My Seven Favorite Versions of “Silent Night”
I’m going to be completely transparent with you upfront. I don’t love most versions of “Silent Night”. In fact, it took a good bit of effort to come up with 7 versions that I could honestly say I love. It’s not a bad song at all, but compared to some other Christmas classics, it struggles to set itself apart. Fortunately, there are enough artists who have poured their talents and creativity into making their versions of this song into something special.
“Silent Night” was composed by Franz Xaver Gruber in 1818, and the lyrics were written by Joseph Mohr two years earlier as a poem. The most popular English translation was written by John Freeman Young in 1859. You can watch this very brief video for a little more historical context on how we got this song.
“Silent Night” presents a serene and gentle version of the night of the birth of Jesus. It’s almost too picture perfect. The Andrew Peterson interpretation, “Labor of Love”, seems to present a much more accurate version of what that night would have actually looked and felt like. And we love Andrew Peterson and his version as you can read here. But in my view, these songs don’t need to be in opposition to one another. I think they can easily and happily coexist side by side.
One (“Labor of Love”) is the earthy and messy and human reality of the incarnation while the other (“Silent Night”) is the transcendent and holy spirituality of those same events. “Silent Night” is the calm after the storm. It is the profound and comforting sense of God with us – lying in the arms of His earthly mother. Yes, the human realities paint a bloodier and potentially scarier night. But the heavenly view is one of peace on earth and goodwill to all men. I’m glad we have both perspectives to ponder each Christmas.
NEEDTOBREATHE
We kick off this list with my favorite current band giving us a soulful and restrained rendition of this long-loved Christmas classic. For most fans of NEEDTOBREATHE, Bear Rinehart’s voice is the main draw – and he does not disappoint at all. But behind his powerful voice is an understated yet absolutely captivating arrangement. Acoustic guitars, harmonica, a steady rhythm, and harmonies that are expertly dropped at exactly the right moments. The band released this song 5 years ago and it became an instant Christmas classic in my home.
Carrie Underwood
This version is what all more traditional arrangements should strive to be. It’s honoring of the original melody and structure, but it imbues the whole thing with so much emotion. Carrie’s voice carries the day, and the song gracefully builds to a beautiful climax. It’s not flashy but earns its place on my list through technical excellence and emotional depth.
Lady Antebellum
Yes, I have two country versions on my list, and I know that is weird for me and I don’t know what to do with myself. That said, this version is amazing, with beautiful harmonies and a wonderful added lyric that enhances the song and turns it into something more worshipful. Creative choices like this often backfire when adapting classic Christmas songs, but Lady A took a chance and made the song their own. Well done!
Enya
Enya’s music sounds like it comes from another world. It’s mysterious and ethereal in all the best ways. So of course, her version of “Silent Night” is all of those things and more. If you love Enya’s music like I do, this version is an absolute must for the Christmas season. At the risk of sounding sacrilegious, it’s borderline angelic.
Andrea Bocelli (Noche de Paz)
This one gets some nostalgia points since he sings it in Spanish, and I grew up in Panama and heard this song in Spanish for most of my formative years. Plus, it’s Bocelli and his voice is amazing. The arrangement is simple and beautiful.
I realize it sounds like I don’t have much to say about this version, and maybe that is true. It doesn’t break new ground, but I don’t fault it for that. It is a lovely interpretation, and frankly, that is exactly what I want from this song.
Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole is the king of Christmas music. If he sang a Christmas song you know it’s good. I’m not sure everyone can relate, but his Christmas music is the sound of Christmas to me. His voice. The arrangements. The style. All of it just shouts, “Christmas time is here!” His “Silent Night” is all of this and more.
Future of Forestry
Future of Forestry pushes the boundaries of what I can accept for this song. I’ve said it before, but too many artists try to reinvent this song, and it fails spectacularly. Future of Forestry’s version definitely takes some liberties, but not surprisingly, those liberties create an expansive, almost otherworldly vision. The song swells while Eric’s falsetto reaches for the heavens. Let the wall of sound wash over you.
Final Thoughts
As I worked on my list this year, there were a few other versions that almost made the cut. If you are interested, I can list them in the comments. I am very curious to hear your favorites. I’m sure there are other versions that I have simply overlooked that deserve my attention. Please post them in the comments or on our social media accounts. Thanks for reading and Merry Christmas!
Table of Contents
- A Comprehensive Guide to the Music of Future of Forestry - December 4, 2025
- My Seven Favorite Versions of “Silent Night” - December 1, 2025
- 10 Reasons We Love “The Rings of Power” Season Two - November 21, 2025
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Good choices all, and I appreciate the variety; older and more recent; classical, country, and contemporary.
I like Drew and Ellie Holcomb’s and Tori Kelly’s, but since this song is not a go-to favorite for Christmas anyway, I couldn’t come up with a list. Also, I don’t list things, other than to-do lists. 🙂
Those are both good – one of them nearly made my list. You’ll have to guess which one!