O Holy Night — Here are the Ten Greatest Renditions to Listen to All Season Long
In the annals of Christmas music, one song stands out. It is the carol of carols, the benchmark of aspiring vocalists and the be-all, end-all for so many singers.
This Holy Grail of vocal gravitas is usually just about one note. And while listening ears are accustomed to wanting someone who can raise the rafters on the “-vine” of “Oh, night di-,” there are musicians who have found a backdoor via a folksy, more quirky route that is also lovely because it’s unexpected and different.
I listened to more than 100 versions of the famed carol researching this article, a mere fraction of what’s out there. And, exceptions noted, you will find I favor a certain genre for this perennial holiday tune. Though old-world and classic in origin, I contend “O Holy Night” is best performed from a more soulful approach.
Before I offer what I think are the top ten versions I heard, there should be some honorable mentions for performances of this piece that are truly impressive. Performances from the likes of Luciano Pavorotti and Placido Domingo of the Three Tenors, Charlotte Church, Nat King Cole, Celine Deon, Gladys Knight, Weezer (Yes, that Weezer.), Aretha Franklin and the folksy Lisa Hannigan in her haunting ukulele rendition. Seek them out, you won’t be disappointed.
