The Best Christmas Songs of All-Time: December 21

We still have 30 more songs in Inside the Rock Era's presentation of The Top 150 Christmas Songs of All-Time*.  Some of the absolute best are still to come!

"Happy Holidays"

by Andy Williams

This is one of two songs that Irving Berlin wrote among the Top 150*.  He wrote it in 1942 and it was featured in the movie Holiday Inn.  Although Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme's version is also included in this feature, Andy's version is by far the best.

"Let It Snow!  Let It Snow!  Let It Snow!"
by Dean Martin

Who better to give a seductive, martini-hour version of this classic than the swingingest member of the Rat Pack?  To really pull this off, you have to be a charmer.  Is there anyone that doesn't think Dean would have used a line like this?   

"I'll Be Home for Christmas"

by the Carpenters

No question Karen has one of the best Christmas songs 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.

"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.  

"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 150*.  We'll leave you today with this reverent, amazing performance of "Silent Night".