This version of “Joy to the World” begins with improvised gospel piano and organ and the gorgeous tone and amazing vocal embellishments of Natalie Grant on the first verse. I especially love the waterfall sound made by the piano at 0:44. After the freestyle introduction, a descending piano progression ending with two steady quarter-note chord…

This version of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” in blues rock style opens with a deep solo electric guitar riff. After twice through the riff, the guitar is joined by rock organ and drums on a syncopated beat.The vocal embellishments follow the seventh chord progression that is typical of a blues. A gospel choir joins…

This ain’t your traditional drummer boy. This drummer boy boasts a multi-piece drum set featuring everything from the kick drum to the crash cymbal. He’s accompanied by driving electric rhythm guitar, a wailing lead guitar solo with tremolo at 1:55, and edgy rock vocals. The Little Drummer Boy Come they told me, pa rum pum…

After yesterday claiming to pick songs for the music first, the lyrics of my Day 2 entry actually weigh heavily in its selection. But it still comes back to the music. The delicate piano and melody evoke imagery of the tiny, fragile baby in the manger, and the overall arrangement emulates the powerful simplicity of…

I maintain a blog at a writing website, and I’m counting down my top twelve favorite Christmas songs. In a site full of writers, it shouldn’t surprise me that the majority of participants are selecting songs based on lyrics. But I’m a musician first, and my selections are all based first on the music. Where appropriate, I’ll…