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)

@ExcessiveIyDisorganised so glad you enjoyed it! It was a real gem of a Spotify find for me a couple of Christmases ago. 😁🎄

My DD's version. It's on YouTube

@Elodie9

Martin Crane singing this in Frasier was pretty funny.

That's where I first heard it!

@SouthOfFrance

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

I plan to! I haven't started yet but I've certainly got plenty to be getting on with. Thanks again for all the suggestions.

David Phelps. Green sweater version. Most dramatic ending I've heard for that song.

Alright, it took all the way until Christmas Eve, but I think I've managed to listen to every suggestion.

There are so many brilliant versions, but the one that really stood out for me was the version by Michael Ball and Alfie Boe, so thank you to @BoreOfWhabylon for suggesting it! Michael Crawford was a close second, and David Phelps get a special mention for the dramatic ending, though I wasn't particularly blown away by the rest of his rendition.

As for the particular 'dramatic' tone I'm after, I think Celine Dion comes the closest, but I really could be doing without the whole 'change pitch three times in a single note' style that was popular in the 00s.

I realised, halfway through the suggestions, that essentially what I'm looking for is O Holy Night sung as if it was a number from some kind of overwrought Nativity musical - imagine it sung in the style of Anne Hathaway's I Dreamed A Dream, and that's the kind of vibe I'm looking for. Unfortunately, I don't think such a version exists outside my head!

Thanks again for all your suggestions, and have a very Merry Christmas!

And a Merry Christmas to you too @MyLordWizardKing

One more, particularly poignant in view of the very sad recentbdeath of Carlos Marin

m.youtube.com/watch?v=a5j_XuATgRU

Thanks for this thread - o holy night has been in my head all evening since Carols from kings earlier tonight.
I cannot wait to work my way through these posts. Merry Christmas!

I like the Weezer version, excellent solo guitar . Home Alone also good, as that's where I first heard it.

Thank you @MyLordWizardKing and everyone else for this thread! I’m currently isolating in the bedroom with Covid whilst my DH and DS wreak havoc in the kitchen below, so I’ve enjoyed The Nations Favourite Carol (uninterrupted ) and then spent time listening to the suggestions on this thread - the Bastille one is my stand out after the more traditional John Rutter arrangement. But I have not heard them all yet!
Fab!