The Top Christmas Songs of All-Time, December 23

 We've sifted through all of the Christmas songs and are featuring what we believe to be the cream of the Christmas crop.  We began on December 1 and by Christmas Day will have presented The Top 200 Christmas Songs of All-Time*.

 "Have A Holly Jolly Christmas"

by Burl Ives

Ives recorded this in July of 1964 for the animated feature Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer which he also narrated.  It reached #13 and is one of the most cheerful, infectious Christmas songs of them all.

 "Away In A Manger"

by John Denver

    "Baby, It's Cold Outside"
by Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme

Frank Loesser wrote this song in 1944 and premiered it with his wife, Lynn Garland, at their Navarro Hotel housewarming.    Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme recorded what is regarded as one of the best versions of the song and included it on the album That Holiday Feeling.

   

"All I Want for Christmas Is You"

by Mariah Carey

 

The song was written by Mariah Carey and Walter Afanasieff. It reached #2 in Australia, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway and the U.K. and charted in six other countries. Since then, it has reappeared on the charts in four different years and has quickly become a Christmas standard, selling over four million copies.

 

 "My Grown-Up Christmas List"

by Amy Grant

The song was written by Linda Thompson-Jenner and David Foster, originally recorded by Foster with Natalie Cole in 1990.  It was this version, included on Amy Grant's second Christmas album Home for Christmas, featuring altered lyrics and an additional verse that Grant wrote, that caught on.

Amy gives us a message away from materialism and added maturity to Christmas with a Christmas List That Matters.

 "Jingle Bells"

by Diana Krall

This song was first copyrighted under the title "One Horse Open Sleigh".  Included on Krall's album Christmas Songs and gifted with her signature voice and style, the version has become one of the most-played Christmas songs in recent years.

  
 "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy"

by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky wrote a two-act ballet called The Nutcracker. Originally, the ballet was not a success, but the suite that Tchaikovsky extracted from the ballet was. Of course now, The Nutcracker is extremely popular and is performed by ballet companies all over the world. This is one of the best versions of "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" performed by the Royal Symphony Orchestra.

As we approach the big day, keep checking us out for more Christmas favorites!

The Top Christmas Songs of All-Time, December 22

 Welcome to our 22nd day of the cream of the crop among Christmas songs.  Here are eight more to enjoy!

   "When My Heart Finds Christmas"

by Harry Connick, Jr.

This is the title song (written by Connick) from his album of 1993, which was the top-selling Christmas album of the year (748,000 copies).  It has now gone Triple Platinum.

 "Linus and Lucy"

by Vince Guaraldi

Guaraldi wrote this song in 1964 about the fictional characters Linus and Lucy Van Pelt in the Charles Schultz classic comic strip Peanuts, and it was included on the album Jazz Impressions of a Boy Named Charlie Brown.  The song was introduced in the premiere of A Charlie Brown Christmas in 1965.  Although it is an instrumental not specifically about Christmas, because of its association with the Charlie Brown special, it has become synonymous with Christmas.  In fact, it's tough to hear this song and not think of the Peanuts characters dancing in their lovable way.

 "Driving Home For Christmas"

by Chris Rea

Here is another of the newest entries into The Top Christmas Songs of All-Time*.  Chris Rea, best known for his 1978 hit "Fool (If You Think It's Over)", released it first as the B-side to the single 'Hello Friend" in 1986.  He re-recorded it and released it as the featured single in 1988, when it peaked at #53 in the U.K.

That's a modest beginning for the song, which has found its way onto the U.K. chart every year since 2007 and reached a high of #11 in 2018.  In a 2012 poll, it was voted 12th among Great Britain's favorite Christmas songs.

It isn't just Rea's native U.K. in which the song is loved as a top Christmas song.  "Driving Home For Christmas" has reached #1 in Slovenia, #2 in Norway, #3 in Germany and Austria, #4 in the Netherlands, #5 in Sweden, #6 in Denmark and #7 in Poland and has charted in 21 countries.

