“Bless This House,” originally published in 1927 and written by Helen Taylor and May Brahe, is the final track on American singer Brian McKnight’s 2008 album I’ll Be Home For Christmas, his second holiday record. The track also features the a cappella group Take 6, known for their synthesis of jazz and spiritual themes.
The tune begins in Bb and shifts up to B at 1:48. A subtle transition to C major occurs around 3:29.
**This is the third installment in a three-part series featuring covers of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”**
American R&B/gospel singer John Stoddart featured five-time Grammy winner Lalah Hathaway (and daughter of Donny Hathaway) for this tune on his 2013 album Only On Christmas Day.
There are too many modulations to count in this cover, and throughout the album.
**This is the second installment in a three-part series featuring covers of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”**
American singer/songwriter Chris Mann featured country singer Martina McBride on his cover, the second track on his 2013 record Home for Christmas. Beginning in A, the tune modulates deceptively to D at 1:33 and then up a fourth to G at 2:31.
**This is the first installment in a three-part series featuring covers of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”**
American singer Ariana Grande’s cover of the Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane’s “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” begins in Ab and modulates up a half step to A at 1:46
MotD favorite Voctave included “Silent Night” on their 2017 album Snow. The track begins in C and modulates up a third to E at 1:21.
Written for the end credits/soundtrack of the 2000 film How The Grinch Stole Christmas, “Where Are You Christmas” is a pop adaptation of the song “Christmas, Why Can’t I Find You” that is featured in the movie.
Mariah Carey, who wrote both songs, originally recorded the former, but due to a legal dispute with her husband it could not be released, leading to Faith Hill recording it instead.
The power ballad starts in Bb, modulates briefly to C at 2:59, and ultimately lands in D at 3:16.
American singer Katherine McPhee and her husband, producer and MotD royalty David Foster, released a holiday EP titled Christmas Songs in 2022. “Blue Christmas,” composed by Billy Hayes and Jay Johnson and originally made famous by Elvis, is the second track.
The tune begins in Eb and glides up to E at 1:48.
“Ring The Bells” is the title song on Christian singer and worship leader Travis Cottrell’s 2008 holiday album. The track also features Grammy-nominated singer Natalie Grant.
Beginning in F, the song shifts up to Gb at 3:26.
Guitarist Adam Hawley released his first holiday album, What Christmas Means To Me, this past October. On this track, the second on the record, he features Kansas City-based bassist Julian Vaughn.
The track begins in E minor and shifts abruptly up to F minor at 2:25.
“DJ Play a Christmas Song” is the lead single on Christmas, American singer Cher’s first holiday album. “This is a cut-glass powerhouse pop-dance banger” said critic Jamie Tabberer, writing for Attitude. The record, released in October, is Cher’s first to include original material since 2013, and her first ever to feature duets.
The track begins in G and modulates up a half step at 2:41.
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