different with its melancholic and dark tune.
The visuals of the video also help keep it evergreen. Rather than cheerful fireplaces and twinkling lights, the imagery is that of an evil queen and her captured prey. The theme of the inability to leave is there, but it’s more of a princess being locked in her tower than that of a woman trying to leave a man who just doesn’t get the hint.
It is interesting that in a group with both a female and male singer, the male’s voice is noticeably absent. This song is all Amy’s. It makes the song more powerful and gives it new meaning. The coldness mentioned is creepier in a different way — here it’s more of an ominous overall feeling than a direct threat.