After yesterday’s list that will make you rip your ears and eyes out and question why some artists still have a job, today’s list turns things around. For Day 4, I am bringing you the Top 10 Greatest Modern Christmas Songs. This includes songs that have been written over the past 30 years, and also modern renditions of some of the great Christmas classics. I hope you enjoy!
Top 10 Greatest Modern Christmas Songs
10. “Believe” – Josh Groban
Typically, I’m not a fan of fluffy feel-good Christmas songs (as evidenced when I listed “Christmas Shoes” as the Most Annoying Christmas Song). But there’s something about this hit from The Polar Express that I love. Whether it’s the incredible vocals of Josh Groban or the childlike aim to “just believe,” this song has become an instant Christmas classic. Released in 2004, it has become the 17th most downloaded Christmas song of all time and has been downloaded more than any of the songs featured on Groban’s Christmas album, Noel.
9. “In the First Light/Do You Hear What I Hear?” – Todd Agnew
Transitioning from the vocals of Josh Groban to Todd Agnew may be like transitioning from filet mignon to fast food, but this song is incredibly powerful. Agnew’s Christmas album, Do You See What I See? is unlike most Christmas albums. It actually tells the story of Christmas from start to finish, focusing on God’s redemption of mankind. This song is the finale and explains what the birth, death, and resurrection truly means.
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 out a sample of the song here: http://amzn.to/dKm0nR
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 out a sample here: http://amzn.to/egZ90t
5. “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.
4. “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.”
3. “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. And recently, it became the most downloaded Christmas song of all time. You may not like Mariah Carey, but this may turn out to be a classic Christmas song that has more staying power than Mariah.
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! Watch the video below…and be glad you don’t like next door to that guy!
Honorable mentions:
“The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)”
“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” – Michael Buble
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” by MercyMe
“Greensleeves” by Lynard Skynard (Trust me, it’s not what you think!)
“When a Child Is Born” – Il Divo
“Stille Nacht” – Mannheim Steamroller
“Angels We Have Heard on High” – Brian Setzer Orchestra
[Photo source: http://bit.ly/if7fD1]