faithMile

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7rSZFxuanc[/youtube]

Joyful Joyful – Sister Act 2 Choir

Handel’s Messiah is a holiday classic that provides an instant feeling of exhuberance. There have been quite a few flashmobs singing the song’s famous chorus at malls across America – to the delight of the surprised audience.

Traditionally, the Messiah is sung in full soprano with operatic tones that waft into the ceiling. This, however, is a different take. The movie Sister Act 2 would have been a fun little flick that was forgotten as quickly as it was seen, but for this. This iconic movie performance not only celebrates the Messiah with a twist, but also helped millions of teens rediscover classical music.

And, it was America’s introduction to future 5-time Grammy powerhouse Lauryn Hill.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFxxQnhT5XQ[/youtube]

Silent Night – Stevie Nicks

Stevie Nicks has a voice like no other, so any song she makes will have a unique flair. This rendition of Silent Night is no exception. Stevie sings the traditional melody first by herself, then in harmony. She also adds a few changes in the end refrain. The keeping of tradition with just a few simple changes creates a beautiful mix. This is also unique in that she sings more than just the first verse of the song repeated.

According to Wikipedia, the original production was an uptempo dancing song which was later turned into the slow, melodic lullaby we associate the song with today.

Lyrics courtesy of Carols.org.uk :

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth ”

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KKgWJB1HA0[/youtube]

The First Noel – Bebe and Cece Winans

Bebe and Cece Winans, the gospel brother-and-sister superduo, bring us this soulful take on a traditional English carol. It starts with the slow familiar melody and then bursts into an upbeat musical delight. The harmonies at the end are delicious.

Lyrics courtesy of Wikipedia:

The first Noel the angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
In fields where they lay, keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep:

refrain

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

They lookèd up and saw a star,
Shining in the east, beyond them far:
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night:

And by the light of that same star,
Three Wise Men came from country far;
To seek for a King was their intent,
And to follow the star whersoever it went:

This star drew nigh to the north-west;
O’er Bethlehem it took its rest;
And there it did both stop and stay
Right over the place where Jesus lay:

Then entered in those Wise Men three,
Fell reverently upon their knee,
And offered there in his presence,
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense:

Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
That hath made heaven and earth of nought,
And with his blood mankind hath bought: