Introduction:
“O Come, All Ye Faithful” is a traditional Christmas carol that has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including the legendary Elvis Presley. His rendition of the carol was featured on the 1971 album Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas. This album, which marked Presley’s second full-length Christmas release, was issued on October 20, 1971, by RCA Records. While Elvis is known for his rock and roll roots, this album demonstrated his versatility by including gospel, traditional holiday songs, and country elements, making it a crossover work between pop, gospel, and Christmas music.
The song itself is a classic carol with origins dating back to the 18th century, believed to have been written by John Francis Wade in Latin under the title “Adeste Fideles.” Elvis’s version of “O Come, All Ye Faithful” maintains the reverent and uplifting nature of the original, while infusing it with his unique vocal styling and emotional delivery. This rendition is marked by a rich arrangement that includes a full choir and orchestration, capturing the spirit of Christmas with a sense of grandeur and devotion. Elvis’s deep connection to gospel music is evident in this recording, as he brings a sense of sincerity and reverence to his performance.
Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas was well-received by his fans and became a holiday staple for many. The album did not produce chart-topping singles, but it performed respectably, peaking at #1 on the Billboard Christmas Albums chart and achieving Platinum certification by the RIAA. The album helped cement Presley’s legacy as an artist whose musical influence spanned far beyond rock and roll. His rendition of “O Come, All Ye Faithful” stands as a testament to his ability to interpret traditional hymns and carols with the same passion and charisma that defined his career.
Video:
Lyrics:
“O Come, All Ye Faithful”
O come, all ye faithful
Joyful and triumphant
O come ye, o come ye to bethlehem
Come and behold him
Born the king of angels
O come let us adore him
O come let us adore him
O come let us adore him
Christ the lordSing choirs of angels
Sing in exaltation
Oh sing all ye rivals
Of heaven above
Glory to god, glory in the highest
O come let us adore him
O come let us adore him
O come let us adore him
Christ the lord