  

 

 "We Wish You the Merriest"

by Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby & Fred Waring

Les Brown wrote this song that was included on the popular 1964 album 12 Songs of Christmas.  To have not only Frank Sinatra but Bing Crosby both wishing you the merriest has to mean that you're pretty special.

 "Silver Bells"

by Anne Murray

This can be found on the album entitled Anne Murray's Christmas Album.  Since it came out, it has received great airplay year after year.  

 "Sleigh Ride"

by the Ray Conniff Singers

There are some great versions of "Sleigh Ride", including the New Christy Minstrels, the Ronettes and the Carpenters.  This version really makes you want to go on the sleigh ride.  

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"

by Pentatonix

This amazing group released one of their best songs on their 2016 album A Pentatonix Christmas.  It is easy to forget while listening to this breathtaking version that their voices are the only instruments.

"Here We Come A-Caroling/We Wish You a Merry Christmas"

by Perry Como

Como is just one of those talents that sounds awesome on every thing he does.  Here's one of six that Perry has in The Top 200* to wrap up today's edition.  Join us tomorrow!

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!

The Top Christmas Songs of All-Time, December 20

 Inside the Rock Era has presented 152 of The Top 200 Christmas Songs of All-Time*.  Here are eight more to add to that list.

 

 "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem"

by Sarah McLachlan

This is from Sarah's 2006 album Wintersong. Great job of playing acoustic guitar and her interpretation of this traditional favorite has been gaining more popularity each year since its release to the point where it is now one of The Top 200 Christmas Songs of All-Time*.

"Joy To The World"

by Mariah Carey

This was released on the 1994 album Merry Christmas.  The song is a much-more upbeat version than the thousands of others that have been released.  It reached #16 on the Dance chart that year.  

 

"Let It Snow!  Let It Snow!  Let It Snow!"

by Frank Sinatra

Frank released this as a single in 1950 and it appeared on his album Christmas Songs by Sinatra.

 "Winter Wonderland"

by Darlene Love

This full-sounding song is on the album Christmas Gift for You.  Love was much in demand for session work, singing backing vocals on "Johnny Angel" for Shelley Fabares and several songs for Johnny Rivers, including "Poor Side Of Town", "Baby, I Need Your Loving and "The Tracks Of My Tears".  It was actually Love, and not any of the Crystals, that sang lead on "He's A Rebel".

 "River"

by Joni Mitchell

Although this song is set near Christmas, it doesn't specifically reference it, yet it has become a Christmas standard.  This is from Joni's amazing Blue album.

 

 

 "The 12 Days Of Christmas"

by the Ray Conniff Singers

Anyone who does this song needs to make it real and jubilant because otherwise, interest wanes fast.  Ray Conniff & Singers are one of a select few that have made this song popular.  There is so much vocal talent in this group and they sing it like they want to.

 

 "Oh Holy Night"

by Pentatonix

Of the nine songs among The Top Christmas Songs of All-Time* that this amazing quintet places in the special, this is one of their best--here is Pentatonix.

 "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"

by Gene Autry

Autry released his version of this song on November 25, 1949 and it has become one of the true Christmas classics.  It reached #1 and sold 2.5 million copies its first year.  To date, the single is now over 25 million copies sold, which is the third biggest-selling song of all-time.

Some of the greatest Christmas songs ever recorded, wrapped and packaged exclusively on Inside The Rock Era!

The Top Christmas Songs of All-Time, December 19

 Six days away, here are eight more great ones to add to our list plus two bonus songs!

 "Adeste Fidelis"

by Bing Crosby

The history of this song was shrouded in mystery for many years.  Some thought St. Bonaventura, a 13th century Italian scholar, wrote the lyrics; others thought it was the Portuguese, or the Germans or Spanish, while still others thought they were written by the Cistercian order of monks.  No one knew for sure who wrote the music either, with it being attributed to several composers, including English organist John Reading, Sr., John Reading, Jr., Handel, and Marcos Antonio da Fonseca.  

