Episode 5: Who sang it best? Holiday Edition

Episode 5: Who Sang it Best? Holiday Edition

Photo: Judy Garland's "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" cover (Courtesy of Judy Garland).

Judy Garland's "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" cover (Courtesy of Judy Garland).

Welcome to our final installment of “Who sang it Best?” Holiday Edition. Today, we’re going to be looking at “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Written in 1934 by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, it was originally performed by Judy Garland in the 1944 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Musical Meet Me in St. Louis. You know the drill by now, let’s get to the ranking!

1. Frank Sinatra - Up on top is Frank Sinatra! Sinatra was the first person to cover this merry little song. The chorus, piano, and guitar in this song are soothing and homely. Sinatra’s low, deep voice is perfect for this song. His slow and careful articulation makes the song feel like coming home for the holiday break. 
2. Judy Garland - Garland's performance of this song is great, it’s the original version after all, and wouldn’t have been able to gain as much popularity as it did without being good. Its beautiful melody is accompanied by elegantly sung lyrics that make the song delicate and merry. Even so, the higher pitch she uses can’t compare with Sinatra’s lowly drawl, which is why this is at number 2. 
3. Carrie Underwood - This is solid. Underwood’s use of vocal trills and the heavy acoustic guitar-filled melody make this version decent, but just a bit boring. 
4. Sam Smith - Sam Smith’s version of this song just sounds lonely. The cover’s lack of a strong melody makes it feel empty, which is not a feeling you want on Christmas. Their voice is beautiful, but this rendition doesn’t honor the Christmas spirit in the way it should.

That’s it for “Who sang it best!” There’s tons of variety when it comes to holiday music. So, what do you think? Are you more into new and innovative takes on holiday music, or do you prefer sticking with the oldies? Nevertheless, music is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit, and these are all great seasonal songs to start with. Have yourself a merry little Christmas everyone!