On this hump day, we give you “I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas” (2009), sung by Gretchen Wilson with a key change around 2:00. Thanks to correspondent Clara Jung for this find!
The Tenors | Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Today we feature The Tenors singing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” (2017). 3:05 is the sweet spot. Enjoy!
Peter Hollens | Mary, Did You Know
Happy Monday! We kick off this week with Peter Hollens singing “Mary, Did You Know” (2015), with an exquisite key change around 1:37. Enjoy!
Destiny’s Child | Silent Night
It’s Friday! We close our first week with the Destiny’s Child rendition of “Silent Night” (2002), featuring Beyonce and introduced by none other than Oprah! There is a key change around 1:40, but this is really all over the map in terms of harmony, so you should watch the whole thing.
Leslie Odom, Jr. | The First Noel
Today we feature Leslie Odom Jr. singing “The First Noel” (key change around 2:09). His Xmas album featuring this song is quickly becoming one of my favorites — I highly recommend you check out the whole thing.
Mormon Tabernacle Choir | Deck the Halls
Today we feature the Mormon Tabernacle Choir! Thanks to Gus Connelly for contributing this 2013 video. It really is a modulation fest, starting around 0:45. Enjoy!
Let It Snow (from “Glee”)
Today we feature “Let it Snow” (2011) from Glee, which sneaks in a key change right at the end (around 2:00). But the whole video is great. Enjoy!
Vox: The Secret Chord that Makes Christmas Songs Christmas-y
As a little added bonus today, here is a video from Vox about what makes Christmas songs Christmas-y. I agree with their view in principle, but while they classify “the” Christmas chord as a iib5, I tend to think of it more is a iv(add6). Curious to know your thoughts!
Norman Hutchins | Go Tell It On the Mountain
We start off the holiday season with Go Tell It On The Mountain, performed by Norman Hutchins and Co (2001). Pay particular attention around 2:30, but this whole rendition is righteous! Enjoy!!
Leslie Odom (feat. PS 22 Chorus) | The First Noel
An extra holiday mod for your Saturday: we won’t mention where the modulation is, because the musicality of this children’s choir is so exemplary and every second of this performance (2017) should be heard. Many thanks to the students and educators of Staten Island, New York’s PS 22!
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