Everyone has their favorite Christmas Carols.
From "Jingle Bells" to "Deck the Halls", everyone has their top holiday tracks that they flock to the second the Christmas season begins. Even if you find someone else that also has the same favorite holiday tune, that does not mean that the two of you share the same favorite rendition of the song.
Holiday songs share an incredibly unique quality. Time and time again the songs are taken on by different artists from different genres. Each rendition gets their own specific spin. With each take on the traditional songs, each masterpiece finds a new fandom.
There are no wrong answers when it comes to your favorite rendition of your favorite Christmas song, but there is a chance that you haven't even heard all of the different versions that are out there. That's why we here at Music Times are going to do our very best to fix that during this special season.
We will be taking the top Christmas songs and naming our seven favorite renditions of each song. Each one evokes a new feeling that still sits well within the comfortable warmth of the Christmas spirit.
Carol of the Bells
The first Christmas song we will be tackling is "Carol of the Bells." "Carol of the Bells" is a personal favorite, and the exciting song has been taken on by a wide variety of musical talent. Everyone that takes it on examines the complex intricacies of the beautiful composition. The song is powerful.
Each adaptation taps into the song's innate grandiosity in its own way. Since the song's original release in the year 1914, there have been over 150 different adaptations of the song recorded. These different versions have spanned a wide breadth of genres. Here are our seven favorite renditions of the iconic song (in no particular order!)
1. Trans-Siberian Orchestra
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra version of "Carol of the Bells" is the one that is probably the most widely played. You have heard it on the radio and on commercials. You have heard it walking through stores. Heck, maybe you put it on yourself. This absolutely epic adaptation of the song is an absolute must-listen for this holiday season.
2. Lindsey Stirling
Lindsey Stirling is an icon. She has made playing the violin cool the way that Cara Delevigne made iconic eyebrows a style move. In this beautiful rendition of "Carol of the Bells" her exceptional playing heightens the overwhelming beauty of an already glittering song. Plus, the dancing in this music video is phenomenal.
3. Pentatonix
The Pentatonix version of the song features the perfect blend of a capella singing (a staple of the Christmas caroling world) with modern day composition. While honoring the original layered quality of the song, the iconic group puts their own spin on the song with beat boxing and harmonies. We promise, this rendition of the song will be stuck in your head for the entire season.
4. Capital Kings
If you like Christmas music and club music with equal fervor, this rendition of "Carol of the Bells" by Capital Kings is going to be your jam of the season. This dub-step remix of the song gives Christmas the nightlife remix that we didn't know that we needed. If you pull this out at your next holiday party, we are sure everyone will thank you.
5.The Piano Guys
The Piano Guys adaptation of the song falls more closely in line with Lindsey Stirling's version than with the dub-step adaptation (shocking, we know.) This incredible version has a wonderful, driving intensity that is both spirited and motivating. The sound of the cello on this incredible number serves to make it all the more magical. This version of the song is the perfect one to play while walking through your day, trying to soak in all of the holiday cheer.
6. Mormon Tabernacle Choir
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir's version of the song is one of the most traditional, well known renditions. The uptempo rendition creates a mellifluous opus. The combination of the bells, choral voices, and other instruments makes this version nothing short of magnificent. This is the perfect version of the song for a classic Christmas celebration.
7. Home Alone Version (John Williams)
Of course, one of the world's favorite modern classic Christmas movies, Home Alone, is also home to an exceptional rendition of the wonderful song. While the choir sings more slowly in this version than in that of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the voices blend together beautifully, continuing to carry that driving force. This version feels like the first snowfall of the season. Just give it a listen. You'll see what we mean!
No matter which version is your favorite, you can't go wrong with "Carol of the Bell." Happy listening!
