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)

l like Michael Boltons version. He has a very powerful voice.

I really love the Christina Aguilera version from her Christmas album about 20 years ago. Dramatic for sure, but great!

Barlowgirl's version is dramatic

Patti Smith, I just think she's incomparable. It's that rawness and emotion.

How about the Weezer version for a bit of drama towards the end?

A rock and pop choir that I used to sing in did this one year and it always made me cry.

This version can't be beaten

@roastednut

Great thread! I only heard this song for the first time in my 40s - is that weird? I was in a choir and we sang it there and I had honestly never heard it before.

Me too! Everyone was going "oh you must know it - you'll recognise it when you hear it" but no.

I suspect my dad - the organist - didn't like it. Either that or it was just considered a Bit Too French (so suspiciously papist). Unfortunately I didn't get round to asking him while he was still holding conversations.

Obviously my version is the best but we haven't recorded it so soz.

@RicherThanYew

The Home Alone one is astoundingly beautiful but Christmas is not complete without Eric Cartman and his dulcet tones.

I have found my people 😁 I absolutely adore the Cartman version. The irreverence absolutely makes Christmas for me.

Jonathan Viera

When you've worked through the list can you come back and give us your top 3 Op?!

@CelticPromise

Mahalia Jackson.

Yes, this.

Another vote for Andy Williams - complete with soaring 1960s disneyesque choir....😭😭😭

Lauren Daigle. Amazing 🌟

This us my absolute favourite hymn. I was gutted when Carol at Kings didn't do it last year.

My favourite is Kings Choir.

David Phelps, Bill and Gloria Gaither choir

. Haven't seen it mentioned on here yet. The purity is a beauty to behold.

Obv Cartman's is #1.

Pentatonix! Stunning

I'm with you @TooBigForMyBoots

love this song

Every year at Christmas in EPCOT in Walt Disney World there is an outdoor concert that is on twice a day for around 4 weeks- it's called The Candlelight Processional and has a celebrity narrator and choirs from schools from all over America- it's basically the telling of the Nativity but with a mass choir and orchestra. I've seen it maybe 6 or7 times now (best narrators were Whoopi Goldberg and Marlene Matlin) and hands down this is my favourite version of o holy night - it's always the highlight of the concert for me.

A wee bit of narration first before the music starts

King's choir version for me too, or Nana Mouskouri's French version. We learnt it in our French lessons at primary school and that was the first time I'd heard it, so it holds a special place in my heart

[quote Hollyhead]This one - Crouch End Festival chorus and Prague philharmonic. You won’t look back. The whole album is both beautiful and full of an unstuffy joyous Christmas atmosphere.

open.spotify.com/track/1A95UGiitCTjbcLh0fvoAY?si=jFXu9GSZTqeu6ED56Q_CQg&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A6ofE22BFZVaJ54SmWgHtkk[/quote]
I have a huge soft spot for Oh Holy Night since DD sang it in the school choir so it's been great having all these listed to try out. But I must say a big thanks to @Hollyhead for the above link, I've been listening to the album for the last hour or so while cooking a roast dinner and it has been a perfect way to ease into the festive season.

Personally I think Michael Ball’s solo version fits the bill perfectly, starts simply gradually til there’s a full orchestra and choir with him:
m.youtube.com/watch?v=Xxtv0rI_MUY