Angels We Have Heard On High

• Original Release Date: October 14, 2008
• Label: Nettwerk Productions
• Copyright: 2008 Nettwerk Productions
• Song Length: 4:15 minutes
• Genres: Miscellaneous/Holiday, Christian & Gospel/Christian Alternative, Pop/General, Rock/General, Pop/Adult Contemporary, Christian & Gospel/General, Pop/Adult Alternative, Pop/Vocal Pop
• ASIN: B001GNYGVO

Let me start by saying that I'm a traditionalist about Christmas music. I usually like the older songs best, and whatever the song, I tend to prefer the arrangement and artist whose version I heard first, especially if it's a song I've known since childhood. Yes, you can call me a stick in the mud.

So honestly I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I saw Amazon's gift to us this season of Sixpence None The Richer's rendition of "Angels We Have Heard On High." I love the group and know its background, so I knew the performance would be heartfelt. But what would Sixpence NTR do with (to?) one of my favorite carols?

Treat it with respect and love -- and in the process create a timeless, yet modern take on one of the most beautiful songs of the season. The instrumental leadoff, coupled with the purity of the vocals and instrumentation throughout, are joyful. Now, I still love the more staid "traditional" arrangement of this song, but at the same time I can picture people sitting around a campfire or a family tree, singing "Angels We Have Heard On High" with the simple grace Sixpence brings.

This song has definitely made the cut for our annual family tree-trimming playlist. I predict that adults and kids alike will be singing along ... which after all is the strongest endorsement of a carol.