Welcome back Bandstand fans.
Well December is officially upon us. That's right Thanksgiving turkey sympathizers, no longer can you protest the rights of that tasty bird who is only bound for an edible doom.
I hope you enjoyed the first half of my "Essential Christmas Collection," and I know you have been waiting on the edge of your seat, some of you over sleepless nights, for me to reveal the second half of the album. So here it goes...
10. I'll Be Home For Christmas - Michael Buble
Now I know he is not the original artist of this song, but you've got to hand it to the guy. He can sing (and the chicks LOVE him). However, to be truthfully honest (and redundant), one of the main reasons I love this song is that it was originally written for our troops overseas. Before its first debut in 1943, it was believed that World War II would end and all of our heros would be home by Christmas. Unfortunately, as we all should know, that reality never happened. This is where the line "if only in my dreams" rang true for our troops. This song truly was a popular and heartfelt hit of the 40s, and obviously became an American Christmas classic over the last 7 decades. We can now only pray that someday, all of our men and women in service will someday be able to come home for Christmas. God Bless and Merry Christmas to our troops!
11. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Frank Sinatra
There he is. You didn't think I'd leave good ol' Frank off the list, did you? Sinatra is arguably the most popular singer in American history. The unmistakable sound in his voice just puts you in a total "chill mode." One could even argue that Frank relaxes, even comforts the listener, and when you add the holiday inspired lyrics to his already sophisticatedly suave tone, it makes for a unique and unprecedented Christmas charisma. Nobody does it better than Frank.
12. The Christmas Song - Nat "King" Cole
C'mon now, any attempt at a Christmas playlist without Nat King Cole is a futile effort. Although the credit for writing this classic goes to Mel Torme and Bob Wells (1944), it was best performed by Nat King Cole. And when you hear someone else's version, it's simply not as good. Originally a Jazz pianist, Cole incorporated some of those jazzy roots into this piece. About two minutes into the song there is an interlude of keys and jazz guitar that recalls the memories of spending quality time with loved ones by the fire. The Christmas Song; a no doubt MUST for any Christmas music enthusiast.
13. Do You Hear What I Hear? - Martina McBride
Some of you may have been wondering when the songs about the TRUE reason for the season would start making the list. Well wait no more my friends. Wait no more, that is, for the Son of God, for the Hope of the World, for the Word to become flesh. Though it was written in 1962 by Noel Regney, Martina mystically performs it here, passionately singing of the whispers of a Messiah finally coming to the Earth to save Israel and the rest of the world from their sin. The star that guided the Magi and shepherds. The Song that rose above the trees. The Child, asleep, adorned with silver and gold. It all points to the Light of the world. This song speaks to that quiet, yet fateful night.
14. The Little Drummer Boy - Josh Groban
There are three reasons this song makes the list. First, when I was just a tyke, I remember having this little toy drum with drumsticks that I would always play with. When I heard this song, I would play this drum. I WAS the little drummer boy (legendary, I know). Second, the inclusion of bagpipes is absolute GOLD. The rise and build of the song into the breathtaking instrument of the highlands is just epic. Third, Josh Groban. I mean really, he is probably the best male vocalist on the planet right now. There is no question about the necessity to have him on this album.
15. O Come Let Us Adore Him - Shane Barnard & Shane Everett
Some of you have never heard of these guys, but those that have know exactly where I'm going with this. If you have ever heard any of their work, their harmonic blends are second to none. Check this song out on iTunes, and tell me I'm wrong. I can already see some of the male vocalists out there trying to match the harmonies in this one, maybe in the car or even in the shower (I feel you, bro). With that being said, I really love the theme of this song. Christmas reminds us of the gift that God gave to us; His precious and begotten Son. Wherever we are in the world, wherever we are spiritually, we can come, and we are able to worship and adore Him.
16. What Child Is This - Carrie Underwood
Sorry Taylor Swiffer Sweepers, Carrie out-sings every female country artist by a landslide. When you combine her talents with one of my favorite Christmas songs, the result is an obvious choice for my list. This version of the song begins soft and mellow, but the change of key and the build in this recording almost floors me. This song declares that the child, born of a virgin outside a quaint town in a humble manger, is indeed the Savior, the Christ King. He is worthy of honor, praise, and affection.
17. Silent Night - David Crowder Band
I know what many of you are thinking. "You chose arguably the most popular Christmas song known to man, and with that you have a plethora of artists and versions of the song you could choose, and yet you choose...David Crowder?" I would love to explain...
First of all, the song begins like it should; quiet and somber (stop messing it up hippies). Second, when we actually sing the second and third verses, we realize that this song isn't what the consumer driven Christmas has made it out to be. We forget about these verses, and thus forget that element of worship that was put into the writing of this song. Third, I love that this version was recorded live (in fact, for all I know, I could have been in the arena during the recording). Fourth, I love how the end of this song is different. While we usually end it in "heavenly peace," Crowder rolls it into a celebratory jam session. Yes! There is reason to celebrate! "It started so quiet...oh what a night...started so quiet...and then a Light!"
This is it. The grand finale...
18. O Holy Night - Celine Dion
If someone wants to tell me there is a better female vocalist in the world than Celine Dion, just stop. You are wrong. I want my list to have the best. That is why Celine makes the cut. Honestly, I did have some trouble with this one. I knew this song would be on the playlist because it is by far my favorite Christmas song, I just didn't know which artist/version to choose. I had it narrowed down to Celine and a guy named Ryan Stuart (a select few of you might be familiar) who recorded a cover of this song for the North Point Church Christmas Album (available on iTunes). It may be a surprise to most, but those of you who are familiar know that this guy CAN STRAIGHT UP BELT. But at the end of the day, you can't say no to the most gifted female singer maybe ever. Think I'm wrong? Download this version and wait until about the 4:25 mark on the track, and then get back to me. You will poop your chaps.
Again, much like Silent Night, I love the second and third verses of this song we tend to neglect. They are awesome and powerful. They speak of a broken world, lost in sin and hopelessness. Then, a thrill of hope...a divine night...then a new day will come! Finally, the Savior. He is the Lord! Broken chains. Freed slaves. And we will praise Him forever...
So there it is, folks. The Essential Christmas Collection, chosen by yours truly. I would love to hear your own thoughts too...What songs did I miss? Do you agree with some of them? Etc...
Either way, thanks for reading, and Merry Christmas!
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