Best Versions of "Silent Night" by Christian and Gospel Artists

A Traditional Religious Christmas Carol

A lit christmas tree at night — daitoZen / Getty Images

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Updated on February 24, 2019

"Silent Night" has been covered by artists from just about every style of music in both the Christian and mainstream worlds. The words to the classic religious carol were written in German by the Austrian priest Josef Mohr nearly 200 years ago in 1816. The carol has been translated into over 300 languages and dialects. It is the song that was sung simultaneously in English and German by troops fighting in WWI during the Christmas truce of 1914.

The following list covers the most popular versions by Christian and Gospel artists and bands.

01

of 10

Go Fish

The a cappella version of "Silent Night" that Go Fish offers up on More Than A Story is one of the best that you'll hear this holiday season. Fun but not flashy, the meaning of the carol is not lost in the almost doo-wop delivery.

02

of 10

Yolanda Adams

With her amazing voice, Yolanda Adams brings "Silent Night" to life, making it uplifting, genuine and, above all, filled with faith and emotion as she describes that one amazing night.

Read more about Yolanda Adams' top songs.

03

of 10

MercyMe

With Amy Grant singing harmony, MercyMe's version of "Silent Night" delivers beautifully with a little bit of country and a slight touch of rock 'n roll.

04

of 10

David Phelps

With his signature powerhouse voice, David Phelps' version of the classic Christmas carol leaves you a bit breathless and certainly in awe.

05

of 10

Third Day

Recorded live, Third Day's "Silent Night" is a show-stopper if there ever was one. Mac Powell's voice has a quality that should never work over quiet acoustic guitars and strings, but instead of sounding strained or off, he sounds peaceful and sincere. The crowd joining in on the chorus brings amazing closure to an already poignant moment.

06

of 10

Mahalia Jackson

Since 1962, Mahalia Jackson's incomparable voice has given a sense of solemn wonder to the Christmas classic.

07

of 10

Amy Grant

With a traditional, conservative delivery, Amy Grant sings "Silent Night" with a lot of heartfelt emotion.

08

of 10

Kirk Franklin & The Family

From the RIAA certified gold album, Kirk Franklin & the Family Christmas, this rendition of "Silent Night" is soothing and filled with spirit, while being 110 percent alive.

09

of 10

Aly & AJ

Aly & AJ recorded their rendition of "Silent Night" with guitar, strings and very little else. Their stripped down approach to the Christmas classic leaves out everything but their voices and their obvious passion for the subject.

10

of 10

Sixpence None The Richer

City On A Hill cover — Essential Records

Found on City On A Hill: It's Christmas Time, Sixpence None The Richer takes this classic and beloved Christmas carol and delivers it acoustically in their signature style, as only Sixpence can.

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Your Citation

Jones, Kim. "Best Versions of "Silent Night" by Christian and Gospel Artists." Learn Religions, Oct. 12, 2021, learnreligions.com/top-christian-and-gospel-versions-of-silent-night-709035. Jones, Kim. (2021, October 12). Best Versions of "Silent Night" by Christian and Gospel Artists. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/top-christian-and-gospel-versions-of-silent-night-709035 Jones, Kim. "Best Versions of "Silent Night" by Christian and Gospel Artists." Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/top-christian-and-gospel-versions-of-silent-night-709035 (accessed April 25, 2024).