December's arrival brings a Christmas song playlist that feels like old friends. Peter Hollens' "The Evolution of Christmas Songs" journeys through these holiday classics. Still, with a twist – they're all a cappella. This unique take adds a fresh layer to the songs we've hummed every holiday season.
The video series starts with "O Come All Ye Faithful," a gem from 1744. Hollens' rendition is more than just singing; it discusses interesting historical facts. As he delves into the 1744 song, we learn about its mysterious origins. He also mentions this track being unknown. This adds a layer of intrigue to the classic tune and showcases his honesty in sharing facts with his fans.
Hollens doesn't stop there. He brings the songs to life visually, too. For instance, he combines black-and-white and color imagery, creating a striking background effect in the music video. It’s not just about the music but the entire experience for Hollens.
"Silent Night" from 1818 is next. The song needs no introduction, but Hollens adds his unique touch. His A Cappella version has a doo-wop rhythm, giving it a heavenly feel. You can tell he's put in the effort, with over 100 vocal tracks in this one song alone.
The journey continues with classics like "O Holy Night" from 1847 and "What Child Is This" from 1865. Hollens' rendition of "What Child Is This," which many may find similar to the English folk song "Greensleeves," shows how Christmas music often has deeper roots.
'The Christmas Song' (1945) is the next one on the list, but he is not the only one performing. He is accompanied by Junior Hollens, who probably came to visit him during the music video filming.
Moving forward, we get to "Little Drummer Boy," recorded in 1951 by the Trapp Family singers. Such singers actually inspired "The Sound of Music." Here, Hollens changes the background visuals. The black-and-white background shifts to full color, symbolizing a move into a more modern era. His deep voice in this song stands out, making you feel every word.
Hollens also pays homage to family favorites, like "I'll Be Home for Christmas," which holds a special place in his heart as it's his mom's favorite Christmas track. It's also a touching reminder of the song's impact, especially as it connects to soldiers.
Fast forward to the last couple of decades, and we see Hollens covering more recent hits like Happy XMAS (War Is Over), Mary Did You Know, Grown-Up Christmas, and Mariah Carey's best-selling single, All I Want for Christmas Is You. The evolution of Christmas music becomes evident here as the style shifts from classical hymns to contemporary pop.
Hollens' journey through Christmas music isn't just a list of songs. It vividly recalls holiday memories, shared joys, and family gatherings. Sharing this video clip means sharing those memories and that joy. And that's why, as we close this journey, we encourage you to share these tunes with your loved ones – because they're not just songs but memories that bind us together every December.
You'll turn up plenty of Peter Hollens on Amazon. We make a small cut when you go through us. The cats consider it their due.
