The Top Christmas Songs of All-Time: December 21

We still have 40 more songs in Inside the Rock Era's presentation of The Top 200 Christmas Songs of All-Time*.  Some of the absolute best are still to come!

 

 "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas"

by Michael Bublé

This version of a Christmas standard charted in 26 countries in 2011, evidence of worldwide appeal that earns it a spot in The Top 200*.  It ranked #2 on the Adult Contemporary chart in the U.S. and #20 overall, #3 in the Netherlands, Norway and Italy, #4 in Canada and Sweden, #6 in Switzerland and #7 in the U.K.

"Happy Holiday"/"The Holiday Season"

by Andy Williams

This is one of two songs that Irving Berlin wrote among the Top 200*.  He wrote it in 1942 and it was featured in the movie Holiday Inn.  Andy's version is by far the best.

"We Need a Little Christmas"

by the New Christy Minstrels

A lot of people think this is the Ray Conniff Singers but it's the Minstrels at their best.  Since they came out in the early 1960's, the New Christy Minstrels launched the careers of Kenny Rogers, Gene Clark (of the Byrds), Kim Carnes and Barry McGuire.  Rogers and Carnes were together in the group in 1966.  McGuire was the group's director and arranger beginning in 1963.  

"The First Noel"

by Josh Groban and Faith Hill

For his fourth studio album, Groban recorded a set of Christmas tunes featuring his incredible voice.  When Noël sold 3.6 million copies in 2007, it became the top-selling album of the year--it's sales are now well over 6 million.

"Jingle Bells"

by the Miracles

This song by the Miracles was good enough to make the album Motown Christmas, a high standard indeed.  Their version of the popular Christmas song has been gaining in popularity.

"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"

by the Carpenters

There must be something about the letter "C" in Christmas.  I say that because four of the artists who have the most songs in The Top 200 Christmas Songs of All-Time* all start with the letter "C"; a very interesting factoid.  Bing Crosby is tied with Pentatonix for the most with 9 each.  The Ray Conniff Singers have 8, then it's the Carpenters with 7 and Perry Como with 6.  There are 41 out of 200 whose artists begin with "C", including this one from the Carpenters.

 

 "Feliz Navidad"

by Jose Feliciano

This is one of the Top 25 most-played Christmas songs and has been for quite a while.  Feliciano wrote it himself in 1970 and it was featured on the album of the same name.  Today, people of all languages and nationalities love it for its great sound, sincerity and festive tone.

"Silent Night"

by Barbra Streisand

Many people believe this to be the best version of this song, out of the thousands that are out there.  Barbra also has another song featured in The Top 200*.  We'll leave you today with this reverent, amazing performance of "Silent Night".

Sleep in heavenly peace.  See you tomorrow!