Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Today I’m analyzing “Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson — a Christmas hit that fuses pop energy with unexpectedly jazzy harmony. We’ll look at the unique 1–3m–♭7–2m–4m–5 progression, the six-bar pre-chorus that builds tension faster than usual, and how Clarkson and Greg Kurstin recycle melodic motifs across sections for cohesion. There’s also a clear nod to All I Want for Christmas Is You and even a melodic lift from The Winner Takes It All. A great example of how to modernize the Christmas pop tradition while staying harmonically rich.
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ALMOST BUT NOT QUITE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SONGWRITING:
spectreacademy.net/courses/complete-guide-to-songwriting/?sld=rafa
PATREON:
patreon.com/letstalksong
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instagram.com/letstalksong
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This video is made for educational and commentary purposes only. My intention is not to infringe upon any copyright laws. All rights to the music featured in this video belong to their respective owners. This reaction video is intended to provide analysis, insights, and a unique perspective on the music, which I believe falls under fair use. Please support the original artists by checking out the official content on their platforms.
#KellyClarkson #UnderneathTheTree #SongwritingAnalysis
Today I’m analyzing “Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson — a Christmas hit that fuses pop energy with unexpectedly jazzy harmony. We’ll look at the unique 1–3m–♭7–2m–4m–5 progression, the six-bar pre-chorus that builds tension faster than usual, and how Clarkson and Greg Kurstin recycle melodic motifs across sections for cohesion. There’s also a clear nod to All I Want for Christmas Is You and even a melodic lift from The Winner Takes It All. A great example of how to modernize the Christmas pop tradition while staying harmonically rich.
MORE LINKS AND RESSOURCES:
https://linktr.ee/letstalksong
BECOME A CHANNEL MEMBER:
youtube.com/channel/UC04PpfrMUHhBWhCTKSPsHdg/join
ALMOST BUT NOT QUITE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SONGWRITING:
spectreacademy.net/courses/complete-guide-to-songwriting/?sld=rafa
PATREON:
patreon.com/letstalksong
INSTAGRAM:
instagram.com/letstalksong
TIKTOK:
tiktok.com/@letstalksong
This video is made for educational and commentary purposes only. My intention is not to infringe upon any copyright laws. All rights to the music featured in this video belong to their respective owners. This reaction video is intended to provide analysis, insights, and a unique perspective on the music, which I believe falls under fair use. Please support the original artists by checking out the official content on their platforms.
#KellyClarkson #UnderneathTheTree #SongwritingAnalysis
