Advent is a special time, full of anticipation, longing, waiting, preparing and expecting the coming of the saviour of the world.
The Church has a rich history of traditions to mark the season, and music is at the heart of it. One of the most well-known and well-loved pieces is Veni Veni Emmanuel – or to give it its English name, O Come O Come Emmanuel. The words are thought to be more than a thousand years old. The melody is much more modern (around 150 years old), but beautifully evocative. It looks ahead to the birth of Jesus we celebrate at Christmas. It focuses the season of Advent on the coming King and His coming Kingdom.
The hymn has been sung and performed in a huge range of styles. From vast choirs to solo artists, from punk to hip hop and folk to soul, it is one of the most widely loved seasonal songs.
So, here for you to listen to, enjoy and to share are the ten best version of O Come, O Come Emmanuel.
10. The Swingle Singers
A fragile, atmospheric version by the celebrated vocal group...
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9. Beat Convention. Featuring Harri Endersby
A Hip Hop breakdown in the middle of a tender solo rendition works really well...
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/81699963" frameborder="0" width="500" height="281">
Immanuel - Beat Convention from Beat Convention on Vimeo.
8. Sufjan Stevens
He's become the master of seasonal songs. This low-key version is wonderful...
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7. Matt Maher
The Canadian worship leader's version strays from the original to keep things fresh...
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6. The Kings Singers
A simple a capella version, beautifully sung by the best in the business...
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wE6BzoMt0Ro" frameborder="0" width="560" height="315">
5. Future of Forestry
A prog rock version anyone? It may not sound promising but it really works...
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eGgTBugqbHc" frameborder="0" width="560" height="315">
4. Pentatonix
Perfect close harmonies. Captures the expectation of the season...
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FsU0x27e3Dw" frameborder="0" width="420" height="315">
3. Belle and Sebastian
The Scottish indie kids' version is fragile and lovely....
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/llSwYVb3yVI" frameborder="0" width="560" height="315">
2. Sovereign Grace
Simple, warm, with a band and strings accompaniement...
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2JpvW9FU_Rg" frameborder="0" width="560" height="315">
1. Citizen Shade
Quite simply one of the most stunning renditions of any Christian hymn ever recorded. Essential...
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