In 1946, the Reverend Maurice Frost of Oxford discovered a new manuscript of the hymn.  The next year, Dom John Stephan published a 32-page monograph, The Adeste Fideles:  A Study On ITs Origin and Development.  Stephan concluded that the music and lyrics were both written by John Francis Wade, born circa 1711 in England. 

 "Amen"

Impressions

Jester Hairston wrote "Amen" for the Sidney Poitier movie Lilies of the Field in 1963.  Curtis Mayfield of the Impressions saw the movie and was inspired to have the group record it.  It was the first Impressions song that Mayfield did not write.

 "Silver and Gold"

by Burl Ives

This song appeared in the animated Christmas feature that has become a classic in our culture--Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, specifically written about Yukon's greedy behavior. Some people worship silver and gold, but, as Ives sings, the best use of silver and gold is when it adorns the Christmas tree.

 "Carol Of The Bells"

by Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Here is one of at least three songs in this segment that are right up there in the running for the best versions of their tunes.  Trans-Siberian has really made its mark at Christmas.  "Even without words, 'Carol Of The Bells' is laden with irony," Matt Thompson of The Atlantic, writes.  "The epic, Wagnerian Trans-Siberian Orchestra adaptation that's packed arenas for the last decade takes as its subject a cellist playing Christmas carols in the town square of a devastated Sarajevo."

"It was just such a powerful image," said TSO founder Paul O'Neill, "a white-haired man silhouetted against the cannon fire, playing timeless melodies to both sides of the conflict amid the rubble and devastation of the city he loves." 

 

 "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"
by Kenny G

Kenny's great talent is that he can hold a note forever.  In fact, he made the Guinness Book of World Records in that category, holding a note on his saxophone for 45 minutes and 47 seconds in 1997.  He also plays with more feeling than many singers have.

 "Sleigh Ride"

by the New Christy Minstrels

This version of the popular song is from Christmas with the Christies from 1966.  The enthusiastic and cheerful adaption and unique presentation (there is no other version like it!) gets the Minstrels a spot in The Best Christmas Songs of All-Time*.  Many people think it is the best version.

 "Merry Christmas Baby"
by Otis Redding

This is the flip side of Redding's cover of "White Christmas".  It stole the show in the end, with many also voting for Otis as the best version of this song.

 "Jingle Bells"

by St. Nick


You get a bonus song today--just to put you in a good mood all day!

  

"A Marshmallow World"

by Dean Martin

Dean adds fun to Christmas with his swinging style to this song.  You can be depressed because of the snow and aggravated by it or you can embrace it.

 "Silver Bells

by the Supremes

The great trio the Supremes recorded this holiday favorite in November, 1965 and it became one of the most popular versions of the song.  Their version is much slower and sentimental than others.

You have accumulated 154 songs so far to play for your holiday festivities.  More on the way tomorrow!

The Top Christmas Songs of All-Time, December 18

 'Twas the week before Christmas!  Eight more of The Top 200* await you!

 

 "The First Noel"

by Andy Williams

He sold over 45 million records and was active in the music industry for 70 years.  He recorded some of the best songs of the Rock Era in "Butterfly", "Can't Get Used To Losing You", and two of The Top Unknown/Underrated Songs of the Rock Era*--"Days Of Wine And Roses" (the flip side of "Can't Get Used To Losing You") and "More".  

Williams owns three songs in this special of elite Christmas songs.  "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" was ranked by Billboard as The #5 Christmas Song of All-Time and "Happy Holidays" is a standard as well.  This song has been gaining steam, having charted on the Christmas chart the last three years in a row.

