Brandy Clark – “Merry Christmas, Darling” – The Carpenters Cover
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sxH5itkOf0?rel=0]
The holidays are officially here, so snuggle up with some eggnog and get the speakers ready for a new Christmas playlist. While many country artists have released their own spirited holiday-themed albums in the past, this year we take a look at some of the most unique reinterpretations of Christmas classics recorded in 2017.
Whether it’s Brandy Clark’s stripped down cover of the Carpenters’ “Merry Christmas, Darling” or Brett Young’s unique “O Holy Night” performance complete with string accompaniment, below are eight gems that should be added to every holiday playlist, stat!
Brandy Clark‘s voice shines on her beautiful cover of the Carpenters’ “Merry Christmas, Darling.” Accompanied by an acoustic guitar, Clark’s stripped-down version of the song highlights the sentimental lyrics within the holiday classic. “I have just one wish on this Christmas Eve, I wish I were with you,” she softly sings
Brett Young takes listeners into the studio as he lays down vocals for his powerful version of “O Holy Night.” While his voice strikes a chord on the holiday standard, assistance from several string players, an acoustic guitar and piano help flesh out the song for a memorable take on the timeless classic.
Home Free wow once again with their mesmerizing a cappella vocals on “Silent Night.” Singing in front of a church as the snow delicately falls on the ground, if this song doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit, nothing will.
Country duo Cody Cooper and George Birge of Waterloo Revival are gearing up for the holidays with their pop-country version of “All I Want for Christmas.” Backed by keyboards, an electric and acoustic guitar, Birge’s vocals soar on the slowed-down ballad detailing being alone at Christmas.
Kelleigh Bannen gives some welcomed swagger to “Deck the Halls” with her infectious vocals. A unique take, her spirited reinterpretation gives the holiday standard a notable edge. In no time, listeners will surely have Bannen’s “Fa la la la la la la la’s” stuck in their heads.
With hand claps and a distinct modern flair, Bailey Bryan transforms “Go Tell It On the Mountain” to an instant jam. Her wavering vocals alongside several guitars modernize the old gospel classic that dates back to the 1800s beautifully well.
Ashley Barron gets viewers in the holiday spirit with just one glance at her fireside video performance of “The Christmas Song.” Seated in between two guitarists, Barron’s soulful singing style brings to mind holiday classics from years ago, and the enticing fire behind her makes it easy to envision the line,“chestnuts roasting on an open fire”coming to life.
Temecula Road‘s mesmerizing harmonies can be heard throughout the fun-filled “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” While the trio from California may not be used to snow this time of year, you’d never know otherwise with their convincing performance.