EIGHT CHRISTMAS CLASSICS

 



“May your days be merry and white,

And may all your Christmases be white.”

From the song ‘White Christmas’ by Bing Crosby

 

There is difference between Christmas carols and Christmas songs. Carols, which we all grew up singing and listening to, are devotional. They are sung in the churches, prayer gatherings and houses by carol groups. For example, ‘Silent Night’, ‘Jingle Bells’, etc. But, Christmas songs are the typical songs – romantic, sad or happy - set against Christmas backdrop. Like George Michael’s famous ‘Last Christmas’ (WHAM) or Elvis Presley’s (Cover) ‘Blue Christmas’. And, there are some, like ‘Mary Did you Know’, ‘Mistletoe and Wine’, ‘Feliz Navidad’ and ‘Drummer Boy’ etc. – yes, they are a mix of Christmas carols and songs.

 

Like most kids, I, too, grew up in my hometown singing Christmas carols in Konkani. Here, in Mumbai – in the early eighties – I would listen to Jim Reeves’ classic collection of twelve Christmas songs and carols. But, as years rolled by, I would spend long hours, during the Christmas season, listening to a variety of Christmas songs and carols. But, mostly, my taste remained confined to the old classics. In this Blog, I wish to share eight of these old classics, in a random order.  Hope, you like them, too…

 

SILENT NIGHT – Andre Rieu:

Andre Rieu is a genius and a composer with Midas touch. His shows are massive spectacles… Simply mesmerizing!  ‘Silent Night’ is one of the most widely covered old Christmas classics. The one by Andre Rieu, here, comes with his own magic touch:

 


 

FELIZ NAVIDAD – Michael Buble and Thalia:

‘Feliz Navidad’ was originally written and composed in 1970 by Jose Faliciano.      It is one of the most popular songs, particularly among children and youth. I love this version by Michael Buble and Thalia for its energy and youth.




LITTLE DRUMMER BOY - GENTRImusic

‘Little Drummer Boy’, too, is one of the most popular Christmas classics, particularly for its message. This cover by GENTRImusic group  is special as you will make out...




BLUE CHRISTMAS -  Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley is Elvis Presley – The King of romance. ‘Blue Christmas’ is a very old Christmas classic. Elvis makes it velvety to cause a romantic riot among his female fans…

 



MARY DID YOU KNOW - Mark Lowry

‘Mary Did You Know’ is a powerful song written  by Mark Lowry and music composed by Buddy Greene. It’s about baby Jesus and Mother Mary. I get goose bumps every time I listen to it, no matter whose cover it is. Here is the authentic version rendered by Mark himself…




LAST CHRISTMAS – George Michael (WHAM)

‘Last Christmas’ is a romantic, sad song – about heartbreak. Even after some four decades, it still causes a stir in our hearts. One of the greatest songs by George Michael.




WHITE CHRISTMAS - Andrea Bocelli/David Foster

When Andrea Bocelli and David Foster come together, we can expect something outstanding! ‘White Christmas’ will always remain one of the dreamy, sentimental Christmas songs. The duo has retained its traditional swing, but with its own special touch…

 



MISTLETOE AND WINE - Cliff Richard

Cliff Richard is my favourite singer. Like old wine, with age, his songs and music have simply matured. I can go on listening to this song – ‘Mistletoe and Wine’ for hours… I can’t explain why!




I hope, you enjoy these classics and make your Christmas eve special…

 

Merry Christmas…

 

GERALD D’CUNHA


Pic.: pixabay

Videos: 1. Andre Rieu 2. Mr Subtitled Videos 3. GENTRImusic 4. Elvis Presley

             5. Gaither Music TV 6. WHAM 7. Andrea Bocelli  8. RHINO

 

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