It's time for yet another Christmas Comprehensive!
The mark of a truly excellent Christmas song is the ability to be adapted time and time again. Much like the holiday itself, everyone has their own spin on the tradition and the spirit. When a Christmas song truly has its finger on the pulse of the holiday spirit, great artists can take the song and adapt it into their own style without ruining the song's charm
In our last Christmas Comprehensive, we talked about our seven favorite versions of the ever classic song "Carol of the Bells." That list really showed us the range that these songs can take on. There were versions of the song that ranged from classical choirs to dub-step to a capella and more. This same snowy range can be found in a variety of different Christmas songs.
Today, we are going to prove that that is the case with another one of our favorite Christmas carols "Jingle Bells".
Jingle Bells
From the time you start singing along to Christmas carols, "Jingle Bells" is likely one of the first that enters the popular rotation. The iconic song is played by the greats and sung by every children's Christmas concert you can find. From new players plunking it out on the piano to experts giving exceptional renditions, this song is a holiday classic.
If you are looking to rock out to "Jingle Bells" you have several options about how you can set the mood for your specific holiday celebration. (Heck, you could even listen to all of these in a row!) Here are seven of our favorite renditions of the iconic song (in no particular order!)
1. Frank Sinatra
If you are looking to jingle all the way in perfect, jazzy rhythm that will fill you with the holiday spirit, rush to your record player to throw on Frank Sinatra's version of "Jingle Bells." This perfect rendition, complete with the groovy spelling of the letters and the ever lilting voice of Old Blue Eyes himself, make this the perfect rendition to ring your way through the holiday season.
2. Michael Buble
If you are looking to continue the jazzy "Jingle Bells" feeling with a more modern twist, the Michael Buble version of the song is the way to go. The voice of Buble alongside The Puppini Sisters brings everyone right into the bopping, upbeat Christmas spirit.
3. Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole's rendition of "Jingle Bells" is a wonderfully uptempo tune that will get everyone up and dancing with joy and merriment. The song first aired on the Nat King Cole Show, and it has been delighting the world ever since.
4. Pentatonix
The Pentatonix rendition of "Jingle Bells," featuring Lang Lang, is absolutely epic. While most of their Christmas carol remixes give a fun, pop-music sound to the classic songs, this rendition of "Jingle Bells" starts out with the sounds of a grand chorus. It is a seasonal must-listen.
5. Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters
Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters are both iconic in their own rights. When they came together to create this absolutely exceptional version of "Jingle Bells." Their beautiful voices alongside the brilliant instruments give one the immediate feeling of traveling through a snowy hillside.
6. Barbara Streisand
With Funny Girl back on Broadway, it was an absolute NECESSITY to include icon Barbara Streisand's rendition of "Jingle Bells" on this list. The unbeatable Broadway sound that she brings to everything she sings will give your holiday season an extra Streisandian pizzazz!
7. Dolly Parton
If Barbara is bringing Broadway, Dolly Parton is absolutely SLEIGHING (get it?) with this country rendition of the iconic song. Let's be real: everything that Dolly Parton touches turns into an iconic insta-hit. Can we, therefore, be surprised that her rendition of "Jingle Bells" has made the Music Times top seven?
All in All...
There are many more renditions of the song that we could not fit on this (dare we say?) exceptional list! This should give you a great way to jingle bell your whole day through! Happy listening!
