There’s exactly one criterion for a great performance of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”: Is it joyful? The tune is peak Christmas cheer, a song about the childlike glee the season can bring.

However, released on Nov. 7 was a teaser for his upcoming Christmas album “A Very 1999 Christmas” — a cover of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” Surprisingly, this isn’t the first time ...