So I’m switching things up a bit, because this is trial and error for me. I was supposed to have my reading and critiquing previous posts story up today (well actually yesterday, then it got moved to today), but after I started writing it, I began to see that that is a bigger undertaking than I thought. It’s not something that I can write in a couple of hours, so I’m moving that to next week. Tuesday through Saturday next week, I’ll be giving you my review and critiques of five random stories I’ve previously posted here. I’ve already selected the posts and I begin working on the first one. Now I just have to write first and beginning critiquing and writing the other ones. It’s shaping out to be a really long post, so I’ll break it up into one previous post critique a day. That starting Tuesday, December 9th through Saturday, December 13. Come back to see if I’m a good judge of my own work, for the question remain, how honestly can one truly critique themselves.
As not to leave you hanging, I came up with another topic for you to read today…one that I can turn off fairly quickly. Afterall, tis the season!
One of my absolute favorite things about Christmas time is Christmas music. I love that Kost 103.5 plays 24-hour Christmas music during this season. I’ll even take the other stations that mix Christmas songs into their regular playlist. I believe KJLH does 24-hour Christmas music on Christmas Eve through a certain time on Christmas Day – good times. So, if your in the LA area, check them out.
For now, here are 10 of my favorite Christmas song that will on rotation in my ear all season long, and sometimes randomly in April, July, October…you get it.
10. Carols – The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
This selection is a medley five Christmas songs: Carol of the Bells, I Wander as I Wander, O Come All Ye Faithful, Do You Hear What I Hear, and The Little Drummer Boy. It starts off with a very classical almost operatic sound then gradually gets more soulful as it progresses – such a fun and enjoyable listen.
9. Baby It’s Cold Outside – Vanessa Williams and Bobby Caldwell
Perhaps it’s no surprise I like this song, especially given the fact that plays like something that could be straight from a romantic-comedies score. There are many versions of this song that are done well, but one of the main reasons I like this one is because they changed the part about the cigarette to a drink. I’m not a fan of cigarettes. But yeah, such a cute song.
8. This is Christmas – Luther Vandross
It’s funny when I was a child, I didn’t care too much for this song. Then about 10 years ago, while driving in my car, it came on and all of a sudden it hit different. I’ve been a fan ever since. My favorite parts of the song is the parts where he sings, “say a little prayer for the world,” and “make a little room in our hearts.” I love the change up there. And you know Luther – he brings the soul. Give this one a listen.
7. Happy Holidays to You – The Whispers
This song reminds me of Christmas during my childhood, when people who have now passed where still around, and I listened to this song, not because I wanted to but because somebody grown was playing it. This is another song I hadn’t heard in a while then heard it while in the car about five years ago and have been listening it ever since – very cool and mellow.
6. My Gift to You – Alexandar O’Neal
This song has that classic 80s soul sound that’s so nostalgic to me with a great message. Yes, please.
5. O Come Let Us Adore Him – Darwin Hobbs
Talk about a vocal stylist. He starts of the song with the lyrics of O Come All Ye Faithful and before long I just feel the Spirit. Talk about a voice that’s touched by God, giving soulful and gospel undertones, overtones – just all the tones. Listen and be blessed.
4. Angels We Have Heard on High – Josh Groban featuring Brian Mcknight
First came upon this song, once again, in the car, listening to Kost. I just loved the interplay of Josh and Brian’s voices. And then the surprise (at least it was a surprise to me) soft ending they choose when I was expecting an even bigger crescendo really hooked me. Christmas just ain’t Christmas without a few spins of this lyrical gem.
3. Carol of the Bells – David Foster
I must admit, I wasn’t much of a fan of the instrumental version of this song until I heard David Foster’s version, yes, in the car listening to Kost. He does, what I can only describe as a piano breakdown what would be the chorus, I’m guessing, if the song had lyrics, and it just takes this song to another level. I mean the horns, the strings – violins, violas, whatever it is, it’s just lovely.
2. Soul Holidays – Sounds of Blackness
With a slow instrumental opening that bursts into an up-tempo R&B groove, this song has been dazzling me sense the 90s. My favorite part is when she sings “this holiday…”
1. Handel’s Messiah – Qunicy Jones
When I was in the 10th grade, I went to a new school. I had to take an art class or a music class. I took the music class and joined the choir. Now, I can’t sing, I never had any solos. But if you put me around a bunch of people who can sing somehow my voices blends in nicely. That’s what happened when we sang Quincy Jones’ version of Handel’s Messiah in the 10th grade. I was in the alto section. I still remember my music teacher listening to the song over and over again to pick out the soprano, alto and tenor parts. I still remember all the alto parts. I still remember when my classmate, Keith, who was picked to do the solo at the end belted out a long note that wasn’t a part of the plan, but wowed the crowd. This song moves me practically every time I here it.
So that’s it. Those are my songs. Obviously there are so many more, Boyz II Men’s Let it Snow, Whitney Houston’s Joy to the World, even NSync’s Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays. These are just the ones that came to mind for now.
What’s your favorite Christmas songs?
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