Top 5 Christmas Songs

top5christmassongs

For the next several weeks I will put together some Top 5 lists on different topics. I’ll also throw up a poll on the website so you can vote on it, too!

So here are the best of the best Christmas songs. And, I have to say, reducing this list down to 5 songs was RIDICULOUSLY hard! The choice between the top 2 songs were even harder, and I’m still not sure I made the right pick after going over it every which way but sideways! But, a call had to be made…and I made it!

So without further adieu…

5. Silent Night (Traditional)
Am I underrating Silent Night by putting it 5th? It’s such a staple at Christmas time but, I think, the hype might overshadow the actual song, which is still pretty good. It might just need a little spicing up. That’s why I like the Temptations version a lot!

4. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Traditional)
For me, much like “God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen”, this song has a bit of a darker undertone to it. Throw in the historical elements of the lyrics and the song really carries some weight. If you want to hear a really hauntingly beautiful version of this song, check out Enya’s version.

3. What Child Is This? (Traditional)
For me, this is one of the most underrated Christmas songs. If you listen to this version with Andrea Boccelli and Mary J. Blige, you’ll agree. It sounds oppressively sad, even the parts that are supposed to be redeeming.  And then comes the melody and everything is all better!

2. O Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fidelis) (Traditional)
It’s an all time classic, powerful and triumphant. Singing the first verse in Latin (memories of 9th grade chorus!) always made me feel like Pavarotti, although i sound like an idiot! This song is timeless. Here is one of my favorite versions from Casting Crowns.

1. O Holy Night (Traditional)
As much as I might have tried to resist (I didn’t try that hard!) I just couldn’t keep this song from taking the gold. It has everything-great melody, great lyrics, equal parts joy and melancholy and it is a blast for great singers to cover. The “fall on your knees” line is the most goosebump inducing line in Christmas music history with the word “divine” in the last line running a close second. Here are two beautiful versions. One from Josh Groban and one from Mariah Carey.

What do you think? Let me know on Facebook or in the comments below!

Next week: Top 5 Christmas Movies!

Categories: Top 5 Lists