The popular traditional religious Christmas carol "Angels We Have Heard on High" was originally a traditional French carol known as "Les Anges dans nos Campagnes." It was translated from French to English by James Chadwick in Crown of Jesus in 1862. The music, a hymn titled "Gloria," was arranged by Edwin S. Barnes. The combination of the two was first published together in a carol collection dated 1855.
The carol has been covered by artists from just about every style of music. The following list covers the most popular versions.
1. Third Day
Courtesy of: Provident Music Group
Rock delivered with the perfect amount of delicacy (suprising for a rock band, I know), Third Day's rendition of "Angels We Have Heard On High" has a very contemporary sound, while staying firmly planted in a worship frame of mind.
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2. Amy Grant
EMI
Amy Grant gives this classic carol VIP treatment with a full orchestra and the perfect amount of fanfare. Adding "A Mighty Fortress" into the mix gives Amy's version real punch.
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3. Steven Curtis Chapman
Sparrow
Steven Curtis Chapman is joined by Chicago's Bill Champlin to deliver a very modern version of "Angels We Have Heard On High" that rejoices in delivery and passion.
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4. Moya Brennan
Courtesy of: Sparrow
Moya Brennan has such a beautiful Irish lilt to her voice. It shines through brightly in her version of "Angels We Have Heard On High."
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5. John Michael Talbot
Sparrow Records
Resonating with a traditional formal church sound, John Michael Talbot combines "O Come, All Ye Faithful" with "Angels We Have Heard On High" for a beautiful medley of classic Christmas.
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6. SONICFLOOd
Courtesy of: INO Records
SONICFLOOd brings every element of rock worship to their cover of the classic Christmas carol with what seems like little effort or strain to sound festive. The sincerity rings so very true as you listen to this modern worship band do what they do best ... worship with passion and intensity.
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7. Chris Tomlin
EMI CMG/Word Records
Chris Tomlin's version of the classic carol can be found on WOW Christmas Green. Very acoustic, Tomlin's rendition is as authentic as the man himself.
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8. Point Of Grace
Word
Summing up Point of Grace's version of "Angels We Have Heard On High" in one word ... and that word is simply glorious! (OK - maybe that was two words, but you get the point.) Sounding as though they were joined by a group of angels, Point of Grace delivers majesty and the magic of the season, all rolled up into one neat package.
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9. Sandi Patty
INO/Epic
On her Christmas album Yuletide Joy, Sandi Patty combines "O Magnify The Lord" with "Angels We Have Heard On High" to offer up a magnificent combination.
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10. Randy Travis
Word
Pure worship and adoration can be heard in Randy Travis' voice on his rendition of "Angels We Have Heard On High."
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