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It is Mitch Grassi, and not Kirstin Maldonado, who sings the high part of this song originally made popular by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli.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*!