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Oh Holy Night
Just as in “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” it’s impossible for me to pick who does the best version of this song. But it’s without a doubt MY favorite Christmas song ever. It’s epic. It’s beautiful. When the chorus comes in–”fall on your knees, oh hear the angel voices” I am just moved. I love the song, and it’s about the most important part of the season, the birth of Jesus. I say that as I type this after sleeping in past mass. I suck. Either way, here are some good renditions that I could find on YouTube.
“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”
This song is so good that it doesn’t matter who is playing it. Sometimes some versions mess up the lyrics a little bit, and while that irks me, I’ll credit artistic creativity/interpretation. I really do love Coldplay’s version, as well as the versions by Copeland (Aaron Marsh), James Taylor, and Frank Sinatra. But for a song that is this good, it’s impossible to pick one that is clear cut above the others.
I’ll include a few videos from YouTube, maybe you can decide which one you like best. But most importantly, have yourself a merry little Christmas.
“The Christmas Song” – Nat King Cole
The opening lines of this song are one of the famous of all time. This is such a wonderful and classic song. Nat is the man. The imagery that this song has makes it impossible to not to conjure up thoughts of what is being sung about. It’s heartwarming.
Although it’s been said many times, many ways, Merry Christmas, to you.
And I know I’m cheating, but because this is called “The Christmas Song,” I figured I throw in some extra videos of other songs titled the same…namely by Dave Mathews Band and Owl City.
“Silent Night/Away in the Manger” – Relient K
Yes, I’m cheating again with putting two songs in one (I’ll do it again tomorrow as well, sue me, I’m the boss, I do what I want).
I love this medley because of the piano that runs through it, as well as Matt Thessien’s voice. It’s just a beautiful song. I’ve been listening to it before I’ve been going to sleep the last few nights.
Silent Night is one of my favorite Christmas songs, and as my brother can attest, I have like 50 versions of it. Now that we are into the top 5, it’s hard to pick the best, so I may as well include some of the honorable mentions of the song. Taylor Swift, Sarah McLaughlin, Sinatra, Low, Bright Eyes, etc.
Now that I’m back home, I can hook up the YouTube videos again. If you listen to the entire song(s) you’ll hear the piano keep going, and that’s because it starts up at the beginning of the next song off this particular album called “I Celebrate the Day.” While this won’t make the Top 25 Countdown, I’m going to include the video if you have a few minutes to listen. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent Night/Away In A Manger
I Celebrate The Day
“White Christmas” – Bing Crosby
Classic. Easy as that. No explanation needed. I started watching the movie the other night but it was too late for me, it’s def on my hitlist though.
This year is shaping up to be a white christmas, which couldn’t be more perfect. Makes the whole day that much better.
Happy Christmas everyone.
“I’ll be home for Christmas” – frank Sinatra
This is one of my favorite christmas songs. It’s sad yet hopeful. It reminds me of all the people that can’t be with their loves ones, especially our troops serving overseas. That’s something important to think about..how fortunate we really ate to be able to spend this special time of year with our loved ones. Take the time to tell your friends and family how great it is to spend time with them this season. Take care and God bless.
Also, both bing Crosby and michael buble do excellent versions of this song.
“All I Want for Christmas” – Mariah Carey
For obvious reasons, this song is fun, and it has already be one a modern classic. Mariah has pipes, and she flexes them here for the world to see.
Also here’s a road trip update. I decided to call our trip the ‘we’ll be home for christmas’ road trip. Today we drive from Albuquerque, NM go Springfield, MO. Another 12 hours. Yayy. GBA.
“Silver Bells” – Bing Crosby
If this isn’t a classic I don’t know what is. This song features Rosemary Clooney (George’s aunt I believe). This song reminds me of Christmas in NYC, which is one of the best things about the holiday season. I haven’t been able to get down there yet, but hopefully I can when I’m back from the road trip.
I can’t link to YouTube when I write this on my iPhone, so just search ‘silver bells bing’ and you’ll be able to listen. Much love.
Ps in case you’re interested, we’re leaving LA shortly and driving to Albuquerque. 12 hrs of driving?? Sign me up!!
“Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” – Jackson 5
This original version of this song (from the old claymation TV special) was one of my favorite songs as a child. But the first time I heard the Jackson 5 version, my mind was blown. I’m not sure if they were the first to sing it like this, but shit, they may sing it the best. Bruce Springsteen does another good version with the E Street Band, but little Michael Jackson just kills it. Rest in peace MJ.
“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” – Death Cab for Cutie
Well shit. We’ve cracked into the Top 10. At this point, these songs are just epic and it’s going to be hard for me to pick the who does the best version, but I’ll do the best I can.
It was between Death Cab and Anberlin for this one. I like the U2 version a lot as well, but for some reason the Death Cab one just seemed to be the best choice. This is a sad, but fun song, and it reaks of Christmas. Years back I used to confuse this song with “Last Christmas” (#24 on our list).
Also, I’m flying out to California tomorrow to drive my brother home. So Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday I will most likely not be able to post YouTube links from my phone, but we’ll see what I can do.
“Happy Christmas (War Is Over)” – John Lennon
Yes, after John Lennon left the Beatles for Yoko he became a crazy socialist hippie–and the lyrics of this song reflect that. But it is a song of hope and a song of peace, and that’s something to keep in mind. Best wishes to all for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
The First Noel – Josh Groban & Faith Hill
These two incredible singers just KILL IT in this song. What pipes. The chorus in the background is awesome. Josh Groban is unbelievable, and Faith is not only beautiful, but I really never knew about her range and how well she can belt. I mean wow. What a great song. Born is the King. (thats kind of a cool name for a band/album/song (i’ll keep that in mind for later))
I can’t find the song/video on youtube, so here’s a link to where you can watch/listen (it’s legit, not a link to horse porn (sorry, I know you want it)):
http://fliiby.com/file/139226/ztopzkfc0q.html
“Let It Snow” – Frank Sinatra
This is a classic. Frank is awesome. I love the brass in this version.
“Oh Come Emmanuel” – Haste the Day
First of all, I’m pissed off since this used to be on YouTube but no longer is and I DON’T KNOW WHY. Whatever. This song is so good, so powerful, so moving. When the chorus of “Rejoice! Rejoice!” comes in, wow…maybe it’s just me (and it probably is) but it’s incredibly beautiful. This video was the best I could find, it’s instrumental, but it’s still really great. Don’t forget, Jesus is the reason for the season.
“Winter Wonderland” – Phantom Planet
A great modern spin on a Christmas classic. It’s a real fun song, just as it should be.
