Christmas is coming ever nearer, and the undisputed best part of the holiday season (besides family time, presents and tons of pie) is the music. Holiday songs have been filling people's minds and hearts for hundreds of years, and have become more than a tradition.
From "The Christmas Song" to "O Holy Night" to "The Little Drummer Boy," classic Christmas carols have become a major part of the holiday season and worked their ways into family life and popular culture. Thus, old Christmas favorites, which have some of the warmest spots in our hearts, get constant re-imaginings and covers from all of music's major players.
But what versions of all the Christmas songs are the best? We here at Music Times are determined to find out. And, as a part of the 12 days of Christmas, we'll be counting down the days (and the best Christmas songs).
Today, we shall take a look at the children's holiday favorite "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer." The story itself comes from a 1939 storybook published by Montgomery Ward, and we all know the tale by now. A little baby reindeer has a red, shiny nose and is rejected by all those around him until (surprise!) the Christmas Eve weather turns blustery and Santa Claus needs a flashlight to lead the way. Then, because this is how the world works, all the other little reindeer love him. But what about the song?
Well, that came about 10 years later, courtesy of Johnny Marks. He took Rudolph's tale (or nose) and turned it into an adorable Christmas classic that has since spawned TV specials and more.
But, who does the best spin on "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer?" Let us count down...
7. Jack Johnson
The kind of super relaxed music, Jack Johnson contributed a cover of "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" to a compilation album in 2008, and the song has all the right vibes of a Christmastime campfire. Johnson's soft vocals backed by little more than an acoustic guitar (with plenty of slapping) and a little touch of bongo gives this song a funky, contemporary vibe. Plus, Johnson takes on Rudolph's side, saying he's not so quick to take all those reindeer back on their name-calling. It's good to know ol' Rudy isn't so easily swayed.
6. Harry Connick, Jr.
It's time for some jazzy, jazzy Christmas courtesy of Harry Connick, Jr. His spin on "Rudolph" features plenty of quiet drumbeats and trumpet runs that give this song a super classy feeling, alongside those big band-esque musical breaks. In the true spirit of Christmas, Connick, Jr., added a children's choir to the track, because "Rudolph" would be nothing without all those youngins who adore him.
5. Bing Crosby
What helps Bing Crosby's version of "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" to stand out among all those other Rat Pack dreamy singers is the fact that he sounds like he's having so much fun. Crosby even lets a laughs slip several times during the track, which is so incredibly endearing. Plus, we get to hear from "Rudolph" himself, and that's a really adorable little touch.
4. Straight No Chaser
Any a cappella turn is going to be impressive by default, and Straight, No Chaser are no different with their cover of "Rudolph." Filled with bopping vocal drums, some small lyrical spins and fun for days, this modern spin is one of the best.
3. The Crystals
Phil Spector's trademark "wall of sound" just begged to be turned into Christmas carols, which is why the compilation album A Christmas Gift To You From Phil Spector is a total classic. The Crystals' spin on "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" is all that pleasurable noise and a bit more, with sunshine-y vocals and plenty of jolly instrumentals, this version cannot be ignored.
2. The Temptations
Ain't nothing wrong with a little Motown during the holidays, and The Temptations' soulful spin on "Rudolph" brings a super funky spin. The five super-talented members of the vocal group trade off lines on this song seamlessly, ranging from some bright, shiny falsetto to a baritone so delightfully deep it gives you chills. Add in some old school basslines, and you got a song that will go down in history.
1. Gene Autry
Besides, perhaps, the version from the television production of Rudolph, Gene Autry's cover is the most well known, and for all the right reasons. The "singing cowboy" took the song straight-on and added just the right amount of jingle bells in all the right places. There's also the addition of the classical instrument trade-offs, with trumpets and clarinets both getting their turn at solos. Plus, there's something so delightfully wintery about all those flute flares.
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