O Holy Night

Great Christmas Songs I Hope You've Heard

"O Holy Night" (1847), the most emotionally favorite on my list.  Again, this one is what I'd characterize as a very deliberate call to worship.  Take a look sometime at the literal English translation of the French poem, "Minuit, chrétiens" (Midnight, Christians) by Placide Cappeau.  A bit more direct than our contemporary version, "... Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer...."

Virtually every musical style has adapted this one, pop, country.... even the cast of Glee took it on this year.  But in it's purity, in my mind, it needs the gift of a powerful soprano to truly bring it to life.  This year I was stunned, and brought to tears by the flawless performance by Jackie Evancho.  If you don't know Jackie already... you're in for a treat.

See Jackie on The Tonight Show

Little Drummer Boy

Great Christmas Songs I Hope You've Heard

"Little Drummer Boy" (1941), probably my all time favorite Christmas song, partially because it's sentimental from when I was really young, but now because I see it as the solid worship song it is.

Many great arrangements and covers out there, but listen to Josh Groban's version, 2007.  Josh nails this one in his vocal mastery, but wow... when the orchestration really kicks in half-way through and the bagpipes blend seamlessly with Josh's high baritone... if you don't get goosebumps, you don't have it loud enough.  Try headphones if you have to.  Brazillian fingerstyle guitarist Andy McKee adds the kick.

Here's a clip from Oprah.com

I also love this Jars of Clay version.

Note: If you want to hear a drummer take this on, check out John Mehler's version from 1982