Most dramatic version of O Holy Night?

[MyLordWizardKing]

Every year, my festive period begins the same way; trying to find my favourite version of O Holy Night for my Christmas playlist, and getting overwhelmed by the sheer amount of renditions there are out there. I'm looking for a cover that is particular dramatic, perhaps bordering on evangelistic aggression by the last chorus. Any suggestions?

(nb: obviously, Eric Cartman's version is already on my list. I just need a more 'traditional' one too)

@SpookyScarySkeletons

... as in the singing voice from the Snowman?

I think you're right that he didn't sing Walking In the Air the film version of the Snowman!! It was re-released as a single with his voice afterwards. But as far as I know that is him singing O Holy Night! Otherwise need to find who it is 😂

Michael Crawford - the original Phantom of the Opera - knocks it out of the park

m.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ln-p-bnh28

Nina Nesbitt

I love the Il Divo version. Very dramatic but not milking it like Groban

My choir sing this every year at Xmas and it’s our absolute favourite to sing. Every single time I get goosebumps. A few of us did a charity gig last week and made a a couple of ladies in the audience have a little weep. The big note at the end is so moving.

Our big xmas show in a couple of weeks will have about 70 of us doing it, I cannot wait!

Michael Ball & Alfie Boe
m.youtube.com/watch?v=r4s8S_cI1S8

Oh I love this song. I think I will have to listen to all the suggestions listed here. However, can't do it yet as no headphones and will freak DH if I listen to same song over and over!

My favourite one by far is from Home Alone.

@MyLordWizardKing

Every year, my festive period begins the same way; trying to find my favourite version of O Holy Night for my Christmas playlist, and getting overwhelmed by the sheer amount of renditions there are out there. I'm looking for a cover that is particular dramatic, perhaps bordering on evangelistic aggression by the last chorus. Any suggestions?

(nb: obviously, Eric Cartman's version is already on my list. I just need a more 'traditional' one too)

The Eric Cartman version is actually how I discovered this song, I’d somehow never heard it till I was about 15 (or at least never paid attention), downloaded that song when downloading South Park songs on kazaa and thought hey this sounds like it would be pretty good actually and now it’s one of my fave Christmas songs.

Thanks for all the recommendations

Cary Brothers is my absolute favourite

This is a thing of beauty and cannot be beaten.

As a PP alluded, for drama and passion an evangelical version might be what you’re looking for, and for that you can’t beat David Phelps and the Gaither choir.

I came on to say Nat King Cole but I'm going to enjoy working through all of these other suggestions :-)

There is a Christian Band called Third Day, I love love love their version.

I love the Leona Lewis version although any version can make me cry

That Gather one gives me the creeps I'm afraid. I think the melodramatic delivery destroys the beauty of the music. Horses for courses, though.

Other versions on Youtube worth a listen imo:
Mahalia Jackson
Johnny Mathis
Jussi Bjorling

Josh Groban.

Martin Crane singing this in Frasier was pretty funny.

Ella Fitzgerald

I love the Glee version

I came in to say the Glee version too

This John Rutter version is sublime,

I also love the Puppini Sisters version which is pared down to its simple loveliness.

Loving all the versions on here.

Welsh Male voice choir -

I love this version, Martina McBride (Acapella).