 

 "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas"

by Perry Como

One of the best Christmas artists ever (he has six among The Top 200*), here is Perry Como's version of the song that gets us all thinking about the season.  It was recorded September 18, 1951 in New York City and made it to #12 that year.  Como's Christmas television specials ranked right up there with those of Bing Crosby and Andy Williams as being the epitome of holiday spirit.  

"It Came Upon A Midnight Clear"

by Anne Murray

Murray's version of this Christmas standard was included on the album What a Wonderful Christmas. 


 

 "Pretty Paper"
by Roy Orbison

This Christmas favorite was written by Willie Nelson, and recorded by Orbison in 1963.  It reached #15 on the chart that year.





 

 

 "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"

Hozier

Irish musician Hozier covered this popular Christmas song in 2015 that fit his Blues roots.  The arrangement is superb.

 

 

 "I'll Be Home For Christmas"

by the Carpenters

No question Karen has one of the best Christmas voices that will likely ever be heard.  She's very reflective and her interpretation fits the tone of the song.  Many people think she was an angel sent to us for a brief time.  Great arrangement, as usual, by Richard on this one.

 

 "Do You Hear What I Hear"

by Carrie Underwood

Another of the newest singles to make The Top 200*, the acoustic guitar background gives a nice touch and Carrie sings it beautifully.

  

 "The Prayer"

Pentatonix

It is Mitch Grassi, and not Kirstin Maldonado, who sings the high part of this song originally made popular by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli.  It is one of the highlights of the group's new album, Evergreen.

Join us tomorrow for eight more of The Top Christmas Songs of All-Time*!

The Top Christmas Songs of All-Time, December 17

 Today's eight songs will put us over 135 of The Best Christmas Songs of All-Time* that we have presented thus far since December 1.  We have listened to thousands of Christmas songs over the last 45 years and these are the ones that consistently rate as the most popular.  Unlike most lists of this type, we actually let you listen to the songs so you can decide on your personal favorites.

 "Please Come Home for Christmas"
by Charles Brown

This is one of the few early Christmas standards (done in 1947) to be topped by a remake (the Eagles has displaced it as the favorite version), but any list that doesn't still include it as one of the best probably was put together by a young person not aware of the first great version of the song.  The ringing of the Church bells, the understated but memorable guitar solo, and Brown's great sad style make this a Christmas favorite.

 "Jingle Bell Rock"

by Hall & Oates

Whether it be Christmas music or conventional, the old adage is always true--it is extremely tough to remake a classic--you're always going to be compared to the original.  Very few can do it successfully and most should not attempt it.  But Hall & Oates pulled it off and their version continues to be played 38 years after first released.

 "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
by Darlene Love

This song was originally scheduled to sung by Ronnie Spector, but Darlene Love was called in and she delivered.  It was written by the famous team of Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich.  Leon Russell adds his magic piano part at the end.

 "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town"
by Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band

Springsteen thinks it's funny he's singing a Christmas song; he laughs several times during the song.  Nevertheless, it is one of the most-played songs of the season.

 

 "Oh Holy Night"

by John Denver

John Denver is another of the best Christmas artists of the Rock Era.  He gave an amazing performance on this somber song.

 

 "Let It Snow!  Let It Snow!  Let It Snow!"

by Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme

This was included on the 1964 album That Holiday Feeling.  There are three versions of the popular favorite among The Top 150*.  This one shares the standard-bearing with Dean Martin's version.

 "Frosty The Snowman"

by Gene Autry

After Autry enjoyed much success with "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" in 1949, Walter "Jack" Rollins and Steve Nelson wrote this one and pitched it to Gene the following year.  Like "Rudolph", it too was featured in a television special.

 "Jingle Bells"

by the Ray Conniff Singers

This, like so many others that we've featured, is on the great album Christmas with Conniff.  The Singers bring a cheerful, crisp approach to everything they do and frankly, a lot of the memories we have of Christmas involves the Conniff Singers.  

We hope you are enjoying this Christmas special--join us tomorrow!