Saturday, December 7, 2013

The Christmas Song Comparisons


Last year, on each Saturday before Christmas in December, I did Christmas music comparisons – one song, several versions, and chose my favorite. It was a lot of fun, and I loved doing it, so I’m doing it again this year with four different songs! Here we go with the first song. :)

Frank Sinatra – 8.5

 

Quite an old-style version of this song, naturally. Almost in a style like a musical. Sinatra has great vibrato, and is very melodic. And the background choir – that’s what makes it old-style. Loved the touch of “Jingle Bells” melody. The choir was a neat touch! This one is relaxing.

Andrea Bocelli – 8.5


Sung with Natalie Cole. She has a really throaty voice for a woman. Bocelli’s voice is smooth and luscious though! I quite disliked Cole on here though. It’s got a very steady beat. I like the variations and I really like the ending. It’s slow. I gave it an 8.5 because of the gal, which I dislike.

Celtic Woman – 9


Such clear voices! A piano background, very lovely. Their voices are smiling and sound happy which I love! A very smooth and flowing song. I like the high parts – sparkling and lovely! Beautiful variation.

Blake Shelton – 9


A rather different beginning from most versions! Blake’s voice is quite similar to Bocelli’s, but with a country accent. A steady slow beat, and a classic feel. It’s a very peaceful and soothing song, especially during the music interlude.

Scotty McCreery – 9.5


Finally, a version that doesn’t have a piano background, but instead, guitar! I really liked that. Scotty has such a smooth and satiny voice, young, and I love it. Definitely easy to listen to. I love the tempo. Not a huge fan of the ending high note, but all in all? I love this version. A Western feel!

Katherine Jenkins – 9


As usual, a soaring and lovely voice! Again, I must use the word smooth and say her version is smoothly gliding. And her vibrato is great. I love the background music, and I love her soprano part as well!

Favorite:

Scotty McCreery wins. I love his version a lot. It’s absolutely wonderful.

Your thoughts:

Did I mention your favorite version? If not, what version do you love and do I need to listen to it? And if so, which is your favorite?

6 comments:

Hamlette (Rachel) said...

I think my favorite is Barbra Streisand's just because that's the one I grew up hearing the most, hee. I really love Andrea Bocelli's though -- that album gets a lot of play here every December. Here it is on YouTube if you want to listen.

Hamlette (Rachel) said...

Uh, I meant that link is to Barbra's version, not Andrea's cuz you already shared that ;-)

Abbi Hart said...

I'd say Frank and Scotty are tied for me! I absolutely adore Frank's voice and it's a great classic version but I also love Scotty and his twist on it!

Cathy said...

I've always liked Amy Grant's song ( I love her Christmas albums)but I'd have to say Bing Crosby's is my all time favorite. : )

These are all great versions too! Thanks for sharing them.

Rissi said...

Fun, so many awesome versions of Christmas songs out there! :)

Jillian said...

New follower! These are all some great Christmas songs. I love Scotty's version best. :)