Yesterday I gave my list for the Most Annoying Christmas Songs. Today I’m changing it up and looking on the bright side. This is a list I’ve complied of the Top 10 Greatest Modern Christmas Songs. By “modern,” I don’t mean they were written in the last 10 years, although some were. These are simply the greatest versions of Christmas songs that have been done in my lifetime. I wanted to make sure I didn’t repeat the same song twice. I tried not to repeat the same artist, with one exception. Hopefully you’ll understand why.
10. “Angels We Have Heard on High” - The Brian Setzer Orchestra
This is mainly instrumental, but it’s a very fun song with great guitar playing by Brian Setzer. Other songs by the band that almost made the list: “Jingle Bells” and “Jingle Bell Rock.”
9. “When a Child Is Born” – Il Divo
This quartet of guys probably has the best set of vocals in this entire list. Absolutely amazing and stunning, even if I can’t understand most of their music (They sing in 4 different languages if I’m not mistaken.) No surprise, but these guys are another Simon Cowell creation. Their version of “O Holy Night” is amazing as well.
8. “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” – Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan
A group of Canadian guys just had to pick that name for their band, didn’t they? Ugh. I learned a rough lesson many years ago: Never ask your grandparents for a “Barenaked Ladies” album for Christmas. They had a serious discussion with my parents. Anyway, with the added vocals of Sarah McLaughlan, this is a great version of the classic song. Simple music, but a song I love to hear during the Christmas season.
Check it out here: http://bit.ly/7hb0eL
7. “Stille Nacht (Silent Night)” – Mannheim Steamroller
Now that we’re in 2009, some of the music from Mannheim Steamroller sounds cheesy, like a Midi file from the days of Windows 95. However, this soft and soothing song is a classic. It’s a very relaxing version of “Silent Night.”
6. “The First Noel” – Josh Groban and Faith Hill
I could probably put every Christmas song by Josh Groban on this list. The man is amazing! This duet with Faith Hill is the best version of this song I’ve heard. Their voices sound so pure and even the high notes sound effortless.
Check it out here: http://bit.ly/6ni4rK
5. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey
Did this one catch you off guard? People may laugh, shake their heads, or roll their eyes, but let’s be honest, it’s a great song that most everyone recognizes. It’s been covered by John Mayer, Shania Twain, Miley Cyrus, and even My Chemical Romance. You may not like Mariah Carey, but this may turn out to be a classic Christmas song that has more staying power than Mariah.
Check it out here: http://bit.ly/4vhRqU
4. “Silver Bells” – Kenny G
Who would have thought a Jewish saxophone player would make the top 5 on a Christmas song list? Although he produces some really laughable songs, this is by far one of the greatest instrumental pieces of Christmas music. When I hear it, it immediately makes me feel like Christmas is coming soon. It also reminds me of the sax playing at the end of SNL during the mid 1990s, but that’s just random.
3. “Christmas Canon” – Trans-Siberian Orchestra
I’ve always been a huge fan of Pachelbel’s “Canon in D.” TSO took a wonderful classic from the 1600s and turned it into something incredible. Although this doesn’t contain their usual screeching guitar riffs, it does contain a choir that really helps bring the song to life. In 2004, the group added to the song with “Christmas Canon Rock.”
2. “O Holy Night” – David Phelps (Live)
This is my favorite Christmas song of all time. It seems like people either master it or butcher it; there’s no in between. After listening to many different versions and arrangements, I’m convinced this is the best version you can find. And to think this is Phelps doing this live…incredible! Also, don’t over look the incredible piano part by the late Anthony Burger.
1. “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24″ – Trans-Siberian Orchestra
As you probably already know, this is a medley of “Carol of the Bells” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” As much as I didn’t want to repeat an artist, TSO deserves to be on this list twice. With this arrangement, Trans-Siberian Orchestra took classic Christmas songs and cranked up the amps to put Christmas right in your face. This is a song that’s still enjoyable in July. Whether you love the scaling guitars, the pounding piano, or the opening lines of the cello, this is a song that can be enjoyed by everyone…or almost everyone!
Honorable mentions:
“The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)”
“Ave Maria” – Placido Domingo and Michael Bolton [Beautiful song, but not a fan of the translated lyrics]
“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” – Michael Buble
“Believe” – Josh Groban
Did I miss any? Feel free to add to the list!
Tomorrow: Top 10 Classic Christmas Songs