For all the music I have heard through the years, I have been thinking what for me are the 12 favorite ALL TIME yuletide songs.
And this is the list I have come up with.
1. Do They Know Its Christmas – Band-Aid
This song was released for the Christmas of 1984 – a time of famine in Africa; some general international turbulent political times, and we as a people trying to define ourselves in the world, one year after the American intervention.
Great writing by Bob Geldof, who pulled off a star-studded cast to record the charity single that quickly shot to number one in the UK.
A poignant message as the song says:
When you're having fun
There's a world outside your window
And it's a world of dread and fear
There's a world outside your window
And it's a world of dread and fear
…just remember
2. Celine Dion – So This is Christmas
Trademark top-class Celine vocals transform what was originally recorded by John Lennon as an anti-war yuletide Christmas song into a most soothing track
Can’t help but get the chills; and capture the mood of the season.
3. Mariah Carey – Christmas (Baby Please come Come)
When Mariah released her Christmas album in 1991 in the first Christmas of the YSFM years – I thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. Every track right on – but this was for me the best.
The song was originally done by Darlene Love in the 1960s and there have been many covers, But Mariah’s for me took the Christmas cake.
4. Otis Redding – Merry Christmas Baby
The song was originally recorded in 1947 and like many of those songs there have been many covers – but the best of those to me is Otis Redding’s 1968 version.
Bruce Springsteen rocked a mean version in 1987 – but the cap is to one of the best soul voices of all time.
5. NAT KING COLE – O Holy Night & Come All Ye Faithful
I know this is crazy. But these two songs by Nat King Cole are some of my best music memories of Christmas in Munich.
Use to play this one on a battery-powered Phillips record player that my older brother J T bought (before the electricity days). The Nat King Cole record used to be spinning, while Mama and Avis putting up the new curtains for Christmas eve, before getting ready for midnight mass.
Cousin Morena had already baked a wicked coconut tart. Nesfield left for midnight movies in Grenville. But I was too young to go.
6. Jacob Killer Miller & Ray I – Silver Bells
Is another Munich memories in many ways. I think Turkey Roberts used to have this on repeat in his rum shop. Like it almost played 24-7
7.Carla Thomas - Gee Whiz Its Christmas
When you heard that song on the radio, you know it’s time to wait for Dadda coming from Grenville, having bought that little fire truck, or some other car – and waiting to see what Tanty Cussie brought for Derek Collymore also. And cleaning the Red Spot bottles; getting a full case, and waiting for the truck to pass, to get our quote of two cases for the year.
Collecting dry coconut shell form hope, and going to buy the charcoals. The ham cooking on a mean fireside.
Did you check the post office? Any letters came yet from Neri and Marcelle (now both resting in peace) with the little US and a few pounds in there.
Waiting for a call by Cousin Ceethay – your one phone call for the year.
Dave Elcock on the radio. Alright, Gee Whiz – it's Christmas.
“Oh, by the way, it’s snowing!” – well not really. But we can fantasize.
(Always struck me – why a sweet song was so short?)
8. Vanessa Williams -Go Tel It To The Mountain/Mary Had a Boy Child
Just thought that was so hauntingly beautiful. One of the best versions of the medley – and a YSFM hit -days memory.
Yes, Janice Augustine, those tracks used to come on the hit discs.
9. O HOLY NIGHT - Mariah Carey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEJmP8T07JU&pbjreload=10
What can I say about those stunning vocals?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEJmP8T07JU&pbjreload=10
What can I say about those stunning vocals?
10: Mary's Boy Child /Oh My Lord – Boney M
There is something Radio Grenada-ish and Jeffery Aired-ish about this.
A real Christmas smash packed with glitz, campery and an uplifting Christmas message.
Just particularly love the “Oh my Lord” parts….
Oh my Lord
You sent your son to save us
Oh my Lord
Your very self you gave us
Oh my Lord
That sin may not enslave us
And love may reign once more
You sent your son to save us
Oh my Lord
Your very self you gave us
Oh my Lord
That sin may not enslave us
And love may reign once more
11. Joy To The World - Mariah Carey
Mariah takes a traditional song and fashions it into a genuine feel-good “forget your sorrows and dance” kind of vibe. Making it a world celebration in skilfully sampling Three Dog Night (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyI1OImD7ow).
And if this doesn’t get you into the holiday spirit, I don’t know what will.
Joy to the world, all the boys and girl…
(Nicole Best did you not try to do this one time?)
12: Someday At Christmas – The Jacksons
A song essentially about peace in the world. First recorded 50 years ago by Stevie Wonder this Christmas. Still relevant.
Someday at Christmas men won't be boys
Playing with bombs like kids play with toys
One warm December our hearts will see
A world where men are free
Someday at Christmas, there'll be no wars
When we have learned what Christmas is for
When we have found what life's really worth
There'll be peace on earth
Playing with bombs like kids play with toys
One warm December our hearts will see
A world where men are free
Someday at Christmas, there'll be no wars
When we have learned what Christmas is for
When we have found what life's really worth
There'll be peace on earth
HONORABLE MENTION
SOUL HOLIDAYS – Sound of Blackness
Trademark Terry Jamz, with the haunting lead vocals of Ann Nesby; flavored by black gospel traditions. A YSFM Christmas hit. What say Marvin Ranks?
