Top 5 Choir Songs to Listen to this Christmas
Depending on who you are and, as I’ve so often found, how old you are, you’re probably either in love with or sick of Christmas carols. Most people are very vocal about this and will not hesitate to tell you how much they loathe or love Jingle Bell Rock every time it comes on the radio. Your most passionate friends will find any excuse they can get to start belting out Let It Snow around this time of year.
But you know what I never get tired of? Honest? The Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s performance of Christmas Canon. The problem, I think, is that there aren’t enough full choir songs on the radio during Christmas.
If you’re aching for originality this season, I think I have the solution: behold my personal list of bright, fun choir carols for your listening or singing pleasure.
1. Brightest and Best
This song is a big rush from beginning to end with enough power in the base section to lift a mountain. The song does not share as much as announce its chorus about the coming of Jesus. If you’re getting bogged down from the stress and the rich food, this song will quickly help you feel energized again.
2. A King Is Born
A King Is Born features an all-male choir and a hip-swinging melody that gets you up and dancing every time. A fair warning: once you hear this little ear-worm you will be humming it for weeks. Just a warning.
3. Children, Go Where I Send Thee
In direct contrast to A King Is Born, Children, Go Where I Send Thee is performed by an all-female choir who, at times, sound as though they may have had a little too much coffee. This is a rapid-paced song that puts you on edge as it ascends step-by-step up the scale. You will probably start singing it, like I did, along with your inner head-choir the second it stops. The tune is simply infectious.
4. Festejo de Navidad
Feliz Navidad has become a favorite for radio stations to play due to its unique Hispanic charm and beat. Unfortunately, becoming a staple during Christmastime means that it gets overplayed and it, as a result, has lost to some of its novelty. Festejo de Navidad, a traditional Peruvian carol, might inject some flavor back into your holiday season.
5. Coventry Carol by Pentatonix
This one you may have heard of. And, technically, I am cheating because this is not a choir song. But it almost hits all the parts of an SATB choir...soprano, tenor, base, and where they make up for the lack on an alto part (treachery!) with wicked cool beatboxing! So, whatever, I’m including it. This is a gorgeous rendition of the old English Coventry Carol with a lot of flow and, of course, a great tempo that you can tap your feet to. This song will get you thinking about the meaning of Christmas where a thousand renditions of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas will fail.
I recommend playing each of these out loud for the full listening experience. Hope you enjoy the weeks leading up to Christmas!
