As the seconds tick closer and closer to the demise of the David Crowder Band, the group’s Yuletide offering, Oh For Joy!, is even more precious than ever. The First Noel is now picking up in airplay in the USA in anticipation of the coming Christmas season, and it is certainly a very, very good version of a Christmas classic.
Crowder’s voice has always been unique, but the edginess and passion with which he delivers The First Noel is just moving, moving, moving. Especially when he sings, Glory, glory, glory in the highest headed towards the song’s powerful climax. The guitar work, the bass work, the frantic drums… it’s designed for corporate worship, and churches all over the world would do well to adapt this version of The First Noel to their congregations. TobyMac and Owl City also have a version of The First Noel on the former’s Christmas in Diverse City, but it lacks the passion and fervor of the Crowder version, which I obviously prefer. You be the judge: who did a better take?
David Crowder Band, The First Noel
TobyMac featuring Owl City, The First Noel
THE FIRST NOEL Lyrics
David Crowder Band
The first noel the angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep
Noel noel noel noel
Born is the king of israel
They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the east beyond them far
And to the earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night
Noel noel noel noel
Born is the king of israel
Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to thy heavenly lord
That hath made heaven and earth of nought
And with his blood mankind has bought
Noel noel noel noel
Born is the king of israel
Noel noel noel noel
Born is the king of israel
And the angels sing it was heavenly
And the angels sing it was heavenly
And the angels sing oh it was heavenly
And the angels sing oh it was heavenly oh
Glory glory
Glory in the highest
Glory glory
Glory in the highest
